THE LANGHAM SYDNEY
The pink taxi parked in front of The Langham hails from London, but inside the hotel the vibe leans more Parisian salon. Beyond the bright white-marble lobby and sparkling chandeliers, clusters of round-backed armchairs and curved, teal sofas in the Palm Court bar surround tables uniformly adorned with perfect pale-pink roses. There are no hard edges here. The light-filled guestrooms are spacious and plush, with king beds, plump sofas and generous soft furnishings. The hotel even has its own private art collection, curated in collaboration with Sotheby’s no less, with works by the likes of Sidney Nolan and Brett Whiteley throughout public spaces. Add impeccably gracious staff and your experience is complete. 89-113 Kent St, Sydney, (02) 9256 2222, langhamhotels.com The subterranean pool next to the day spa has the air of a Roman bath, with stone columns and a night-sky vault of twinkling “stars”. Pack tennis whites for an afternoon game on the hotel’s court, followed by Pimm’s and cucumber sandwiches, of course. Or request a picnic box and bicycles for a day pedalling around the harbour. The buffet breakfast ($45) at Bistro Remy is an elegant affair at tables set with silverware. The eggs to order are delivered tableside with the offer of a second espresso. Afternoon tea on Wedgwood teaware is served in Palm Court, the finger sandwiches and assorted cakes ferried to the table on three-tier cake stands. Or stay in and order from the all-day room-service menu, which runs from crab linguine to braised lamb shoulder for two.
A drink in Palm Court is an occasion, albeit a genteel one. The more boisterous bars of Barangaroo are a stroll away.