Filtering by Author: Katie Reidy

Travel to Australia: Melbourne

where to stay:

420 Punt Boutique Guesthouse: Enjoy an intimate stay on the fringes of the center of Melbourne and South Yarra at this boutique hotel with delightful palm tree-filled gardens on the grounds.  This Art Deco inspired home with friendly staff will make you feel as if you are staying with friends, rather than at a hotel.  Each room is decorated and supplied with lovely linens and towels, hope you don't mind sharing a restroom down the hall (clean and you'll truly feel like you're at home).  The guesthouse offers a delicious breakfast to guests, however if you're looking for a hearty breakfast -- you'll have no trouble finding a place within walking distance.  Room pricing begins at $123 USD/night.  http://www.420punt.com.au/

The Langham, Melbourne: Take your luxury experience to the next level when you stay at the Langham in Melbourne, with sweeping vistas of the Yarra River and a hot location smack in the middle of the city's Arts and Leisure district.  Each room is stocked full with all the amenities- shampoo, nail files, talcum powder, blow dryers, and more.  Never leave the hotel for breakfast either when you enjoy a 5-star buffet breakfast of made-to-order omelettes and juice bar.  The entire ambiance of the Langham will wow you from the minute you walk in the door.  We suggest booking a room with riverfront views.  Room pricing begins at $178 USD/night.  http://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/melbourne/

where to eat: 

The Grain Store: Enjoy a fusion of funky country-style food with an urban flare at this wild restaurant in Melbourne.  Their best meal is breakfast, which we recommend for the extensive menu of many options.  Choose something a little different than your regular eggs.  Try the smashed greens with avocado, eggs, corn salsa, and topped chipotle mayo.  So delicious, you may end up eating here for breakfast more than once while in Melbourne.

Hunky Dory: This busy little upmarket shop has great food, at a great price.  You can't go wrong with their classic Fish and Chips and they don't skip on serving sizes, so you certainly won't leave still hungry.  All of the seafood is so fresh, as if they'd caught each order to make.  For those of you who want something different than the classic fine dining that Melbourne typically has to offer.  

Posted on December 27, 2015 .

Explore Australia: Wollongong

where to stay:

Sage Hotel Wollongong: While staying in the relaxed, seaside city of Wollongong, you need the perfect place to hangout and chill! Sage Hotel offers a great location for travelers and those on business-- close to the downtown Wollongong area, the golf course, and the Foreshores Parks.  The service is only the best and the staff the friendliest, willing to help you out with any request.  Near plenty of trendy restaurants to dine at.  For more information on booking, click the link to their website http://www.silverneedlehotels.com/sage/wollongong  

Hilltop Lodge Bed and Breakfast: By far one of the best choices you can make when deciding where to stay in Wollongong.  The friendliest hosts ever, Margaret and her team will accommodate your every need--greeting you upon arrival with cake and when you return from your daily excursions.  A quiet retreat, secluded location and only a short drive to the beach.  Modern and recently renovated grounds and rooms.  If you're looking for the ultimate place to relax and treat yourself, than this is it! http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g255333-d2202888-Reviews-or10-Hilltop_Lodge_Bed_and_Breakfast-Wollongong_New_South_Wales.html#REVIEWS

where to eat: 

Pai-Tong Thai Restaurant: Perfect, sweet decor for a Thai restaurant in the suburbs with the most beautifully plated dishes.  Always fresh, authentic food-- we recommend ordering the Choo Chee Curry or the Deep-Fried Pork Belly Stir Fry.  The perfect place for group dining and great for sharing plates, so that you can get a taste of everything.

Caveau: Known to be one of the best restaurants in Wollongong, this high-quality restaurant serves up some culinary creativity.  Great wine list for pairing with their small dishes.  Great for a special night out or for celebrating.  Calm and quiet atmosphere, perfect for a fancy date night.  The service and food quality always a consistently high level!  

Posted on December 7, 2015 .

Discover Australia: Sydney

where to stay:

Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour: Located right in the harbor in Sydney, the Ovolo may just be one of the chicest hotels you will ever stay with.  Instead of numbered rooms like a traditional hotel, each room is given a unique name to distinguish between.  The boutique hotel has a lovely design and is much more inviting than a lot of the skyscraper-esque hotels you will encounter near the harbor in Sydney.  The greatest part about this hotel?  The free, open bar for hotel guests from 5-7pm daily.  A fantastic option to grab a couple of drinks before dinner without having to spend the extra cash.  Room pricing begins at $155 USD/night. http://www.ovolohotels.com/en/hotels/sydney/ovolo-1888-darling-harbour/

 

Lane Cove River Tourist Park: Glamping at its finest only minutes from the city. The Lane Cove River Tourist Park offers a variety of accommodation in a natural setting within a 10 minute stroll of North Ryde railway station. The cabins are an ideal, affordable place to stay near Sydney.  Site are provided for tents, caravans, camper vans, camper trailers and motorhomes.  Tandara is the ultimate luxury camping experience.  Facilities include: barbecues, a television room, swimming pool, four amenities blocks and two camp kitchens. Wireless internet access is also available.  Stay near the city, yet feel like you are miles away at Lane Cove River Tourist Park.  Pricing for a studio cabin begins at $135 USD/night for 2 people.   http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/accommodation/Lane-Cove-River-Tourist-Park-cabins

where to eat:

Twenty 8 Acres: For some of the best breakfast in all of Sydney, you've got to hit up this sweet little spot!  A much better option than your run-of-the-mill hotel buffet breakfast, Twenty 8 Acres offers dishes packed with flavor and an atmosphere full of energy.  Both chefs create unique dishes and want to make sure all their guests are satisfied, so you will surely not be disappointed in whatever you order.  We recommend ordering the Irish breakfast!

 

Posted on November 30, 2015 .