ellaslist Reviews: Novotel Sydney Darling Square - To Infinity and Beyond!

On Saturday night, my three boys and I hit the town for a fun city staycation at Novotel Sydney Darling Square. We were enticed by the Lightyear-inspired To Infinity & Beyond Package - and it did not disappoint!

Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear is a sci-fi action-adventure spin-off of the celebrated Toy Story animated film series and serves as an origin story for the beloved character Buzz Lightyear – the hero who inspired the toy. Having seen the movie recently, my boys couldn't wait for the intergalactic experience - and what an awesome idea for kids to create a themed hotel room around it.

Going To Infinity and Beyond at Novotel Sydney Darling Square

The excitement levels were sky-high as we walked into our Galaxy-themed room. The boys were blown away by the projector that illuminated the ceiling and the Buzz Lightyear activity packs they had waiting, including art cards, pencils and Lightyear space rock cakes to enjoy for afternoon tea. Delicious!

Inside the Novotel Sydney Darling Square

Novotel Sydney Darling Square is conveniently located in the heart of Darling Harbour overlooking the Chinese Gardens of Friendship and walking distance to so many great attractions including the amazing Darling Quarter playground, Chinatown and ICC.

We were treated to a family room which conveniently had two adjoining rooms, perfect for the kids with an extra bathroom including a rain shower. We could keep both doors open and still have privacy with the main door closed. The rooms were generous and had two TVs so I got to enjoy some relaxation while the boys had a chilled afternoon in our room. There was also a lovely view over the hustel and bustle of Darling Square.

The hotel also has an indoor heated lap pool that is ideal for kids and adults to enjoy (I wish we packed our swimmers) plus a gym, 24-hour room service and 11 am checkout. 

Dinner at Pumphouse Darling Harbour

Being at the mercy of the relentless wind and rain that had taken over Sydney, it was a relief when we didn’t even have to venture outside at dinner time! We walked straight through the corridor into our dinner reservation at
Pumphouse Restaurant. The staff were so friendly and accommodating, even with the kid’s obvious over-excitement, and we were seated in the very impressive semi-private Wine Room.

Activities packs were provided for the kids to enjoy over dinner, so thankfully they were kept busy making puppets and colouring in and enjoying their view into the kitchen watching the chefs prepare their meals.

I enjoyed the delicious Steak Frites along with a few classes of the Petit d’Amour Rosé. I was in a wine room after all so of course had to sample the wine! The boys enjoyed their ‘Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner’ and their favourite part ‘Every Day I’m Wafflen’. So yum!

After dinner, the four of us got cosy and ready for a movie night in bed with access to Netflix. The beds were so comfortable my 7-year-old asked me last night to get him a new mattress like the one he slept in at Novotel.

Everyone Loves A Buffet Breakfast

After a sleep-in, we headed downstairs to the Pier St. Grill to fuel up for our day. The boys were in heaven as they had never experienced a buffet breakfast before! I had forgotten how cool this would seem to the kids - an endless supply of food that you can help yourself to and even go back for seconds.

Coco pops, Nutri-grain, waffles and croissants were all on the menu. They even cooked their own toast - AMAZING! I indulged in a few cups of coffee along with hearty bacon and eggs.

Popping Into The Powerhouse

I am blessed with a 4-year-old who constantly wants to be carried after getting tired legs, so I always pack scooters! After breakfast we conveniently left the car at Novotel and went for a morning ride, deciding to venture to the nearby Powerhouse Museum. With so many exciting kids’ activities including The Lab, Space and Experimentations, and the Marble Run Wall - my 7-year-old’s favourite and magnets - we had a fantastic day out. 

We continued our space-themed weekend journey in the craft area where the kids got to build their own space junk and make a movie. They were very proud of their homemade cinematic masterpiece, including a backdrop of the new space image captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. Even I was impressed!

The Bottom Line On Our Sydney Staycation?

When I asked my three boys what their favourite part of our city stay was, my 7-year-old said he couldn’t decide as he loved everything, my 5-year-old said it was the Buzz Lightyear room and the 4-year-old said the waffles at the Pumphouse!

To Infinity and Beyond at Novotel Sydney Darling Square was a wonderful experience for a family city staycation and a perfect way to surprise the kids with something a little different from a normal hotel
stay. We will definitely be back!

To Infinity and Beyond Details

To Infinity and Beyond Package includes:

• Overnight accommodation in a Superior Room
• Breakfast for two in Pier St. Grill
• Lightyear Space Rock Cake
• Galaxy lighting in the room
• Buzz activity packs and art cards

Available for stays through to Friday 30th September 2022. 

Novotel Sydney Darling Square is at 17 Little Pier St, Darling Harbour.

Find out more and book your stay at Novotel Sydney Darling Square. 

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