Review: High-tech Parkroyal Darling Harbour

FIRST there were metal keys, then there were key cards you inserted to open the door of your hotel room.

parkroyal darling harbour

FIRST there were metal keys, then there were key cards you inserted to open the door of your hotel room.

Parkroyal Darling Harbour in Sydney has taken the next step by introducing room cards you simply scan in front of the door before entering as part of a multimillion-dollar, tech-savvy refurbishment.

Later this year, it will take things further, with guests able to check in via smart phone and use them as room keys.

When I enter my room the light comes on automatically and when I turn the light off at the wall the lamp in the corner also goes out - no fossicking awkwardly underneath the shade trying to find the switch.

My room, one of 11 Club Suites on level eight, has electronic airconditioning and smart TVs mounted on the wall in the lounge area and bedroom.

From experiences at other hotels I fear they may be too smart for me, but I find them easy to use.

The hotel's gym has also been expanded as part of the revamp. The exercise machines have individual screens so you can plug in your iPhone or iPod and listen to your own music, or watch any of the hotel channels available in rooms.

The 340-room hotel was relaunched in February after the four-month refurbishment, designed to give it a fresh, contemporary feel, with a celebrity party attended by X Factor judge Natalie Bassingthwaighte, actor Rodger Corser and TV presenter Laura Csortan.

International design firm Hassell worked with Pan Pacific Hotels Group, owners of Parkroyal hotels in Australia, to create a look inspired by Sydney. The lobby has earthy tones with sandstone and blue colouring and a natural light effect from the atrium, beside the lifts.

The refurbished restaurant is on level R - between levels one and two - and offers a substantial buffet breakfast and an la carte menu at dinner.

Named Barkers after Thomas Barker - one of the original settlers who operated a steam flour mill in the 1800s where the building now stands - it has a casual vibe.

Entrees include chilled baby root vegetable salad ($14) and fried soft shell crab with citrus aioli ($17).

As well as various meat courses, there is also an Asian selection, with meals including nasi goreng, pad thai and Malaysian chicken soup around the $18 to $20 mark.

From our table by the window we can see the view towards Darling Harbour over the IMAX, Ausgrid and Commonwealth Bank buildings.

The view from the new Club Lounge for corporate travellers on level nine is much more encompassing, with the reflection of neon lights on the water.

There you can indulge in a range of wines, cheeses and other snacks.

Afterwards I return to my room and enjoy its big, comfortable bed.

The large bathroom is separated from the bedroom by a sliding door and has a separate bath and shower and two sinks.

It has all the accessories you could wish for - shower cap, toothbrush and mini toothpaste, a shaving kit, skin lotion, shower gel and separate shampoo and conditioner.

At breakfast the next morning I am greeted by the same wait staff who served us at dinner the night before, leaving me to wonder when they had time to sleep.
 

Go2 - PARKROYAL DARLING HARBOUR

Parkroyal Darling Harbour is at 150 Day St, Sydney.

Standard rooms start at $169 a night, Club Suites start at $250 a night.

For more information or bookings ph 1800 192 144 or see parkroyalhotels.com/darlingharbour
 

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