As they say, “A change is as good as a holiday.”
Doesn’t matter if it’s last minute. Or even down the road.
When The Cambridge Hotel Sydney invited us last weekend for a night’s accommodation in one of their twin double rooms, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
The past several weeks have been rough around these parts and a change of scene (and a break from cooking dinner) was in dire need.
Just around the corner from the hustle and bustle of Oxford St. and a 10 minute walk to the city, the hotel is conveniently located at 212 Riley St. Surry Hills.
For us, it was a quick 20 minute drive which was a perfect compromise for a getaway.
After checking in the late afternoon, we took a quick dip at the indoor swimming pool.
And just that hour of splashing around; knowing we didn’t have to be anywhere except where we wanted to be; that there was a nice, clean room with FREE Wi-Fi and comfortable beds waiting for us upstairs was enough respite for me.
Established back in the early 1790’s during the Sydney Cove settlement, Surry Hills is now a unique and beautiful mish mash of the old and new; quirky and classic.
With Both Crown and Bourke streets a quick walk from the hotel, there is immediate access to some of Sydney’s finest restaurants and most laid back cafes.
With its endless art galleries, vintage shops, boutiques and bookstores, Surry Hills is perfect for the unconventional shopper who’s happy to browse and simply get lost in time.
The next morning, after another dip in the pool, we went for a wander and discovered a cute coffee shop to have breakfast.
Mr Mo’s was a 3 minute walk around the corner on Campbell St and serves the most kick arse coffee I’ve had in a long time.
The twinions scoffed down the muffins, as well as overtaking my banana bread.
It was nice to be in an inner city café that was kid-friendly and hopefully we can head back there for another Sunday brunch.
Some things to consider when staying at the Cambridge Hotel:
Parking:
For interstaters driving into Sydney, parking facilities are available at $28 a day.
Pool and gym:
There is a pool and spa located on the second floor. However, if you’re a gym user, patrons of the Cambridge Hotel can use the local Boxing Works studio (equipped with cardio machines and other gym equipment) at nearby Foveaux St. Just ask the receptionist to give you a pass.
Our stay was too short.
Despite being a Sydney local there was so much more I wanted to do and see.
The twinions also decided they didn’t want to leave, wanting to head back in the pool.
Sorry, dudes. Time to go home. Not that we had far to go. But it was already like another world away.
Have you ever had a staycation? If not, where would you have one?
***Big thanks to The Cambridge Hotel Sydney for providing a night’s free accommodation***
Joining Essentially Jess for #IBOT
It’s a fun place to stay isn’t it! Loved Sydney. Missing it a lot.
JodY At Six Little Hearts recently posted..A Summer Budget Beauty Guide For Mums
I <3 Surry Hills! It's where I work- well worth the commute for the coffee alone! 😉
Amy @ HandbagMafia recently posted..Beauty Tips for the Busy Woman
What a great idea! Sometimes you do want a break from the routine (and cooking dinner) but without the hassle and expense of going properly away. I think I’ll have to do one of these here in Brisbane – like you said despite being a local there are so many things you just take for granted about your city.
Rachel_OurTownBNE recently posted..This Week In Brisbane: 4 – 11 November
Looks like a nice place. I miss Sydney. We had a stay-cation here in Melbourne, the summer that we moved here from Bondi. It was the week before Black Saturday, and Melbourne had a week of days over 40 degrees. We had no air con in our flat, so we went and stayed at a little boutique hotel in the cbd and cranked up the cold.
Dani @ sand has no home recently posted..Night Train
It sounds heavenly!!! Wish I was there with y
Daisy recently posted..Daisy Roo & Two November Online Market
No I have never had one. But then our town is so small, it would kind of be pointless. I can walk to the only hotel worth staying at in 20 minutes…
EssentiallyJess recently posted..So You Think You Can Write?* #IBOT
Looks like a fabulous getaway to me and very much needed! Hope you’re doing ok Grace. Love and hugs, Min xo
Min@WriteoftheMiddle recently posted..Write of the Middle: Go Live Day!
Oh, lady, that’s sounds like an awesome and well deserved overnighter x
We took our kids for a weekend in the city (Brisbane) a few years back (when they still wanted to go places with us) and had a great time – so I’m a convert, it’s a great idea!
Visiting today from #teamIBOT xxx
Janet aka Middle Aged Mama recently posted..Summer Fashion 2014 Wishlist: Update
Oh Grace what perfect timing for you all – just what you needed at the moment. I love Sydney – David booked a stay in a Hotel for our anniversary back in March and it was only an over night stay, way too short a time.
Love the sound of the Cambridge Hotel, the swimming pool sounds ideal for families. What I love about hotels is not having to make the bed in the morning and the towels – gosh the towels are always so very fluffy 🙂
Lisa Wood recently posted..We Are Back
I love it when people come to visit and I et to play tourist in my own town!
Fiona recently posted..Win a pair of glasses!
I’ve only had two very fleeting (overnight) trips to Sydney in the last decade or so! (I don’t know it at all!)
Deb
Deborah recently posted..Why I love the Fraser Coast
So cool; Surry Hills is AWESOME!
Hugzilla recently posted..Man Interviews Woman’s Breasts for Profile Piece
Glad to hear that you have had a great staycation Grace. I’m sure it was a very welcoming break after all you have been through recently. We haven’t actually had a stay cation ourselves – I might suggest it to hubby some time soon!
Winnie @ bubfriendly recently posted..Travelling with Baby – Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong – A Class Above The Rest
I had Melbourne staycations a couple of times – love the concept! It’s great to see your own city through new eyes. It looks like you had a lovely break.
Fairlie recently posted..FAQs about The Melbourne Cup
Looks delightful. I might need to case this place when I head to Sydney next.
Raych aka Mystery Case recently posted..Worth Casing Wednesday | Back It Up
I love those sneaky little getaways, doesn’t have to be far just something out of the normal groundhog day…ahh bliss.
The Exercise Hitlist recently posted..My Top 10 Running Tips – From an “I Can’t Run” Mum and Exercise Physiologist
Staycations are just what is needed sometimes. Me and hubby recently had one in a town 50 kays away. Dinner, walk, swim, spa, nice.
It’s been way too long since I was in Sydney.
Alicia O’Brien recently posted..Halloween
Just trying to look at how I can get to Sydney next month for an event on the 10th. I wonder if this gorgeous hotel would be interested in being ‘cased’.
Raych aka Mystery Case recently posted..So Happy Together {Worth Casing Wednesday Link Up}
They’ll definitely be interested! Send me an email, Raych and I’ll forward you some contact details 🙂