Checking in at two in the morning was definitely not part of the initial plan. I rocked up at The Macleay with nothing but my purse and a Vivid Sydney hangover. It was a Saturday night (of a long weekend), and I reckon such circumstance wouldn’t have been peculiar for the receptionist who was prompt in greeting me as I groggily approached the counter.
The check in process took less than five minutes, even if it took me a while to fill in the guest form. I had flown from the Northern Rivers the day before, and since my arrival, I gallivanted (mostly wine-addled to cope with the cold) around town day and night. As you could imagine, I wasn’t exactly sharp in those wee hours. But was more than happy to finally be there.
I bade the receptionist goodnight before I left him to an empty lobby.
I was given a harbour view self-contained studio apartment with queen bed on the ninth floor. The Macleay Hotel has six other types of rooms:
Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 separate bedrooms (one queen bed in one bedroom, and a double bed and bunk beds in the second bedroom), lounge room, full size kitchen, bathroom, dining table and balcony.
Sleeps 6 people.
District View Queen or Double. Self-contained with either a queen or double bed. Sleeps maximum 3 people.
District View Twin. Self contained studio apartment, with 2 single beds. Sleeps maximum 2 people.
District View Triple. Self contained studio apartment, with 2 double beds or one double bed and single bed (extra bed can be added to room at a cost of $30.00). Two double beds cannot be guaranteed so make sure to request in advance. Sleeps maximum 4 people.
Harbour View Twin. Self contained studio apartment with 2 single beds. Sleeps maximum 2 people.
Harbour View Triple. Self contained studio apartment with one double bed and single bed (extra bed can be added to room at a cost of $30.00). Sleeps maximum 4 people.
Room rates start at AU$165 for two people and can be cheaper if you stay longer.
A quick survey of the space told me that everything was spick and span. Even all the utensils and equipment in the kitchenette. Although my body was ready to crash, I sat on the dining table by the window and stared at the harbour. Under a first quarter moon, I could make out the many yachts dotted on the water. Given the whirlwind of events, I had not given myself time to sit still and properly unwind. It was, after all, supposed to be a weekend of me-time — which I mostly spent catching up with friends and ogling at dancing light projections.
Three in the morn, I finally laid my weary bones on the bed. A very, comfortable bed. And indulged myself in a peaceful slumber (in the absence of a five-year old waking me up in the middle of the night). Which unfortunately did not last long.
Because I forgot to draw the curtains, the sun’s rays — filtered by amber clouds — shone in and woke me up. I watched the clouds change forms and colors as they slowly crept whilst the sun rose higher. It was absolutely gorgeous. Like Vivid Sydney, but created by nature. Soon, I drifted back to sleep.
The Macleay’s check out time is 11:00 AM, an hour later than most hostels and hotels. Due to my late check in, I obviously did not have much chance to explore (okay, more like, I refused to peel myself off the comfy bed). Here are some of the hotel’s facilities:
24 hour Reception (we all know that’s something I benefited from)
Room service
On site restaurant
Outdoor swimming pool
BBQ area and sun deck
Massage service
Tour desk
DVD and book library
Gym access
In room facilities:
Ensuite bath (with pretty nice toiletries)
Television
Telephon
Work desk
Alarm clock
Hairdryer
Iron and ironing board
Kitchenett with oven and microwave
Toaster
Tea and coffee
Bar Fridge
*Cots available upon request
My stay was short and sweet. Really sweet. I had the chance to “get away from it all”, without literally going too far away. The Macleay Hotel, though in close proximity to a heap of restaurants (there’s also a supermarket across the street) and some city attractions and about a 9-minute walk to Kings Cross Station, sits on a block that is quite tranquil in the eve (it’s not exactly within the red light district, in case you come across information that says so) — making it a perfect candidate for staycations. It’s a hotel apartment that offers spaces that can lure you to stay indoors longer than intended.
It was exactly what I needed.
Macleay Hotel
28 Macleay Street
Potts Point, Sydney
