When you think of Sydney’s best hotels, your mind automatically goes to properties at Circular Quay, Barangaroo or The Rocks. But what if I told you that one of Sydney’s best hotels doesn’t have a spectacular harbour view because it’s located 25 minutes west of the Sydney CBD in Parramatta?
The newly refurbished PARKROYAL Parramatta is a 4.5-star hotel smack bang in the middle of Eels territory, and I think what it lacks in harbour views, it makes up in style, sophistication and location.
I recently stayed the night at PARKROYAL Parramatta in a Deluxe King Room on the top floor, overlooking bustling Church Street below and CommBank Stadium and Parramatta Park to the west.
One of the things I’ve always loved about this hotel whenever I’ve stayed is its central location to all the hot spots that Parramatta is famous for.
Situated between Parramatta River and the restaurant-lined Church Street, PARKROYAL Parramatta is a short walk to Westfield, Parramatta Square, Parramatta Railway Station, Eat Street, Riverside Theatre, Parra Leagues, CommBank Stadium, Parramatta Park and the soon-to-open Powerhouse Parramatta.
It’s also a couple of hundred metres from the new Parramatta Light Rail, meaning popular places like the Westmead Health Precinct and Rosehill Gardens Racecourse are easily accessible for hotel guests as well.
The rooms at PARKROYAL Parramatta are another big tick in my book.
The hotel features 286 modern, spacious rooms and suites, many with river views.
The Deluxe King Room I stayed in recently had a major upgrade and just oozed style from floor to ceiling. These room types offer an elevated stay on higher floors, with stunning views of the Parramatta skyline and Parramatta Park.
At a decent 26sqm, each room is thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience. From blackout curtains and a luxurious rain shower to a 55-inch television, my room was equipped with all the modern amenities, including charging ports.
But perhaps my favourite feature – something I’ve never seen in the near 100 hotels I’ve stayed in – was a filtered tap in the bathroom for fresh drinking water. Mind blown!
PARKROYAL Parramatta is also jam-packed with amenities and facilities.
With summer well and truly here, the outdoor swimming pool is the perfect place to cool off after a long day, while the outside terrace is a great spot to relax with a drink and watch the world go by.
Speaking of drinks, make sure you grab a pretty purple PARKROYAL G&T cocktail from BAR30 & Bistro, located in the lobby of the hotel. Whilst there, you can also purchase lunch, dinner and a selection of small plates perfect for any occasion.
PARKROYAL Parramatta has an incredible array of gourmet deli sandwiches available for lunch, catering to not only hotel guests but local workers and the public.
I ordered a Chicken Milanese sandwich and The Reuben sandwich on my recent visit. Both sangers had a side of potato chips and pickle and were simply yum!
While Parramatta’s Eat Street is famous all over Sydney for its incredible variety of cuisine, it’s worth considering BAR30 & Bistro for dinner as well.
Hotel restaurants can sometimes be hit and miss, but I must say this place did not disappoint with a strong selection of modern Australian dishes on the menu including ‘house favourites’ like burgers, schnitzels and steaks as well as pizzas and desserts.
I tucked into the NSW Grainge Angus Striploin, Octopus & Chorizo Skewers, and Harissa Prawns – all three dishes were fresh, well cooked and hit the spot beautifully!
On top of an incredible buffet breakfast at nearby Table 30 complete with barista made coffee, a dedicated egg chef and a fresh juice station, the final secret I need to let you in on is PARKROYAL Parramatta’s exclusive, private area on the seventh floor known as the Club Lounge – think a fancy VIP airport lounge, but inside a hotel.
Club Lounge is another unique feature to this property and is truly a gamechanger in my opinion. Available to guests with access through a Club Room or Suite, or for top-tier Pan Pacific Discovery members, it offers amenities like all-day refreshments, complimentary Wi-Fi and a twilight service with drinks and canapés.
If you’re able to add the Club Lounge experience to your stay, I’d highly recommend it as a place to visit with mates before your night out on the town.
Overall, the PARKROYAL Parramatta has a lot going for it. It’s clean, friendly, located in a vibrant area and is value for money. No, it doesn’t have harbour views but believe me when I say that it’s just got about everything else!
Visit https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pr-parramatta.html.
