.png)
Things to do in Western Sydney: Stay at the Funky & Tech-Savvy Atura Hotel Blacktown
As a blogger, I get to experience the most amazing venues, restaurants and events in Sydney and I have to admit the majority of them are the inner city, CBD or North Shore. So when Atura Hotel Blacktown invited Sydney Chic to experience the venue, I jumped at the opportunity to head out to the Western Suburbs with my companion, Andrew. I had already heard about the Atura Hotel when it first opened, and won a TAA Award for Excellence so I was keen to check it out.
Photo credit: Andrew Carr
As we approached the reception our eyes immediately latched on to the big white Cadillac. OMG this baby is something else. When I was booked to do this review, we talked about going to the drive-in in the Cadillac, however, the weather was dodgy so we decided not to go ahead with that. For those who love classic cars like Andrew does, (he owns a 68 Mustang), this beautiful motor vehicle is something to drool over.
After we stopped admiring the Cadillac, we entered the reception area and we were warmly greeted by the lovely Andrea. I loved her enthusiam and friendliness. Matthew, who is the General Manager of the hotel, came to say hello before we went up to drop our bags up into the room.
I wasn’t disappointed when we arrived because the hotel was exactly as it looked on the website. It’s got an industrial feel, with a flashback to the 50’s and 60’s. The design is remarkable, and you can see for yourself from the photos what I’m talking about.
Our room was fabulous and it looked straight over the drive-in. I liked how it was decorated and it had some good inclusions like free wi-fi and movies!
Once settled in it was time for a High Tea lunch so we returned to the foyer of the hotel where we were greeted by Kris, the Restaurant & Bar Manager. Kris explained about the High Tea and what to expect, but first it was time to relax with a glass of Paul Louis champagne.
This is a High Tea with an American Diner twist! Note the LP and a 45 rpm serving tier. Very funky! I opted for French Earl Grey and Andrew had English Breakfast tea which were served in very beautiful china teapot/cups. The food was fantastic and consisted of a slider just like a good old-fashioned flamed grilled burger! As well we dined on Reuben sandwiches, cheese toasties, fresh scones with jam and cream, fantastic little pikelets that came with whipped butter and maple syrup and chef’s own Nutella homemade cupcakes! Seriously this was a very tasty lunch.
During lunch I noticed that Andrea, who works on reception, was helping serve meals to a large group. I mentioned to Kris about this and he told me that the staff all pitch in and help where needed. I really want to give a big shout out to the staff at Atura, they really are remarkable and totally team and customer focused.
After lunch I went over to meet Head Chef Sidney (left) and Chef Joshua (right) to say thanks and congratulate them on a great menu. I loved the open kitchen, that’s always a winner for me to be able to see what goes on in the kitchen.
Following lunch we drove over to the Blacktown Art Centre and checked out some of the amazing artwork in the Gallery. I would definitely recommend if you were staying at the Atura Hotel Blacktown to make some time to look at the work.
On return, Kris took us over to the Skyline Drive In to meet some of the staff and check out the cool diner! Talk about going back in a time warp! In the photo below is the lovely Stephanie who works at the diner and kindly volunteered to model for me!
Photo: Sydney Chic Instagram
The Atura Hotel Blacktown have one of the largest collections of whiskey in Western Sydney, and we were lucky enough to get to sample an American whiskey tasting. We met Adam who works in the bar and he talked us through the large variety of whiskey’s and helped us to choose. For $45 you can choose up to 4 ½ shot glasses, and one full shot of your favourites plus it comes with an Angus Beef Burger. We didn’t try the burger because we were going to dinner at the Royal Cricketers Arms after the tasting. There is an option to upgrade to premium varieties and that costs $65.
Our choice of whiskeys: Bulleit 10 yrs old (My favourite), Wild Turkey Spiced, Wild Turkey Rye (Andrew's Favourite) and Confederate.
During the tasting we spotted some very glamorous people who were arriving for a 21st Birthday party. I couldn’t help myself and took a photo of the lovely Pauline who was the birthday girl. She looked beautiful in her Constantia and Louise outfit. The hotel caters for functions both corporate and private parties.
Following dinner, at the Royal Cricketers Arms we decided to watch one of the many free movies available in the hotel rooms. The rooms have a comfortable lounge to sit on which felt like watching TV from home.
All good things come to an end, so in the morning we popped down to the dining room to have a delicious buffet breakfast. It was quite busy with families, guests and tourists. The buffet was very tasty, and I’ve included some photos below. The Restaurant is situated next to the pool and patrons can dine inside or outside.
I must mention here the Atura is totally family-friendly and there are plenty of things to do including swimming pool, billiards, open mic on Saturday afternoon and the area has a lot of activities surrounding it.
NOTES ABOUT THE HOTEL
Free Wi-Fi in guest rooms and all public areas. For guests, guests of guests, and anyone in the building. Whether you’re having a drink in the bar or staying for the week, you’ll be fully connected.
Free use of iMacs and printers in the lobby business centre. This also includes cloud printing, which means you can print from your room or from any device.
Complimentary local and STD phone calls within Australia to fixed land lines.
Mobile check-in from the lobby via tablet.
RFID, NFC ready guest room door locks – the first of its kind in Australia.
With everything at your fingertips the Atura guest room is a cool, calm, and collected place to relax in. Featuring free wifi, free in-room movies, king bed and a sofa bed, workstation, and a kitchenette with coffee machine, micro-wave and dining utensils.
Here is the run-down on the Atura rooms experience:
122 rooms with ensuite, sofa bed & desk, 42 inch flat screen TV’s
Complimentary Wifi connectivity
Malin+Goetz Toiletries – You’ll love this New York treat designed to calm, heal, and hydrate. www.malinandgoetz.com
Disabled access
Individually controlled air conditioning
Electronic door lock system and peep hole
Telephone voice mail
Kitchenette with micro-wave, sink, fridge and dining utensils
Coffee pod machine, tea-making facilities
Free-to-air digital TV channels and Foxtel
In-room safe
Iron and ironing board
Hairdryer
Minibar
When you are ready for a bite you can choose the Roadhouse Bar and Grill, getting a quick bite from the Grab and Go and microwaving it in your room. If you feel like something light there is a sweet selection of bar snacks at the Road House Bar that might also take your fancy. These choices are designed to meet the tastes and budgets of all travellers.
The photo below is the road to the Reservoir.
www.aturablacktown.com.au
Note: Photos watermarked @SydneyChicBlog are my own, others supplied by Atura Hotel Blacktown
