There’s an immediate exhale as the kids kick off their shoes and start squealing as they bounce up and down on “their beds” at Hyatt Regency Sydney.
They’re entertained for now – and as for me, I’m easing myself onto the chaise lounge and rolling up the blinds to the most incredible view of Sydney’s Darling Harbour, from our two, inter-connecting top floor rooms.
Our family of four has checked in for a one-night yay-cation – as my daughter’s have named it – the perfect escape for the spring school holidays.
We’re only a few kilometers from where we live in Sydney, but for the kids we might as well be in a different country – and for me and my husband the prospect of someone else picking up after the kids, serving us breakfast and dinner, and a night in a luxurious hotel room with a plush bed is truly the best gift money can buy!
IT’S A KID’S LIFE
With excitement levels peaking, my two girls, five and seven years old, quickly descend on the complimentary chocolates, sparkling water and cute kids’ activity bags which include 3D glasses, spot the difference, word searches, candy and more – all part of the Hyatt Regency’s Kids Concierge package.
Once they’ve finished demolishing the gifts and modelling the kid-sized bathroom robes, we dress and head down for dinner at the Jackalberry Restaurant & Bar – one of five venues you can dine in at the hotel.
As anyone with kids will know, proximity from room to restaurant is key and after my daughter has cartwheeled her way across the foyer – the hotel staff kindly don’t blink an eye – we make it to the table.
DINING IN STYLE
The kids are delighted with the themed menu – complete with silly names which get them giggling – and my husband and I are equally as delighted with the signature cocktail list.
My kids opt for the egg fried rice and chicken nuggets and chips for dinner; and the staff cleverly bring their food first to avoid a hangry-kids meltdown. Our cocktails at the same time and peace descends on the table, for at least seven minutes.
As I happily sip a Shio & Smoke, a deliciously smokey blend of Xaman Espadin Mezcal, Triple Sec, lime juice, house-made honey, yuzu and wasabi syrup, my husband has a Jackalberry’s Totem Havana, a yummy blend of 3 Anos Rum infused with coconut and vanilla bean, Massenez Mango Liqueur, Malibu Coconut, mango puree, pineapple juice and lime juice.
While the kids scoff their dinner (5-12 year-olds eat free when accompanied by a paying adult), I tuck into a melt-in-your-mouth roasted pepper and ricotta agnolotti, while my husband opts for Portoro grain fed sirloin with rosemary fries and pepperberry cream jus.
The food is perfect and so is the setting. A retro white chocolate Ciccone & Sons ice cream covered in hundreds and thousands, from the iconic Redfern local, ensures the kids have had enough sugar to stay awake through tonight’s movie, while a mango crème brulee is the perfect sweet ending to my meal.
With full bellies we make it back upstairs for one last look at the view – now lit up at night – before piling into our double bed to watch a family movie on the huge TV screen.
BUFFET OF DREAMS
The kids’ are up early with excitement and after the comfiest night’s sleep in a long time, we can’t wait to check out the breakfast buffet at Sailmaker Restaurant, on Level 1 of the hotel.
Kids under-5 eat for free, while under-12s are half price – although with the amount my kids ate they might want to rethink that! From maple-cooked bacon, hash browns and an omelette station to Bircher muesli, endless pastries, and hot and cold meats, an array of juices, it’s hard not to pig out but once we’ve been up to the counter three times, even my seven-year-old admits defeat.
For kids (and adults) Darling Harbour is an adventure playground and the Hyatt Regency Sydney is perfectly positioned to explore it. Stepping out of the Sailmaker Restaurant after our breakfast, it’s a quick walk and we’re on the harbour and headed for an adventure to the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo to experience the new Creature Rescue Squad school holiday activation.
The sun is shining and the water is glittering as we head into the aquarium to spend a fun-filled few hours meeting the resident penguins, sharks and stingrays. My littlest can’t believe it when she gets to touch a starfish and see King and Gentoo penguins laying eggs during a ride on the Penguin Expedition Boat Ride – even if the smell of the fishy was a bit pongy!
There’s even more adventures to behold at Sydney Zoo as we meet koala joey Bunjii and Tasmanian devil Lucia, as well as cassowary called Princess. The friendly staff teach my kids all about snakes and even let them touch and hold snake skin and crocodiles teeth!
As our magical day comes to a finish, my youngest daughter asks, “can we stay at the hotel every weekend?!” – now that’s what I call a five-star review!
The Kid’s Concierge experience is available during the NSW School Holidays. The next experience will be from 26th September – 11th October 2026, for more information visit Hyatt Regency Sydney.
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