City vs Country Stay

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Where would you choose if you had the choice the City or the Country ??

We recently had two work trip that took us to two very different hotels, was their a favourite ? Not really, there were obvious differences however I would revisit both in a heartbeat...

Our General Manager, Anthony had a two night stay at The Ovolo Hotel Woolloomooloo

When traveling alone for work, Anthony primarily seeks 3 things in accommdation.

Convenience, Comfort and Intrigue

Close to the city, restaurants, bars and transport, therefore very convenient.

As Anthony shared with us

'the conveniences within the room for a business trip where impressive, the hotel rates include an FOC Mini Bar, and though I don’t mind paying for a drink or a snack occasionally, it’s a luxury to be able to grab a beer after a long day of conferencing or at a trade show. To walk in your room, kick off your shoes and relax. The bar and restaurant is located centrally below all of the rooms so a coffee or a cocktail is never far and happy hour drinks just takes the challenge away of deciding where to relax before retiring for the night.'

Being comfortable is also key, without the comforts of home and travelling alone, Anthony's photo snaps to home showed the suites were very spacious and well appointed. From the luxurious King Bed to the massive lounge area there is plenty of space to spread out, set up a workstation and also disconnect from a hectic day. Ideal for a single traveller on a work trip, however there is ample space for a couple or family to enjoy.

Anthony told me that he likes a property that offers something a little different and the Ovolo Wolloomooloo certainly sounds like it has it in spades. From the industrial architecture to the constant splash of colour, this hotel is visually satisfying. They have leveraged well off the base design of the building and not tried to overcome that real industrial feel. The design works because this still feels like a factory, but you miss nothing in regards to comfort and aesthetics.

The staff are trendy, attentive and friendly which helps highlight the fun quirky feel the property has.

We will surely revisit this property and who knows even the kids my get a chance to enjoy a little of the luxury it has to offer.

Whilst the city offers the convenience, luxury and intrigue on modern design, the country offers a little more peace and homely feel in a setting of warmth and comfort.

Spicers Clovelly was our country destination in Montville Queensland.

We arrived late from a days work and having missed dinner we decided to eat in-house and to our surprise we were beyond impressed with not only the menu but the service.  The Long Apron Restaurant has a warm feel, the menu is divine created by Chef Chris Hagan, and bottle of red went down a treat, as did the warm setting on a cold winters night in the country.

So after a wonderful unplanned evening it was upstairs to our room with a fluffy robe, soft comfy bed coverings, and it was sweet dreams after our cabernet and no children or nightly chores.  As a Gold Coast girl it was a nice comfortable stay being apart of house style accommodation yet still feeling like it was your very own hotel room totally separate from the other guests and common areas.  Awaking the next day to this beautiful window spa bath and stunning outlook.  Breakfast was served on the verandah (as one would expect).  Once again our expectations were blown out of the park, with amazing service first thing in the morning and a breakfast of fresh fruit, yogurt, poached eggs, guacamole, peppers and brioche.  A dish I have planned to attempt at home however only now am reminded of this, so tasty.... It was a slower start to the day which was so well received by us and whilst we had places to be we could of sat on this verandah for half the day if we had the chance.

If you started to read this in hope that I could convince you either way city or county, I have failed you and am no help.  I love both and always will find positives, it truly does depend on what you are after.  Good food and piece and quiet, in the country to relax, rewind and simply enjoy.  Or the city hype and new and exciting places you can find on a city adventure, whilst still being able to head to the bar or kick back and chill in your room.

I am thankful that I have found accommodation that I can return to knowing we will receive great service and be able to enjoy good food in a comfortable environment, however also thankful that I can recommend these to others and know they will enjoy their experience.

Allison - Hospitality Products