Hotel Review: SKYE Suites Parramatta

Feeling the urge to escape your neighbourhood and discover a different part of Sydney? Here’s why Parramatta should be bumped up your list.

I’m perched on a chair on the rooftop terrace overlooking the Parramatta skyline at sunset, sipping a cocktail that was just prepared at our table by a bartender at Nick & Nora’s . It’s a stifling hot evening, but the Seductive Senorita – with gin, dry sherry, and elderflower topped with a Spanish olive – takes the edge off the heat.

the terrace at Nick & Nora's — The Parramatta skyline at dusk from the terrace at Nick & Nora’s.

I’ve lived in Sydney for nearly a decade and this is my first night in Parramatta. Up until now, all I really knew about Sydney’s second CBD is that my uncle played for their football team (the Parramatta Eels) in the eighties. But I’ve since learnt that in the past 10 years Parramatta has been quietly transforming. Towering office buildings and apartments now punctuate the skyline and a flood of new restaurants, cafes and bars at ground level continue to paint Sydney’s geographical heart in a new light.

First impressions

Nick & Nora’s shares the building with SKYE Suites Parramatta , our hotel for the night. Located on the corner of Marsden and Hunter, the hotel is within walking distance to Westfield Parramatta and ‘eat street’ the city’s premier dining district (aka Church Street). A stay here puts you in the centre of it all. Naturally I’ve already stalked the hotel’s Instagram page in detail and I’m looking forward to spending copious amounts of time cooling off in the hotel pool – the perfect way to welcome the first hot weekend of the summer.

The onsite parking (available for a fee) is easy to access by phoning reception upon arrival. A staff member meets us in the underground car park to point out our parking spot. We take the lifts up to the main foyer and are again met by a staff member who quickly checks us in to our room for the night. The air conditioning is a welcome relief from the heat. While the foyer is air conditioned, the elevators and halls of each floor weren’t during our stay (bad timing given the aforementioned heat), but the rooms were kept just as cool as the foyer.

The room

We opted for the hotel’s ‘Love is in the SKYE’ package, which meant a bottle of chilled rosé and chocolate-dipped strawberries were delivered to our room upon check-in. The Two bedroom Executive Suite enters onto the open plan lounge, dining and kitchen area. The honey-coloured wooden panelling, white walls, beige carpet, marble-topped coffee table and cream couches with deep-brown accents make for a warm and inviting space.

Two Bedroom Executive Suite SKYE Suites Parramatta — Inside the open plan lounge, dining and kitchen space of the Two Bedroom Executive Suite.

The main bedroom opens out onto the private, enclosed balcony (also accessible via the lounge) and overlooks the turquoise-blue pool below – which also means we can see how busy it is before venturing down for a dip. The suite features a sizeable second bedroom with two single beds, an internal laundry, study nook and large bathroom with a double-sized shower.

two bedroom executive suite main bedroom — The main bedroom with balcony overlooking the pool.

A family of four, business traveller, group of friends and even couples who prefer plenty of space are all well-catered for with this setup – especially if you opt for a longer stay and make use of the fully-equipped kitchen.

The facilities

In addition to the 25-metre lap pool there is a spa, sauna and gym. Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to use the latter, but we did spend the better part of the next morning floating in the pool. There are also rainfall showers alongside the pool to rinse under after a dip and plenty of generous-sized cabanas to lounge on.

View of the pool at Skye Suites Parramatta — View of the pool from the rooms above at SKYE Suites Parramatta.

Food and drinks

Nick & Nora’s , a trendy Art Deco champagne and cocktail bar owned by the Speakeasy Group (Mjolner, Eau De Vie) located on the 26^th floor, is pumping by the time we arrive for our 7pm dinner reservation. We’re guided past the bar to our rooftop table outside, but we have to relocate indoors by the time we finish our first drink to escape the heat. Our new table is tucked away near the kitchen but the air conditioning trumps the views when it is this hot.

Inside Nick & Nora's — Nick & Nora’s is a decadent champagne and cocktail bar.

We order a mix of small share plates for dinner. The labneh with parsley oil, confit tomato and olive bread arrives first, followed by a cheese board featuring a divine selection of three cheeses, Barossa bark, lavosh, walnuts, guava paste and compote. The lamb croquettes – stuffed with lamb, smoked potato, pumpkin and pea puree – are forgettable but the crispy prawns with sweet lime aioli and lime caviar are the standout for the evening. The cocktail list is extensive; each has its own backstory and unique narrative. If you’re spending the night at SKYE Suites, we recommend taking advantage of the fact that bed is only a lift ride away and sample as many as you can handle in one sitting.

Terrace of Nick & Nora's — Dine on the terrace of Nick & Nora’s when the weather is cool enough.

Another local gem that shares the same building as the SKYE Suites is The Shed Café . Find it just outside and around the corner in an inviting little nook with tables and chairs set above an archaeological site. The inventive all-day breakfast menu features many Instagram-worthy options – from the fairy-floss sprinkled French toast to the fruit-adorned acai bowl. We opted for the twisted avo with poached egg, dukkha, feta, hummus and greens; and the eggs benedict with bacon, mushroom and spinach. The coffee is also top notch. Healthy lunch options, smoothies and freshly-squeezed juices also feature on the menu.

Breakfast at The Shed Cafe. — Opt for breakfast at The Shed Cafe.

For more great food and drink options make a reservation at Bayti (next door to The Shed Café). The Lebanese restaurant has an elegantly designed interior and a mouth-watering array of options. To put yourself in the heart of ‘eat street’, walk north of SKYE Suites towers towards the Parramatta River for nine minutes to reach Parramatta’s dining precinct on Church Street. The fairy-light adorned strip is lined with cafes, restaurants and bars, including Bourke Street Bakery, Messina, Mama and Papas, Alex and Co, El-Phoenician, The Meat and Wine Co, Coco Cubano, Sicilian Parramatta, and more. You’ll be spoilt for choice.

Messina Gelato Parramatta lineup — Messina gelato bar is just one of many familiar names on Church Street.

Details

Staying there

SKYE Suites Parramatta , 30 Hunter St, Parramatta NSW 2150

The stylish exterior of SKYE Suites Parramatta.

Getting there

For an alternative to driving, opt to take the ferry from Circular Quay to Parramatta Wharf. The 85-minute journey is as scenic as it is cheap. You can also catch the train from Central Station to Parramatta in 25 minutes.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

A summer stay at SKYE Suites Parramatta