'The idea of going home after this hotel stay was rather upsetting'

For as long as I can remember, I have been travel-obsessed, constantly saving up for my next international escape, and ensuring I always have something exciting on the horizon.

However, this plan came crumbling down on me only a few weeks ago, when my long-awaited 2026 travel plans of a European summer came to a halt.

With flight prices hiking and global uncertainty, the idea of travelling 24-hours across the globe had me feeling a little uneasy, so we decided to put these plans on pause.

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Naturally, there was then an 'Italian beachside aperol spritz' shaped hole in my heart, until the idea of a staycation was tabled.

Now, I won't lie, I am guilty of often forgetting just how many incredible activities we have to offer right here on our own doorstep.

So when I was given the opportunity visit to the Hyatt Regency, set in Sydney's iconic Darling Harbour, for a weekend of food, fun, and being a tourist in my own city, I jumped at the chance.

And let me tell you, it was everything I wanted it to be and more... here's why.

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The room

Upon checking in to the Hyatt Regency, we were immediately met with accommodating and friendly staff, who promptly gave us the room keys before we headed upstairs to our room.

Nothing could have prepared us for the panoramic views of the harbour that we witnessed as soon as we entered the room.

It was at this point that my phone began to overheat due to the sheer amount of photos I was taking, but nothing seemed to do this view justice.

Then we turned the corner and were met with the most chic bathroom I've ever seen, and a huge bathtub that I just knew I would be spending a lot of time in.

Food and drink

Shortly after checking in, we decided it was time to head up to level 12 to pay the Zephyr Sky Bar a visit for dinner, but not before stopping in at the Recency Club Lounge for a quick drink with arguably one of the best views in Sydney.

We didn't realise beforehand, but the lounge actually offers complimentary happy hour from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, with free-flowing drinks and snacks, which was the perfect afternoon snack to tide us over before dinner.

Once we finally made it up to Zephyr, we were shown straight to the best seats in the house, and it wasn't long before we had a cocktail in hand, to sit back and enjoy the sun setting over the stunning Darling Harbour... and oh boy, what a view it was.

With vibrant music and bustling energy, we spent hours here, watching how fast-paced the city was moving below us, while we indulged in the culinary delights that were on offer.

Suddenly, I realised just how relaxed I was, and it was as if I had been on holiday for days, when in reality, all it had been was a few hours.

Before we knew it, it was time to say goodnight and retreat back to our luxurious room, where we continued to people-watch from the panoramic windows all night long.

The next morning, we were up bright and early, ready to seize the day, but not before stopping by the Sailmaker Restaurant in the lobby for a delicious buffet breakfast, AKA: my favourite part of any hotel stay.

I don't know what it is, but food just tastes better when served at a buffet breakfast, and this meal absolutely did not disappoint.

The verdict

Reluctantly, we hauled ourselves down to the lobby to hand back the keys, and I must say, leaving our beautiful room was very hard.

Not because we didn't feel rested and recharged, but because we had such a great time, that the idea of it all coming to an end was rather upsetting.

As sad as we were to be leaving, we couldn't deny just how refreshed we felt, so although it was short and sweet, our staycation cured my cancelled-holiday blues.

I'd go as far as to say this staycation was exactly what the doctor ordered, and all I know is that I will absolutely be booking another very soon, and I highly recommend you do the same, too.

The writer stayed as a guest of Hyatt Regency.

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