Chairman's Choice: Sydney
I must say that one of my favorite cities on the opposite end of the plant is Sydney, Australia. From North America, Australia is one of the few remaining destinations where I can enjoy a true long haul First Class flight. Using Qantas Airways of Australia, the flight time between Los Angeles and Sydney is 14 hours 30 minutes allowing for a true night's sleep on a true flat bed while enjoying all of the in flight amenities. For all intensive purposes, Qantas offers the only true First Class between North American and Australia (with all due respect to our American counterparts that may fly this route). Our friends at Air New Zealand also offer a business class flat bed but via Auckland. While some travelers may opt to route via Auckland, I must confess that when I travel I must fly the most luxurious airline and the most direct and comfortable route to Sydney.
Getting There………
Sydney features nonstop air service from North America with Qantas Airways offering both business and first class service. Qantas Airways features Skybed in business class on all Boeing 747-400 and Airbus 330-300 aircraft. The Qantas business class Skybed features extensive seat adjustment controls to ensure maximum comfort in any position regardless of height. Qantas Business Class passengers can also choose from the "Dine Later" menu on flights over 8 hours in length. The Qantas business class product also features a state-of-the-art entertainment system with touch screen controls. Qantas First Class offers most of the same amenities offered with Qantas Business Class but with more intimacy and comfort. Most cabins have twelve seats or fewer with a wider flat bed extending to 6ft 6 inches when fully reclined.
Once you're there……
Sydney is Australia's key city where distinctive manmade features blend with the natural beauty of one of the world's great harbour's. With a thriving cultural scene, fantastic nightlife and impeccable sporting credentials, Sydney has something to offer everyone for visitors to Australia.
Don't miss the annual Sydney Festival, ending always on Australia Day (26 January), the various theatre and opera companies of Sydney, orchestras or the great museums (the Powerhouse and Observatory for example) and the numerous galleries.
Sydney Cultural Events
Sydney is the capital of Australia's arts and cultural events. The sail like architecture of Sydney Opera House, one of the world's most important modern buildings, defines the tempo for Sydney as a city. It is a base for classic and contemporary opera, theatre, ballet and music recitals. Sydney hosts a literature festival in May, followed by a glittering film festival in June. There are numerous art galleries, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales. This historic, neo-Greek building showcases one of the finest collections of Australian art, including the outstanding Yiribana Gallery, the world's largest permanent exhibition of Aboriginal art.
Sydney Hotels
A blend of Sydney's classic luxury hotels along with newer contemporary properties is summarized below:
Blue Woolloomooloo Bay Sydney- Formerly the W Sydney, BLUE Woolloomooloo Bay Sydney is A modern contemporary Hotel Of 100 Rooms, Situated On The Wharf at Wooloomooloo. BLUE Offers The Latest Concept In Accommodation And Meetings For The Modern Business Traveler. BLUE Combines the Style of a boutique Hotel with The facilities And services of an International Five-star Hotel. Perfectly Situated 15 minutes From Sydney Airport Right On Sydney Harbour at the latest entertainment and dining Hub, The Wharf At Wooloomooloo.
Four Seasons Sydney- Four Seasons Sydney Offers The Most Outstanding Hotel Location In The City At The Junction Of The Business And Leisure Districts. Ideally Located In The Historic Rock's Area, Overlooking The Opera House And The Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Hotel's 531 Luxurious Guest Rooms And Suites Provide Breathtaking Harbour And City Views.
The Observatory Hotel- The Observatory Hotel is the ideal base from which to work and explore Sydney, Australia's most vibrant city. Superbly located near Sydney's historic Rocks and central business district, nestled near the vibrant harbour and the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, this is an enviable location close to the bustling heart of the city.
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney - The Shangri-La Hotel Sydney Is Perfectly Positioned Between The Sydney Opera House And Harbor Bridge In The Heart Of The Historic Rocks District. The Hotel Offers An Unmistakable Five Star Experience Of Style And Comfort. Guest Rooms Are Some Of The Most Spacious And Luxurious In Sydney And Offer Spectacular Harbor Views.
Sheraton on the Park, Sydney- Located directly opposite Hyde Park, a tree-lined oasis in the heart of Sydney, few hotels occupy such a prime position as Sheraton on the Park. Superb facilities and a central location give the hotel the city's most desirable destination. Refined and resplendent, the 557 guest rooms and suites were refurbished in 2003, combining contemporary styling with classical themes.
