With cost-of-living remaining at the top of people’s minds, international or even interstate holidays are on the backburner for many.
And as families look for more affordable options closer to home, the opportunity to discover delights in your own backyard emerges.
Case in point: Novotel Sydney Parramatta and their kids-focused adventures.
Our little family ventured here during the July school holidays, partaking in Novotel’s Par-Tea Time concept. The Novotel team have perfected family time with the Glamping and Kids High Tea offering.
Upon walking into our Executive King Suite at the Novotel, we were greeted with a kids’ tepee, that certainly had little miss three engaged from the outset. She spent the next hour or so playing in the tepee, and with the activity packs that come with it, and developing a whole bunch of scenarios – as well as declaring it was where she was going to sleep that night.
It wasn’t long before our high tea experience arrived directly to the room – full of savoury and sweet delights that ensured a trip out of the room for dinner was off the table.
The high tea featured a huge variety for both the kids and the adults in the room – everything from fairy bread and macaroons to quiches and fruit. This is certainly not a high tea that was going to leave you hungry afterwards.
As part of Novotel Sydney Parramatta’s Glamping & Kids High Tea package, which starts from $289, you select a timeslot for the high tea delivery – being 2.30pm, 3.30pm or 4.30pm. And the kids get to select either a hot chocolate or milkshake to go with the delivery.
This concept has solved a problem many face while on holidays with kids: passing time in the hotel room. While the adults are happy for an afternoon of relaxation or even a little nap in the very comfortable beds, kids are always looking to be occupied – so this concept has certainly delivered in that space.
Of course, when you do leave the hotel – you’re right in the heart of Parramatta. The Riverside Theatre is directly across the road, with affordable tickets and great family shows on stage regularly, allowing you to add a theatre experience to the weekend.
And Eat Street, with all its restaurants and cafes, is just a stone’s throw away with a huge array of options.
When it comes to breakfast, the Novotel offers your classic breakfast buffet – and it’s included in the family-related packages.
Whether it’s a sneaky weekend getaway / staycation or for the next school holidays, the experiences on offer at the Novotel Sydney Parramatta are well worth giving a go – it won’t burn the budget too much, and the kids will have a blast.
Visit https://www.novotelparramatta.com.au.
The writer stayed as a guest of Novotel Sydney Parramatta.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.