Sydney lies on your doorstep at The Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney - the excellent value, modern CBD hideaway

Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney

The Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney is a fantastic hotel to stay for one or more nights when visiting Sydney.  I stayed there on a recent trip to Sydney to attend shows at the Sydney Opera House and the Capitol Theatre.

Arriving from country NSW by train I found its location in Ultimo very handy. I took the Light Rail from Central Station to the Paddy's Market stop and walked the few blocks to the hotel in Bulwarra Road. If I drove I could have parked in the hotel carpark.

Being located on the edge of the Sydney CBD, the Metro Aspire Hotel has the advantage of being on tucked away in Ultimo in a very quiet tree-lined one-way street with no traffic noise. The hotel is surrounded by a delightful mix of terrace houses, cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. A delightful park is at the end of the Road.

Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney

The hotel has only four floors of 96 guest rooms, which means no long waiting time for lifts and personalised attention from the staff. The lifts to guest rooms are centrally located in the lobby between the check-in counter and the Gumtree Restaurant. A range of guests rooms is offered, including Premium, Premium Deluxe, Executive and Family.

The Metro Aspire Hotel, Sydney has convenient 24-hour reception and check-in. My check-in went really smoothly, as they already had my booking details. The reception staff were warm and welcoming and explained the breakfast and WiFi to me clearly. During my stay, the staff arranged wake-up calls for me each morning and provided some writing paper and pen to use during my stay.

Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney

After checking in I went up to my extra spacious Executive Room on the 4th floor. Access was with a thin security key card. I was delighted with my air-conditioned guestroom that had a pleasing contemporary and sophisticated design. It was very large, with an entry foyer, combined bedroom and lounge area, separate ensuite bathroom and private open-air balcony. My guestroom had a comfy sofa and coffee table, dining table and chairs and a writing desk and chair which made resting and working very pleasurable.

My guestroom was very comfortable. I liked the blue art works on the walls. Most importantly, my guestroom was very clean and spotless. I was impressed by the cleanliness of my home-away-from-home, with no dust or dirty marks to be found anywhere. The curtains, carpets and furniture were in excellent condition.

Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney

I enjoyed using the tea and coffee making facilities and bar fridge late at night for making hot drinks. A safe, hairdryer, iron and ironing board were provided in the wardrobe.

My room included complimentary high speed WiFi to use and a Smart TV with YouTube and Netflix to watch. The air-conditioner worked well with the remote control and made the room a pleasure to relax in.

Even though I stayed at the Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney by myself, the room was suitable for up to 5 guests by the provision of two king sized beds and a sofa bed. I had a wonderful nights sleep on the huge bed with a very supportive mattress and pillows. The pillows and bed linen were like brand new.

The modern white ensuite bathroom had both a full bath and shower. The complementary toiletries were lovely to use.

Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney

I enjoyed breakfasts at the Gumtree Restaurant & Bar on the ground floor. This is an attractive outdoor/indoor dining area set in a lush garden setting with hanging baskets, ferns and plants. I liked sitting at my table by the lush greenery of the garden wall and listening to the water trickle across the glass ceiling and down the rockery waterfall while I ate.

Each morning I chose the Buffet Breakfast and was impressed with the variety and quality of items available. On offer were fresh seasonal fruit, breakfast cereal, yoghurt, breads/toast, pastries, pancakes, croissants and hot food dishes. Rather than the fruit juices on offer, I preferred to make use of the coffee machine for making cappuccinos.

The Metro Aspire Hotel, Sydney offers two recently refurbished and contemporary meeting rooms that cater for corporate and private functions of up to 130 people. A range of packages is offered to assist organisers.

Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney

The Metro Aspire Hotel is not right in the middle of hectic Sydney, but is located in a calmer area on the edge of Darling Harbour. It is in a quiet one-way street that is lined with leafy green trees that I was able to view from my guestrooms floor to ceiling windows and balcony.

The Metro Aspire Hotel, Sydney is conveniently located on the fringe of the CBD and on the outer rim of the revamped Darling Harbour precinct. It provides easy access to Sydney’s most popular shopping, theatre, entertainment and business locations. It is within easy walking distance to Darling Quarter, Chinatown, Sydney Aquarium, Australian Maritime Museum, Cockle Bay Wharf, Powerhouse Museum, International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sydney Entertainment Centre and the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre. 

Nearby shopping includes the Broadway Shopping Centre, Central Park Mall and Paddy’s Market. The educational institutions of University of Technology (UTS), Institute of Technology (TAFE), and Sydney University are close by.

Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney

The nearest bus stop is just 300 metres from The Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney, the light rail stop is close by and the nearest train station, Central Station, is 1km away. Shuttle buses can be arranged to the airport.

Checking out did not take long and they were very helpful and accommodating in storing my luggage until I caught the train back home later in the afternoon

I was very impressed with my stay at the Metro Aspire Hotel, Sydney. It is a fantastic hotel near Darling Harbour and the CBD without the hustle and bustle, noise and high prices of Darling Harbour and CBD. I can't wait to go back for a third time to the Metro Aspire Hotel, Sydney so I can once again appreciate its comfort and hospitality.

View from my Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney balcony

Guests can book at Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 00 4321. 

Alternatively bookings can be made online at www.metrohotels.com.au. 

Check the hotel website for the latest specials and hot deals.

Metro Aspire Hotel, Sydney
383-389 Bulwara Road Ultimo, Sydney NSW 2007
Phone: +61 2 9211 1499
Fax: +61 2 9281 3764
Email Reservations

New accommodation in Yosemite’s Tuolumne County

Under Canvas Yosemite National Park

Visit Tuolumne is the official destination marketing organization for Tuolumne County in Northern California. 

The destination is known for its pristine, scenic expanse reaching into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Gold was discovered here in 1848, setting off the major gold rush of 1849. 

The Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park and other surrounding areas provide locations for hiking, rafting, horseback riding, camping, and winter sports. 

Under Canvas 

The glamping resort Under Canvas is to open at the edge of Yosemite National Park in the historic gold rush town of Groveland, a northern gateway town into the national park. 

The 99-unit resort will offer upscale, safari-inspired accommodation with optional en suite bathrooms, king-size beds and wood burning stoves. 

Under Canvas has locations across the US, with the Tuolumne County site the first California location.

www.undercanvas.com 

Terra Vi 

Located in Groveland, the 64- acre Terra Vi Lodge Yosemite will be home to 140 guest rooms, 25 cabins and a market. 

The resort’s strong eco credentials include on-site wells and roof-mounted solar panels. 

www.terravi.com 

Yonder Yosemite 

Yonder Hospitality offers onfarm holiday getaways and farm stays with guided farm tours, livestock feedings and nature walks. 

Yonder Yosemite will offer guest suite accommodations, a lodge, market and bar, pool and pool house and events space. 

www.myyosemitepark.com 

Rachel Santa Cruz at rsantacruz@blackdiamond.co.uk

Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is a remote volcanic island in Polynesia

Easter Island (Rapa Nui) 

A Chilean territory, it is known for archaeological sites including nearly 900 monumental statues called moai. 

These were created by inhabitants between the 13th and 16th centuries. 

The moai are carved human figures with oversize heads, often resting on massive stone pedestals called ahus. 

Ahu Tongariki has the largest group of upright moai. 

The Chilean government has announced that Rapa Nui is fully reopening to tourists from 1 August 2022. 

Where: Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile

www.easterisland.travel

www.lata.travel 

Katie Kosstick at katie@wearelotus.co.uk

The Turtley Corn Mill is a traditional pub in the in the South Devon

The Turtley Corn Mill 

This is a region of rural and coastal Devon stretching to the Dartmoor National Park and and embracing a coastline between Torbay and Plymouth. 

Much of the South Hams is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

The Turtley Corn Mill offers ‘good food, local beers and a great wine list’ Turtley takes advantage of the local produce including fresh fish landed daily, and meat from the best butchers around. 

Accommodation is provided via six in the main pub and two Lakeside Lodges. 

The Lakeside Lodges, the latest addition to the accommodation offering, are situated on the edge of the lake in the grounds. 

Each has its own balcony overlooking the lake, from which to watch the waterside wildlife, while inside they come with a king bed, bathroom with an antique roll top bath and a separate walk-in shower, along with a solid wood dining table. South Devon 

www.turtleycornmill.com, 

www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/places/south-hams and 

www.southdevonaonb.org.uk 

Hanna China at hanna@rawfoodanddrinkpr.co.uk

Da Nang developing as a ‘liveable’ city

The Golden Bridge offers a check-in for tourists visiting the
Sun World Ba Na Hills in Da Nang. The city has been designed
 as a liveable urban city. — Photo courtesy of Sun Group

With stable growth in the economy, infrastructure, urban management, tourism and investment attraction, Da Nang is challenging to develop into a ‘liveable’ city of regional and global status.

Economist Vo Tri Thanh said at a seminar on how to develop Da Nang as a destination and a liveable city in Viet Nam and region, emphasising that the central city had not yet approached the ‘liveable’ standard and it needed much progress to reach the target.

Thành said Da Nang had been known as a favourite destination in Việt Nam but was not yet a ‘worth living’ location in terms of enjoyment, relaxation, and entertainment.

“A ‘liveable’ city requires maximising consumption, commodities, working places while promoting a ‘green’ environment, humanity, safe, smart and sustainable conditions. It means that everything is available to the needs of the people,” Thành said.

“The city should have a favourable business environment, hospitality, good working space condition, and accommodations in comparison to luxury areas such as Dubai and Singapore.”

Tran Dinh Thien, former Director of the Viet Nam Institute of Economics, said Da Nang had a decade of economic development from 2010-20.

He said the city increased the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) by eight times as much as in 2010 while making it in the top-ten group in Provincial Competitive Index (PCI) Public Administration Performance Index from 2006-21 and hosting 8.7 million tourists in the successful year of 2019.

Thien said the city had formed an attractive urban city in central Viet Nam by planning key deep-sea airports, high-tech parks, an innovation centre, a logistics and multi-transport service centre, and a digital and smart urban city.

Luong Hoai Nam, a member of the Tourism Advisory Council, suggested that Da Nang should build a destination for the ‘super rich’ with luxurious services at the airport, and a yacht harbour with docking for long stays.

He said the COVID-19 was a chance for luxury service promotion as ‘rich’ people sought a ‘safe’ location or hidden destination as a safe shelter for their family members.

Nam said the Da Nang Airport, which plans to upgrade new terminals and a cargo terminal could handle 40 million passengers if it expands to the east with available area.

He also said visa exemptions should be applied to potential markets such as the European Union, India, Japan and others to boost the post-COVID-19 tourism recovery.

Tran Nguyen, head of the business section of Sun Group, said tourism was seen as one of the best income industries in Da Nang before COVID.

“We have been investing in unique entertainment projects and night-time festivals in the mountainous Sun World Ba Na Hills, Asia Park, Sky36 bar, beach musical fest, carnival, Electronic Dance Music (EDM) shows in offering day and night service for visitors,” Nguyen said.

She said the 10,000-seat restaurant and vine tunnel in Ba Na Hills – 1,500m above sea level – would be the favourite choice for nighttime entertainment during weekends and summer vacations.

Nguyen also said Sun Group debuted its airline, Sun Air, offering private jets service for ‘super rich’ people visiting Da Nang and Viet Nam.

She said the InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort – awarded the World’s Leading Luxury Resort in 2014-16 – had been one of the most luxurious accommodations for wealthy tourists.

The resort hosted a three-day vacation for billionaire financier George Soros in 2012.

The Director of the city’s tourism department, Truong Thi Hong Hanh, said the entertainment service of Sun Group attracted 60 per cent of tourists visiting the city.

The city’s tourism, which hosted 8.7 million tourists in 2019, was damaged by COVID-19 in 2010-21, but it expects to recover soon with a plan of receiving 3.5 million tourists in 2022.

Tourism made 23.7 per cent of the city’s GRDP in recent years.

Huynh Thi Lien Phuong, director of the city’s Investment Promotion Agency (IPA), said Da Nang had been revving up preparations for pivot projects such as an international finance centre, duty-free zone, nursing home, and international school with a hope that visitors would choose Da Nang as a second home, she said.

Da Nang has been planning to become a ‘smart city’ and the first in Viet Nam to join the ASEAN ‘smart’ city network by 2030 in the form of a world destination and a ‘liveable’ city.

The new Lien Chieu Port will be constructed by the third quarter of 2022 for handling cargo ships with 100,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) and container ships with loading capacities from 6,000 to 8,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), according to the city’s IPA.

Da Nang International Airport will handle 28 million passengers and 200,000 tonnes of cargo by 2030.

Two giant cranes work at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang.
The seaport system will be much invested to lure businesses
to the city. VNS Photo Cong Thanh

South Korea’s LG Electronics began construction of its R&D centre – the second in Viet Nam – in Da Nang in 2021, while the city will offer the most favourable conditions for Samsung to expand cooperation and investment in the city and central Viet Nam.

A top resort and a residential project – Mikazuki Japanese Resort & Spa ($168.16 million investment) and Fusion resort & villas Da Nang (nearly $100 million) – were open for hosting visitors in the post-COVID-19 era in the city.

Peter Meyer, General Director of Fusion resort & villas Da Nang, said: "Fusion Resort & Villas Danang will meet the high demand for lifestyle and relaxation as well as wellness in Viet Nam."
Source: VNS - vietnamnews.vn- July , 2022

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/

Journey into the wild with ToursbyLocals

The Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

ToursbyLocals offers private tours by local guides, including for a range of African safaris. These take in all major national parks and reserves throughout Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Rwanda, Nairobi and Botswana including :

Gorilla Trekking at Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

The Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda, covers 160 km² of rainforest and encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains. 

ToursbyLocals offers gorilla trekking in the park with Isaac observing the Gorillas. 

Gorilla Guardians Village offers the chance to meet local people, with Isaac ToursByLocals offers the five-day tour Trekking at Volcanoes National Park.

www.visitrwanda.com/destinations/volcanoes-national-park/

The Addo Elephant National Park, South African

Local guide Sithembiso offers tours of the Addo Elephant National Park, which is also home to the Big 5.

The park has the world's densest elephant population, lions, buffalo, the highly elusive black Rhino, along with antelope species and birds.

ToursByLocals offers eight-hour tour Addo guided Big Safaris.

www.addoelephantpark.info

The Wildebeests migration, Kenya

The Wildebeests migration, Kenya

The Great Migration is the movement of a million-plus wildebeest from the Serengeti in Tanzania into the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya. 

The Governors’ Camps in the Masai Mara Game Reserve are, allowing travellers to experience the migration. 

ToursByLocals offers a 3 Nights Exclusive Wildebeest Migration Safari. 

www.maasaimara.com

Nassau Paradise Island

Blue Lagoon Island

Nassau is located on New Providence, the eleventh largest island of the 700 island of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and off the coast of southern Florida. 

Nassau, the capital of the nation, and the neighbouring resort and entertainment hub of Paradise Island are connected by two 600-foot bridges. 

On Nassau Paradise Island, travellers can enjoy the islands’ white sand beaches, turquoise blue water and a range of accommodations, along with restaurants, shopping, nightclubs and popular attractions, including: 

Bahamas Historical Society Museum 

The museum collects and preserves historic, anthropological and archaeological Bahamian artifacts, and includes displays depicting Bahamian history from Columbus to the present. 

Bahamian Heritage Centre 

At the Bahamian Heritage Centre, guests can see authentic Bahamian artifacts, hear about local legends, and discover Island traditions like the Maypole, Greasy Pole, and Domino Square Balcony House.

This 18th-century restored historic structure (1788) is the oldest wooden residence still standing in Nassau and is a fine example of a tropical colonial house. 

The interior has been restored using both period antiques and objects original to the house. 

Beaches 

The powder-white sand beaches of Nassau Paradise Island are said to be some of the most beautiful in the world. 

The Sanctuary at Baha Mar 

Committed to the conservation and celebration of nature, the Wildlife Sanctuary offers guided tours for visitors to learn about marine wildlife as dedicated professionals feed and interact with nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and Caribbean fish. 

The Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre 

Known for being the first zoo in the Bahamas, the Ardastra began as a garden in 1937 and now has exotic plants and animals from around the world. 

Atlantis, Paradise Island

Dolphin Cay 

A 14-acre dolphin habitat located at the Atlantis, Paradise Island. Nassau Botanical Garden.

This 18-acre tropical garden has 600 species of trees and shrubs and hundreds of other scenic tropical plants, palms, fish and ponds. 

Golf 

The Atlantis Sports Center and the Ocean Club Golf Course offer an 18-hole course combined, with the new Baha Mar integrated resort destination home to an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. 

Horse riding 

The Happy Trails Stables offer scenic horseback riding excursions from Coral Harbour.

Tru Bahamian Food Tours 

The Tru Bahamian Food Tours lead guests on a culinary adventure through downtown Nassau with a variety of tour options highlighting the food and culture of the destination. 

Islandz Tours 

Combines local flavors of tasty treats and rum with cultural attractions and historical facts in a walking tour of downtown Nassau restaurants, bars and art galleries. 

Pirates of Nassau 

Pirates of Nassau Museum in the heart of downtown Nassau highlights the ‘Golden Age of Piracy’, a time when Nassau had the greatest concentration of pirates in the New World. 

John Watling’s Distillery 

The founders of John Watling’s rum are sixth-generation members of a rumproducing family, and offer complimentary tours of the distillery and historic Buena Vista Estate. 

Atlantis Paradise Island

Aquaventure 

Located in the Atlantis’ waterscape development, this 141-acre water-themed attraction is one of the largest in the world. 

Baha Bay Waterpark 

The new luxury beachfront waterpark at Baha Mar features a lazy river, surf simulator and a variety of thrilling slides. 

Fins Up Water Park 

Located at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau, Fins Up Water Park features four water slides, a lazy river, SurfStream boogie board simulation and a rock-climbing wall along with an SOS bar that parents will love. 

Blue Lagoon Island 

Located three miles from Nassau, Blue Lagoon Island is a private tropical island open to visitors, which offers paddle boarding, snorkeling and underwater scooters. 

It is also home to to the dolphins and sea lions of Dolphin Encounters.

 

www.nassauparadiseisland.com 

Ella Chancellor at ellac@louhammond.com

The Guernsey Autumn Walking Festival

The Guernsey Autumn Walking Festival

Guernsey’s Autumn Walking Festival offers over 40 morning, afternoon, and evening guided walks to explore the islands of Guernsey, Herm and Sark. 

Organised by the Bailiwick of Guernsey Guild of Accredited Guides, the walks range from rambles through the island’s interior scenic landscape to exploring the rugged coastal paths. 

They vary in difficulty and length, from one to five hours including an all-day Sark option and are suitable for all ages and abilities. 

Guernsey is one of the Channel Islands in the English Channel near the French coast. It's known for beach resorts like Cobo Bay and the scenery of its coastal cliffs. 

Castle Cornet, a 13th-century harbor fortification in the capital of St. Peter Port, now contains history and military museums. 

Hauteville House is the former home of French writer, Victor Hugo.

Channel Islands, 17 September to 2 October 2022

www.visitguernsey.com 

Dovile Stuknyte at dovile@wearelotus.co.uk

Geneva Tourism is highlighting the city’s position as an urban leisure destination

Geneva Resort Pass

Until 31 August 2022, tourists visiting Geneva will receive a complimentary Geneva Resort Pass, with discounted or free access to over 100 activities, together with a Geneva Transport Card. 

Geneva sits at the southern tip of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) and is surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains and views of Mont Blanc. 

It has a strong French influence by way of language, gastronomy and in bohemian districts like Carouge. 

www.geneve.com/en/plan-a-trip/special-offers/resort-pass 

Lola Sherwin at LSherwin@thecommunicationgroup.co.uk

New cultural tourism experience - Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, Victoria

Budj Bim Cultural Landscape

The First Nations owned-and-operated, Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism, has launched in Gunditjmara Country in Victoria’s far Southwest.

The new Indigenous cultural experience will enable visitors to discover and appreciate the region’s ‘ancient living heritage’.

There is evidence of peoples working waterways here at least 6,600 years ago. 

The new cultural tourism experience embraces the Budj Bim National Park and Tae Rak (Lake Condah.

The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the first Australian landscape to be included purely for its Indigenous cultural values.

Small group tours led by Gunditjmara cultural guides will offer visitors the chance to discover the Indigenous culture and landscape at Budj Bim through First Nations people’s eyes.

Victoria features diverse regions and attractions from pristine beaches and national parks teeming with wildlife to sweeping coastlines and the Great Ocean Road, one of the finest scenic coastal drives. It can be explored from the capital, Melbourne

www.budjbim.com.au and 

www.visitmelbourne.com/uk
Enrique Martin at VisitVictoria@fourcommunications.com