The Mercure Central Is Newly Refurbished, How Does It Rate For Families??

Now I had not walked around in Central for many, many years, so when an offer came to check out the newly refurbished Mercure Central Hotel, I jumped at the chance.

A bunch of travel writers were given a tour of the hotel, plus a guided walk around the area – another post on that to come.

I used to be around Central a fair bit, catching trains, meeting people from trains and walking from Darling Harbour to Chippendale, Surry Hills and surrounds.

Well, it’s changed a lot in the past 20 years I can tell you.

But back to the Mercure, it’s also changed a lot.  All 517 rooms have been refurbished and the entire hotel has had a face lift. The hotel serves a mix of business and leisure travellers, and below I’ll make a few points about how it caters to families.

But first, a glam shot of the upgraded hotel. Note the ‘high diving board’ feature running up the front.

I find the huge circular windows at the front entrance very cool.

My photo of the high diving board feature on a moody grey day.

The Mercure Central For Families

Well, the hotel is a 4-star hotel. Prices vary depending on the time of year but it’s generally going to be a much more economical option that hotels on the harbour or at Darling Harbour.

Central is so central: the hotel is right by the station so getting around the city is made very easy.

Darling Quarter with its great playground and cafes is just a short walk away… plus all the other delights of Darling Harbour of course.

Chinatown is also just a short walk away.

Standard rooms have either a queen bed or two doubles. So if your kids are little and will fit in a double, that’s the one for you.

The De Luxe rooms have a queen bed and a sofa bed so can also work well for families too.

The hotel has a swimming pool and gym on the top floor, and family-friendly cafes and restaurants.

The lovely Prince Alfred Park is very close by, with its snazzy swimming pool and delightfully eccentric playground.

Isn’t this just too sweet?

Here follows some photos of the hotel – all the glam ones were provided by the hotel… as if you wouldn’t guess that.

Standard room

Travel writers checking out a standard room.

De luxe rooms, lots have fantastic city views.

The pool and gym at the very top of the building.

Good spot to wear out the kids

See where the pool juts out into the top of the diving board feature.

A gym with a city view

Central Station is just there. Central used to the transport, retail and hotel hub of Sydney. The Station was build it 1908.

Oh that chair looks comfy…

I’d really appreciate these magazines if I was a guest

The Four Elements Restaurant served us a delicious meal

The breakfast set up, my family’s favourite meal out in a hotel.

Four Elements Restaurant by night

So if you’re looking for a place to stay in Sydney, do check out the Mercure Central. It won’t break the bank, especially if you take up one of the Family Fun Offers. It’s close to the city’s transport hubs and just a short walk from many attractions.

Hope you enjoyed the nosey around this Sydney hotel. I‘m hoping to bring more posts like this to the blog next year.

Which Sydney hotel would you recommend for families?

Happy travelling

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