Instagram and blogging has brought me and my partner to various venues, events, trying various products and testing various food. This is by far the most exciting collaboration we have ever done.
Two weeks ago, we began our Staycation journey at Atura Blacktown. My partner and I were both raised in the south of Sydney so we haven't really had the opportunity to venture out to the Greater West other than for work.
Two weeks ago, we began our Staycation journey at Atura Blacktown. My partner and I were both raised in the south of Sydney so we haven't really had the opportunity to venture out to the Greater West other than for work.
I don't have a car space in my apartment so we typically get around by foot, uber or public transport. Occasionally - and this is quite rare - we would take a 40 min train ride back to my parent's place to pick up my car and drive to our destination. We did this for a friend's wedding down in Kiama. I checked google maps and we decided it was do-able by public transport. Our train ride to Blacktown was swift and pleasant, we got onto the bus at Blacktown Shopping Centre, neither of us were paying attention so we ended up doing a loop and ended up back at Blacktown Shopping Centre. After much deliberation we finally decided to take an Uber, the driver dropped us off at Atura safely within 10 minute. That's when I started to missed my little desheveled Yaris as it would have only took 45 driving minutes from Sydney CBD. The bottom line is, bring a car because you will want to treat yourself to Skyline Drive in just next door.
As we entered Atura we saw a funky reception desk, received a very friendly greeting alongside our swipe cards to our room. To the right of the reception there were families sitting on the lounge, playing a game of pool and kids versing each other on a tabletop arcade machine. To be honest, we didn't have time to research Atura before we arrived so we weren't too sure what to expect. We made our way into the lift, there were 2 levels.
As soon as we opened the door to our hotel room we were both in awe. Only 3 weeks ago we spent 2 weeks in 6 different hotels traveling through Europe - design wise, they were all quite standard. So we were pleasantly surprised to see something different, some quirky, urban and industrial inspired.
Our room had the following facilities:
- Complimentary High speed wifi
- Coffee pod machine with complimentary capsules
- Complimentary milk, tea and coffee
- Work desk area
- 42inch flat screen LCD TV with Foxtel
- Fully equipped kitchenette with cooking elements (including Microwave, kettle, cutlery and a sink)
- Mini bar
- In-room safe
- Telephone with voicemail
- Controlled air conditioning
- Iron and ironing board
We loved the colour schemes, the prints, décor and furniture. We spent a good amount of time looking through everything, checking out the mini bar and studying the prints on the wall. I especially liked the print behind the couch.
I would say that this is probably the quirkiest hotel we have been to thus far.
An overnight stay is extremely affordable - check Atura's website for a quote! There are twin rooms, king rooms and accessible rooms.
The bathroom was well equipped with a luxurious range of amenities from Malin & Goetz. Toothbrush and toothpaste are not included so make sure you don't forget - I often make this mistake. If you need a straightening iron you can borrow a GHD from reception - I KNOWWWWW!!!!!! Atura have really thought of everything.
After we settled down in our hotel rooms, we decided to go down to the pool for a wander. We found beautifully coloured sun decks and a floating peacock in the pool!! There was also a pin pong table away from the pool in case you want a game!
We enjoyed a beautiful dinner at the RoadHouse Bar and Grill located on the ground floor of Atura Blacktown. We were served a range of salads, protein and of course, our favourite - Salmon! Following our dinner, we headed off to our surprise event at Skyline Drive in, because we did not have a car, Jenn kindly organised for us to use the hotel's 1960s Cadillac!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SKYLINE DRIVE IN
Let me tell you a little about Skyline Drive in - it is one of the two last surviving drive in cinemas in Australia and the only drive in cinema in Sydney. The functionality will bring back memories, you will find staff greeting you at the entrance, providing you with an old school admission ticket. There is a retro style candy bar where you can purchase your snacks or hot chips before the movie. Skyline screenings are available 7 days a night showing movies after from 6pm. If you decide to go on a weekend, make sure to arrive early as there is likely to be a long car queue!
Pricing as per below:
1 Car with 1 person $12.50
1 Car with 2 people $25.00
1 Car with 3 people $37.50
1 Car with 4 people $50.00
1 Car with 5 people $62.50
1 Car with 6 people $75.00
1 Car with 2 people $25.00
1 Car with 3 people $37.50
1 Car with 4 people $50.00
1 Car with 5 people $62.50
1 Car with 6 people $75.00
There is an additional $1.20 booking fee per vehicle.
We watched Jurassic World and it was an incredible experience, our very first time at a Drive In and doing it right in a Cadillac! There were 2 movies screening at the same time, the other movie was The Incredibles. This is hands down, one of the best date night ideas, you can turn it into something even more special with an overnight stay at Atura (5min walk).
ROYAL CRICKETERS ARM HOTEL
The Royal Cricketers Arm's Pub is a historical heritage listed building that was first licensed in 1880, the pub was recently refurbished to cater for all visitors. This pub is fantastic for families, friends, workplace functions and other celebrations. Why? Because there's no gaming room, no TAB and no pool table. Thus, an opportunity to spend quality time with your friends/family and enjoy food from the pub's extensive menu, from Poke Bowls to Schnitzel with chips. Open 7 days per week for lunch and dinner. Look out for nightly specials from $15 and Sunday roasts! Oh not to mention your ears will love the live music.
What else is amazing about this pub? It's only a 2 minute walk from Atura!!!
We had the opportunity to taste the new menu a was incredibly spoiled with the generous spread - I may have had 2 blueberry cheesecake servings. We were literally in food heaven. I especially liked the Poke Bowl with fresh salmon and brown rice. Yum!
We easily spent a few hours hanging out at Royal Cricketers Arm Pub filling our bellies, listening to live music and sipping mixed Tanqueray.
WEBSITES:
Atura Blacktown
Skyline Drive in
Royal Cricketers Arms Pub
Great review. I think we have the other last drive in. I haven’t been in years though. I didn’t realise there were only two left in Australia. That spread at the pub is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI don’t have a blog. =)
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing collaboration! Drive in in a Cadillac! I love it!
ReplyDeleteGreat reading yourr post
ReplyDelete