Sydney

Part of a chain formed in 1995 by Stamford Land Corporation Ltd, one of Singapores best known public companies, Stamford hotels and resorts have a range of hotels and resorts in key cities in Australia and New Zealand, with plans to expand in Asia and South America. Their properties are 4.5 and 5 star outlets, some suites and some hotels.

My stay was booked on their website 'www.stamford.com.au' using the "book a package" link rather than a straightforward reservation, and was offered a Palm Suite for AUD 120 (c£48) a night room only.

There is ample on site free parking for drivers, there is bus stops to and from the city directly opposite and there was always taxis in the forecourt.

TV Programmes were limited to the 5 main TV channels, and covered quite a bit of sport, but also many British and American dramas, although they are a bit behind the UK in showings.




CATERING
The breakfast couldn't be faulted. A range of fresh fruits, cereals, juices, bread, toast and rolls, bacon, Sausage, eggs, pancakes, cold meats, fishes and cheeses.

The hotel offers both a la carte and buffet meals during the lunchtimes and evenings, and although the buffet was rather pricey, (38 dollars at lunch, and 42.50 in the evenings) if you are a big meal eater then I would seriously suggest giving it a try.

On offer was always a superb range of shellfish and seafood, salad, cold meats, cheeses, fish, breads and hot meals such as curry, ribs rice and potatoes, and you could take as long as you wanted to eat and visit the buffet bars as many times as your want took you. The quality was excellent as was the service

SERVICE
No stone was left unturned, nothing was too much trouble for the hotel, and many British outlets could do far worse than take a leaf out of their book.

Superb outlet that was very difficult to fault. If you are on a limited budget, then you are getting 5 star luxury at 3 star prices.