Spoilt rotten

There’s something deliciously decadent about strolling through the lobby of a five-star hotel – after lazily checking out at 10.30am on a Tuesday morning – then languidly ambling to your inner-city hairdressing appointment in the spring sunshine.

I had SUCH a fun time test-driving the Secret Hotels app for lastminute.com.au on Monday night/Tuesday morning.

As mentioned in yesterday’s blog, I was on my first official assignment as a travel content producer for escape.com.au.

My destination: the Sofitel Wentworth, which has this cute policy of being all ooh-la-la French, with lots of bon jours and bonne nuits and copies of Le Monde newspaper in the lobby.

I scored an upgrade to a “luxury king room” …

I took an artful selfie in the bathroom that conceals both my tuckshop arms and basset cheeks …

Plus, the divine Sarah King at lastminute.com.au threw in some special “small surprises” just for me.

On arrival there were strawberries and chocolate dipping sauce …

Plus other delicious sweet treats waiting …

And a lovely bottle of De Bortoli sparkling …

Then reception called to say a delivery of Miss Chu dumplings had arrived …

Nom, nom. (Sarah had spotted on my Twitter profile that I was a “Mother, blogger, dumpling lover and travel writer.” Bless her!)

So I curled up on a comfy chair in the room and admired the city lights while sipping on champers and supping on dumplings and felt very princessy.

And then I got some other lovely pressies (that were not from Sarah).

After every last drop of the champers had been savoured, the idea of leaving the hotel was idly contemplated then dismissed in favour of the convenience of the Sofitel lobby bar, Soiree …

I ordered a rather luscious champagne cocktail called a Berry Nice …

A margarita also arrived …

Along with a plate of salt and pepper calamari (the photo looks a bit weirdy blue though, which is not what you really want in a plate of salt and pepper calamari, so I’ll spare you that one).

Soon afterwards, I was startled to be informed by the waitress that it was time for last drinks. Somehow it was 10.30pm and king-sized bedtime.

The next morning, Sarah had organised a complimentary breakfast in the dining room. Here’s my arty shot of my choices from the buffet …

All too soon, it was time to check out and return to the real world.

I’m already contemplating a return visit to the Secret Hotel app. Life’s too short not to treat yourself to the occasional spontaneous five-star hotel on the cheap.

Although next time I might try and make it out of the hotel to visit a cool restaurant or bar. Especially since there won’t be any delicious “small surprises” from Sarah … I’ll need to make my own fun.

I think I’m up to the challenge.

Song of the day: Vanessa Paradis “Mi Amor”