If you’re looking for a luxury hotel stay within the walls of the Harbour City, you’re spoiled for choice – with Sydney home to more award-winning city stays than anywhere else in Australia. Outside of the city, finding a super high-end stay can be more of a challenge, but a wildly luxe new option has just opened its doors just over an hour from Sydney’s CBD.
It’s been more than a year since the initial plans were revealed for the Central Coast’s mega hotel development, a new super-sparkly stay promising far-reaching views, a glittering rooftop ballroom and a stunning swim-up bar. Now, the doors have officially opened at the huge new hotel.
RECOMMENDED READ: Here’s our guide to the Central Coast
Voco Gosford welcomed its first guests last week, and with 130 rooms, it’s one to add to your holiday hit list for the festive season if you’re keen to escape the city without too much travel time.
Just over an hour’s drive from Sydney, the sky-high new hotel – part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium portfolio – has set a new standard for luxury in the area, with guest rooms featuring plush bedding, modern bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies opening up to views along the coastline.
RECOMMENDED READ: These are the best weekend getaways close to Sydney
Guests at the new hotel can spend their days lounging by the podium-level pool, cooling down with a cocktail at the swim-up bar, unwinding in the wellness centre, or fuelling up at the precinct’s six dining and bar experiences. Family-friendly Archies serves Aussie pub classics, Ironbark Kitchen is the place to come for woodfired steaks, trattoria-style Italian eatery Paolo’s is the go-to for hand-rolled pasta, and the pool bar is the place to beeline for on a sunny Saturday.
But based on what we know so far, it's the sky-high Astra (perched on Level 28, as the Central Coast’s highest rooftop bar) that steals the spotlight. Led by Michelin star-trained Executive Chef Maxime Chasseriaud and Sous Chef Harry Cho, the rooftop izakaya offers Japanese-inspired dishes with a fire-driven edge. And yes, they’ll be hosting a glittering NYE celebration here, but you’ll want to get in quick to book your spot.
Bookings are open now. You can learn more and stay in the loop via the Voco Gosford website.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, things to do and travel inspo, straight to your inbox.