You might have followed along on social media, but Caz and her kids flew to the Gold Coast from Sydney for a one-week getaway to visit friends.
I decided to remain in NSW, work on the website redesign, among other things, and allow the girls some girl time.
We were born and raised on the Central Coast in NSW. We are now staying with our parents while we wait for our USA visas to be granted.
It takes two hours to drive from the Central Coast to Sydney Airport (depending on traffic and time). I prefer going to the train because of the cost and hassle, especially with luggage.
Caz and her kids returned to Sydney late in the afternoon. To avoid the 2-3 hours of rush hour traffic on the Central Coast, we decided to stay the night and partner with Holiday Inn Sydney Airport. We wanted to see what they had to offer for families.
Holiday Inn is a great place for families. We have stayed at their other properties, and we know that they really value family time.
After dropping off my car at the Holiday Inn, I took the shuttle to the domestic terminal, where Caz and her kids were waiting.
I’m not sure about you, but I’m always excited to visit airports. This time was extra exciting because an 8-day gap is too long, and I couldn’t wait for them to tell me all about their journey.
Family Friendly
We were immediately struck by the friendly atmosphere and Christmas spirit as soon as we walked into the lobby. Holiday Inn has a children’s check-in desk, and the entrance is decorated with gingerbread houses and Christmas decorations.
The kids were so excited to start their activity pack as soon as they entered our room. They couldn’t wait for their long-awaited cuddles with their father!
These packs will keep your child entertained for hours. They are great to have in the bedroom or during dinner. And they provide a nice distraction from electronics, which is something we as parents appreciate!
Location
The Holiday Inn is located only 1 km from Sydney Domestic Airport and 5km away from the International Terminal.
Why not sleep just around the corner? You’ll have more time to rest and less stress!
Park, Stay, and Go Package
We tested their Park, stay & go package and found it to be a great choice for travelers flying into or out of Sydney who want the convenience of driving themselves to the airport.
We find it difficult to travel to the airport by train, especially when we have to drag our luggage. It is also costly. The train takes 75 minutes to Central Station. After that, you have to change trains and take the expensive airport connection, which takes an additional 15-20 minutes.
Parking at Sydney Airport can be expensive. This package will take care of it.
Package includes
Accommodation for two adults in a double room
Buffet breakfast for two adults
Two-way airport transfers
Parking underground for seven nights.
Enjoy a free stay and meal for children
You know how expensive it can be to travel with children. Holiday Inn offers a variety of family-friendly deals, such as “kids can eat for free” or “kids can stay for free.”
When sharing bedding with up to two kids, children aged 12 and younger are free.
Holiday Inn Sydney Airport offers connecting rooms and family rooms depending on the size of your family.
Holiday Inn offers a wide selection of pillows. You can select between soft or firm cushions. I prefer a firmer pillow, while the kids chose the softer option.
Remember the animal towels that kids love, like this swan?
In terms of meals, children aged 12 or under can eat for free at any time of the day in one of the restaurants on-site when accompanied by an adult dining from the main menu.
We took our kids to the movie room downstairs, which was equipped with a large screen, beanbags, and snacks.
While they watched Aladdin with great joy, mummy & daddy went next door to the Biggles Bar for a little time out. They also had a snack. Biggles Bar offers $10 food deals during the week.
As health-conscious parents, we were very impressed by the variety of healthy choices available on their kids’ menus.
Caz loved her black Angus fillet. I enjoyed the lemon & oregano chicken breast. Kalyra had the 100% lean kids’ beef burger.
We don’t usually eat dessert, but the choices sounded so good that we sneaked back up to our room. The kids had a banana split, and we had berry pannacotta.
Airport Return Transfers
We had to take a taxi to connect from the international terminal at Sydney Airport to the domestic terminal in order to catch a flight. This cost us $26 each.
You can’t believe it? I am utterly annoyed by the cost of parking and transportation at Sydney Airport and how much we pay to travel between the domestic and international terminals!
The fact that the Sydney Super Shuttle provides FREE airport transfers from and to the Holiday Inn Sydney Airport when you book the Park, Stay & Go Package is very important.
You can also get secure underground parking for as long as seven nights at the Holiday Inn if you drive there like I did.
What a convenience! There’s no need to drag your children and luggage around to hail a cab or walk to an impractical Uber pickup point. Win-win!
The airport shuttle runs every 30-45 minutes between 5:30 a.m. and 10:55 p.m., seven days a week. The Domestic Airport’s pickup area is just a short distance from T2 and T3.
Other Hotel Features
Front Desk Services
ATM On Site
Baggage Storage
Tour Desk
Currency Exchange
24-Hour Front Desk
Holiday Inn Sydney Airport offers a 24-hour front desk with arrival and departure flight information.
If you need more time to relax or sleep, there is a 24-hour gym.
IHG Rewards Club – Free
We learned about the IHG Rewards Club while staying at the hotel.
Holiday Inn belongs to the InterContinental Hotels Group. By joining, you will receive benefits like:
Free WiFi
Exclusive Rates
Only Elite members and those with a confirmed reservation can check out late at 2 p.m. (normal check-out time is 11:00 a.m.).
Earn points or miles on every stay
Reward Nights are not subject to blackout dates
Sydney is a great place to visit
Holiday Inn Sydney Airport, located only five minutes from Mascot Train Station, which takes you into the heart of Sydney, is the perfect place to stay if you are a first-time visitor to Sydney.
You could be walking the Harbour Bridge in no time and snapping family photos at the Sydney Opera House.