Zoë Foster Blake’s Five Favourite Ways to Do Crown Sydney

There are two types of people at Crown Sydney: those who have a plan, and those who end up accidentally having the best time of their lives.

Enter Zoë Foster Blake – author, entrepreneur and someone who knows how to squeeze maximum joy out of a hotel stay (with a healthy respect for chocolate fountains and perfectly timed robe moments). Her approach to Crown is less itinerary, more instinct – which is exactly how the best stays unfold.

From poolside spritzes to unapologetically long breakfasts and spa rituals that should probably be prescribed, this is Crown Sydney through Zoë’s lens - a little indulgent, slightly chaotic in the best way, and very, very fun.

1. Get to that pool

Kids can goof around in the shallows; grown-ups can slurp on a Spritz. The view is ludicrous, the music is loud and the vibe is high; you immediately feel like you’re on holiday. This is absolutely Sydney’s best pool.

2. Breakfast is the Main Meal

Dinner is great, lunch is fine, but THE BREAKFAST BUFFET REIGNS SUPREME. Be sure to book, arrive hungry, and settle in for an unrushed breakfast degustation. There are no rules! Fruit then dumplings then eggs then crepes then dumplings again! Drink a holiday amount of coffee! Physically remove your children from chocolate fountain! There are no bad times at Epicurean. 

3. Tap out at the spa

For many years, I have quietly booked myself a massage at Crown on the afternoon of Mother’s Day. It’s my gift to me, and I protect it fiercely. I get there an hour early to steam and sauna. I arrive with dirty hair and nowhere to be afterwards. I wear comfy soft clothes for the oily post-massage drive home. (Did you know valet parking is included when you visit the spa? Improves floaty after-feel by 97%.)

4. Dress up for dinner

We think of Crown as a celebration place, it tends to be where we (and many others) head for birthdays and triumphant achievements. Golden Century is the family favourite, because: Peking Duck. Nobu when it’s just the parents. And Pizza ‘Mare for a post-pool refuel. 

5. Don’t dress up for dinner

A white fluffy robe, a room service spag bol and a movie might be this introvert’s favourite thing on earth to do, be that with the whole family, or solo on a work trip. That you get to look at a glorious pink sky setting over the harbour, or down at the twinkling lights of a bustling nighttime Cockle Bay (and feeling quite thrilled and smug not to be part of it) adds to the magic. Can’t have a hotel that high and not get a cracking view.

Proof that there’s no “right” way to do Crown Sydney — just your way.

Whether you’re here for a celebration, a reset, or a perfectly executed hotel room hermit night (highly endorsed), take Zoë’s lead: do more of what feels good, stay longer than planned, and never underestimate the power of great food, a good robe, and an even better view.

And if in doubt? Start at the pool.