In February of 1993, Sydney’s hospitality industry changed forever with The Observatory Hotel opening its doors and rapidly becoming the hotel of choice for Sydney’s social set and prestigious international guests alike.

The hotel has since developed a global reputation for quality service, elegant style and overall dedication to excellence. And with more than fifty awards collected over the fifteen years of operation, the hotel continues to operate with the classic and unruffled efficiency of an English country manor house while at the same time being an unmistakably Australian property.

The longevity of a hotel business within a turbulent tourism industry, quite simply, requires two things; a dedicated team of staff ‘front and back of house’ and, at its head, a visionary industry leader. The vast majority of The Observatory Hotel’s success to date can be attributed to the fact that it has had both these assets throughout its 15-year history.

The hotel’s Managing Director, Mr Patrick Griffin, is the longest serving five-star hotel general manager in Australia, having been at the helm of the property since its opening.

“This hotel operates very much like a large and sophisticated house party,” he says. “It has been in full swing for 15 years and I am delighted to say it shows no sign of slowing down.”

Michael Anderson, Chief Concierge and one of a number of senior staff who was with Patrick when the hotel opened fifteen years ago agrees, the party will go on.

“ I have had the honour of serving kings, sheikhs, prime ministers, film stars and rock ‘n’ roll royalty over the years at The Observatory Hotel and it’s our gimmick-free devotion to service that is as is as fresh and welcome today as it was 15 years ago.

“In that respect, and in many others, this is a truly timeless hotel,” he says. “It’s unique. Its type just doesn’t exist anywhere else.”
Just ask Kylie Minogue, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, Sam Neil, John Farnham, Tom Jones, Sir Richard Branson and the scores of other celebrity guests who have slipped in through the glass doors and been wrapped up in the hotel’s luxurious hospitality.

To celebrate the hotel’s 15th anniversary, a number of special offers are now available at the hotel ranging from free spa treatments in the Day Spa, discounted degustation dinners in the award-winning restaurant, Galileo and a promotional offer on all suite accommodation booked for stays in 2008.

For more information on The Observatory Hotel and the special offers available, please visit www.observatoryhotel.com.au or phone +61 2 8248 5220.

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For further media information on Orient-Express Hotels in Australia, please contact Kim Salt on 02 8248 5282 or email ksalt@observatoryhotel.com.au. High resolution images can be downloaded from www.orient-expressimages.com

Notes to Editor

15th Anniversary Offers:

1. Sweet Fifteen
Throughout 2008, reservations made for Junior and Executive Suites will attract a 15% discount when guests quote ‘Sweet Fifteen’ at time of booking. Discounted Suite accommodation starts from $420 per room per night and offer is valid until 26.12.08.

2. Galileo Restaurant
Experience Chef Haru Inukai’s celebrated and beautiful blend of traditional French cuisine with tantalising Japanese influences.
          
Five-course degustation menu costs $65 per person 
Seven-course degustation menu costs $85 per person

Offer available from Sunday to Thursday nights until 30th June 2008.

3. Day Spa at The Observatory Hotel
Now is your chance to experience Day Spa’s signature treatments by taking advantage of this one-time 15th anniversary special offer.  Book a Poultice Therapy Experience and receive either The Observatory Full Body Exfoliation or The Observatory Hydrating Wrap as an added treat from us to you.

The 15th Anniversary Treatment costs $225 and is 1hr 45mins in length (save $95.00) and valid until 26.12.08.