For horse lovers, The William Inglis Hotel in Sydney’s Warwick Farm is a bucket list luxury hotel, but everyone will love the offerings of this special destination.
Before you even reach the lobby of The William Inglis Hotel by MGallery, a celebration of Australian horse racing begins. Positioned on the side of the busy Warwick Farm Race Course, the delightful flower-filled hotel gardens flow out to surround the Riverside Stables.
The equestrian theme continues throughout the lobby, café, restaurant and bars, with something interesting for horse lovers at every turn. From beautifully framed photos and sophisticated artworks, to walls bearing plaques of former champion horses’ names, signed memorabilia, sculptures and subtle details such as cabinetry and staircases styled upon the design of stable doors, it’s a treasure hunt of racing symbolism.
If you want to further raise the bar, treat yourself to the Presidential Suite (aka The Black Caviar Suite) on level 8, that has the best views of the Riverside Stables. It includes a kitchenette and a large dining room, as well as the spacious lounge room and highly detailed bedroom.
You won’t want to leave this horsey haven, unless of course it’s to be pampered at the dreamy Inglis Day Spa, or to take a dip in the roof top pool where you might want to sip on champagne and indulge in oysters and a cheese platter, bought to you by the friendly staff while you lounge in a cabana and watch the races.
If you feel like an afternoon or evening out, there’s the Heroic Café for coffee and treats, the 1867 Lounge Bar for a wine, beer, or night cap, and The Newmarket Room Restaurant, which has a well-deserved Australian Good Food Guide hat.
You can dine inside, surrounded by more equine-themed artworks, or go alfresco in the sprawling courtyard, surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens.
The menu is filled with hearty classics such as tender lamb cutlets, and Black Angus eye fillet steaks, but the team of talented chefs also ensure there are plenty of surprising culinary flourishes to enjoy. For instance, try the signature dish of Minute Steak with watermelon, feta and pumpkin seeds, adorned with mint and balsamic pearls. It’s served with deliciously wicked hand-cut chips with a tongue-tingling salsa verde.
As any horse-loving person who loves a flutter knows, winning on the horses is never a sure thing. Unlike a stay at the William Inglis Hotel – which is sure to have you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and utterly inspired by the many remarkable moments in Australian horse racing.
If you enjoyed this story about a horse-lovers hotel in Sydney, check out our article about hotels and restaurants in Albury-Wodonga.