Festivals, Events, Awards at Blue, A Taj Hotel, Sydney

BLUE, a Taj Hotel, Sydney has had a busy year so far, garnering a shelf full of awards and rave reviews. As the hotel gears up for spring, new features like blue bikes, a full refurbishment and Bar of the Year status will keep BLUE humming along at the top of the Sydney tourism and social scene.

In keeping with the celebration theme, WATERBAR is still reveling in its 2012 "Bar of the Year" nod from the Tourism Accommodation Australia (NSW) Awards. BLUE is also celebrating the completed refurbishment of its rooms and common areas. Here are more details on the springtime festivities and new features at BLUE.

SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL – CRAVE A COCKTAIL AT WATERBAR

WATERBAR is one of the top bars in the SIFF-Crave a Cocktail promotion. Mixologists all over Sydney will be mixing it up for October with clever cocktails and canapés for $20. Guests of WATERBAR during the month can enjoy a "Sweet Sensation" - Chambord, vodka, caramel liquor, grapefruit and pineapple juices served tall over crushed ice - matched with a Parisian prawn ceviche canapé with lemon, shallot, thyme, avocado and a berry coulis.

BLUE BIKES

Starting October, BLUE Sydney has an exciting new way to enjoy Sydney's beautiful harbor foreshore. It's BLUE bikes! Well, they are actually gold (keeping with Taj's flagship color scheme) and are for the exclusive use of guests to ride around Woolloomooloo and its stunning surroundings. Two vintage style “fixie” bikes will be at the front of the hotel and can be booked, even with a picnic lunch. BLUE is the only hotel in Sydney to offer this very “hipster” service, another cool factor at BLUE, Sydney's coolest hotel.

BLUE REFURBISHMENT

Guests staying at BLUE Sydney will notice the iconic property has had a subtle makeover, designed to refresh its cool urban décor in time for spring. In the unique warehouse style hallways, a new custom-designed carpet featuring an indigenous-inspired aquatic motif has been introduced, echoing the hotel's harbor setting. Each of the 100 guest rooms, including 36 stunning Loft Suites, has been refurbished with flaxen carpet and new finishes. The rooms retain the authenticity and charm of their wonderful, historic wharf setting whilst providing the latest in modern luxury, with views of either the Woolloomooloo Bay Village or the Sydney Harbor foreshores.

AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS

- BLUE's iconic WATERBAR was named “Bar of the Year” at the Tourism Accommodation Australia (NSW) Awards for Excellence 2012. This is the second year in a row that it has won the Award
- 2012 BLUE Sydney features at No. 4 in the Luxury Travel Gold List in the category of Best Australian Hotel
- 2012 BLUE Sydney features at No. 3 in the Luxury Travel Gold List in the category of Best Australian boutique property, villa or lodge
- 2012 BLUE Sydney features at No. 9 in the Top 25 Trendiest Hotels in Australia in the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards
- 2012 BLUE Sydney features at No. 11 in the Top 25 Trendiest Hotels in South Pacific in the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards
- 2012 Conde Nast UK, GOLD LIST includes BLUE Sydney

MELBOURNE CUP RETURNS TO WATERBAR

For the last two years, WATERBAR has hosted Sydney's most glamorous and extravagant Melbourne Cup event, and this year the celebration returns, bigger and better than ever before. Guests will watch the races live on giant screens, sip champagne, enjoy a sumptuous buffet and an afternoon of entertainment, prizes and festivities. It will be a Melbourne Cup Day to remember, and is a must on the social calendar. $169 PER PERSON

WATERBAR IS TAKING CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW!

Situated in one of Sydney's most historic and unique venues, WATERBAR at BLUE has become one of Sydney's best locations for corporate and private events. WATERBAR at BLUE offers the flexibility to accommodate any sized function group for cocktail events or launches and can be booked for 10 to 500 guests. With a sensational team skilled in event management to deliver your every party need, BLUE Sydney is a knock-out Christmas party venue.

About: BLUE Sydney