Ritz-Carlton Double Bay, Sydney

Shane Arrold, Olympics Concierge

Looking forward to the Olympics?

Yes - Sydney is buzzing with excitement. Homebush Stadium is very busy with hourly tours. It is often said that Australia is too remote, but the Games give us the opportunity to welcome tourists who may not otherwise come to Australia.

How is the hotel preparing?

We have established foreign language classes for our employees to teach them the basics of as many languages as possible. The menus are being changed to include dishes from around the world as well as typical Australian food and cocktails will have a special Olympic theme. The Olympic concierge service will be able to help with all the changes to travel arrangements and opening times for the duration of the Games. Festivities will be centred on the lounge area where events will be screened and we even have a special Olympic revival package for guests.

Any worries?

The biggest challenge is to ensure the security of the hotel so that high-profile guests have total privacy.

What about alternative days out?

If guests do get Olympics fatigue, there are lots of things they can do in and out of Sydney. There is the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, the Harbour Cruise and of course the Opera House. Slightly less obvious suggestions might include a visit to Hunter Valley to taste some great Australian wines. Exquisite antiques can be found at Woollahra. Guests could take a seaplane to the famous Jonah's restaurant on Sydney's Northern Beaches or a ferry from Palm Beach up the Hawkesbury River.

What about a night on the town?

Begin the evening with dinner at the Bennelong Restaurant at the Opera House, followed by a performance. The Pier and Catalina are other good harbourside restaurants we recommend. You should always try to have an evening cocktail at one of the many bars with a view of Sydney's skyline and the sunset, such as The Summit or Level 41. For those who would like to stay up and see the sunrise, take a tour along the golden mile of Oxford Street where there are plenty of clubs and bars. Breakfast at Hugos on Bondi Beach is the perfect cure for a mild hangover.

The Ritz-Carlton Double Bay 00 61 2 9362 4455

Room prices start from A$289

The Pier 00 61 2 9327 6561

Catalina 00 61 2 9371 0555

The Summit Bar 00 61 2 9247 9777