Killer cocktails, Insta-perfect rooftop pool, impeccable design, a guest list rumoured to have featured both millionaires and royalty. Race course. We bet you weren’t expecting that one.
The William Inglis Hotel MGallery by Sofitel (that’s the official title – and a good one, because Sofitel’s MGallery properties are always top notch) ticks all the boxes as one of Sydney’s newest luxury hotels and then some. The big, bold, beautiful brain child of the Inglis racing family reigns supreme over the Warwick Farm race course and has added a fair bit of glam to the weekly races and horse sales that take place throughout each week.
With racing season just around the corner, we’re putting The William Inglis on your map for these five reasons:
1. A room with a view
Forget waking up to chirping birdies or the sea breeze. At The William Inglis, you wake up, pull back the drapes and watch the early morning warmups out on the race track. The mist is still burning off when jockeys take their horses out onto the track. It’s a sight to behold, and a lucky few get to see it without having to wake up at the crack of dawn. Ask for a room looking out over the racetrack – if you’re splurging, the corner Executive King Suites have the best views of the track. If you’re more motivated by nostalgia, or in need of a little bit of luck for the day, each of the 144 rooms and suites is named after different champion race horses that have been sold by the Inglis family so you can request the one that has extra special meaning for you.
2. Wine and dine
The Newmarket Room, named after the Inglis family’s former business location, is an excellent study in Art Deco style. Settle into one of the green leather booths, with hanging lamps overhead, and get ready for a paddock to plate feast that won’t disappoint. The new Spring menu has everything from seared scallops and grilled spicy spatchcock to fresh yamba prawn linguine pasta for you to peruse. Save room for dry aged NSW Riverina Black Angus steaks – the hand cut rosemary salted fries are a superior side. Add on a glass of Aussie red and you’re in heaven.
3. So horsey, so chic
Yes, it can be done. This is most definitely an equine-themed hotel. From the cast iron horse heads on the front doors, to the studded saddle-esque wall features, there’s a little bit of equine just about everywhere. And it really works. We’re talking tasteful touches that make us feel a little bit like we’re English royalty popping off to the Polo. The giant black and white portraits (yes, of horses) in the Newmarket dining room are just downright stunning.
4. In the market
Looking for a thoroughbred? Not a Honey Badger or a Hemmsworth. We’re talking about the real deal, of the four-legged equine variety. The world renowned Inglis horse sales take place at the state of the art Riverside Stables on site. Ok, ok, if you’re not in the market for a horse to add to your stables, it’s still pretty interesting to walk through the stables on a quiet, non-sale day. The vast grounds play host to the who’s who of the horse scene, so you never know who you might run into…
5. Melbourne Cup and beyond
Now, the biggest race of the year is almost upon us. Got plans? Skip the city and head out to Warwick Farm for lunch in the Newmarket Room this Melbourne Cup – the races will be shown live on big screens, with a special buffet lunch and even Race day prizes up for grabs. If you’re after more than one day to dress up and hit the races, the Warwick Farm track has race days throughout October, November and December – weekdays and big weekend race days – so keep an eye on the website.
The William Inglis Hotel MGallery by Sofitel
155 Governor Macquarie Drive, Warwick Farm
http://www.williaminglis.com.au/
