Watsons Bay Hotel

As two interstate visitors to NSW, we were recommended to visit Watsons Bay and if we were to need a feed, try out the Watsons Bay Hotel. So, on to the ferry we went to Watsons Bay. After a short, scenic trip across the harbour we arrived at the Watsons Bay Wharf. We spent a couple of hours walking around the area, taking in the spectacular sight of The Gap Bluff and the Sydney Harbour National Park. At around lunch time, feeling a tad peckish, we decided to drop in to the Watsons Bay Hotel for lunch. We were greeted by several young, friendly staff members. After noticing that the open dining area was very busy, (with its accompanying silver gulls and flies), we asked if we could have a table in a more serene spot. All credit to the staff, they suggested that we travel up the stairs to the indoor dining area. We found a perfect, quiet table with a terrific view. We ordered chicken burgers and collected our drinks at the downstairs bar. All at reasonable prices too! Food was delivered quite quickly and was of an excellent standard. We were so pleased to have taken up the recommendation to visit the hotel.

Ordered 2 x Fish tacos plus a couple of other dishes. Food came out super quick considering how busy it was. But… the fish tacos came out as fish and chips. I can push that part aside as the word fish may have been misheard. But when ordering at the bar up stairs, it seemed as though there were a lot of other workers there on their day off and the bar staff were to busy serving and trying to talk to their work friends. I also saw the same guy who served me get approached from another customer about the beer he poured. It was a pint of Super dry and it had NO head on it as he was to busy talking to his friends. Back to the food. The wait staff were good when I explained that it should have been fish tacos and they took the battered fish back. They came back about 10 minutes later with the Fish Tacos. No refund was offered (didn’t expect a full refund) but there was an $8 difference between the two ($16 in total). I understand it was super busy, but some basic customer service would have been good. On the upside, food was good, location amazing! But the service really does need some work in the bar areas.

The room was excellent – spacious, comfortable, and beautifully presented. The welcome at reception was warm and professional, and the location simply can’t be beaten. The views are stunning, and watching the sunset from the room or the bar is honestly a highlight. That said, for $800 per night, I expected more attentive housekeeping. We left the room early, around 9am, and told housekeeping it could be cleaned while we were out. When we returned at 1:30pm, housekeeping had only just started. When we mentioned it to staff, we were told that they prioritise departing guests so rooms are ready for check-in, which is understandable from an operational point of view, however, at this price point, you’d expect a higher level of service. For that reason, I’ve given one star for service, even though everything else was otherwise excellent.

Good place to sit down for some drinks and foods on a sunny day if you want to hang around Watson Bay. We were lucky to grab the table next to the water view and it was a lovely brunch time. The staffs at the bar were also lovely, especially the lady in blonde, I forgot to catch her name.

At the Watto it's all about the view! Right next to the ferry wharf at Watsons Bay it shares the same view as the famous Doyles Seafood Restaurant, but the food and drinks are half the price. Meals are better than most pub food and drink prices aren't crazy expensive. Service is efficient, but not overly friendly. If the weather is nice, I'd recommend booking for lunch or arriving after 1:30, even on a weekday. It can get very busy.

I am writing about the outdoor eating area. It was very busy and the service was slow. We had a very unfortunate experience related to a piece of uneven paving beside our table in the front section of the restaurant. This caused me to trip on it and fall. The diners nearby were very helpful. I am reporting it as a warning to others to look out for it, and hopefully for the hotel to repair it.

We dine yesterday. Staffs are good. Chefs are good. Foods are fantastic. I do recomend their Fish and Chips. Arancini Balls are cook to perfection, not over cooked, not mushy. Perfect!

A great little spot at Watson’s Bay for a drink plus lunch/dinner. The GF pizza there was fantastic as was the laid back atmosphere. The only downside was the number of people squeezing past to try and get a table at the front where you get the best views of the harbour. They were of course all reserved. Not sure why the staff on the door didn’t take them elsewhere in the venue.