Room check: Crowne Plaza Newcastle, Australia

A harbourside suite at the Crowne Plaza Newcastle. Photo / Supplied

Graham Reid enjoys snapping the harbourside views at this New South Wales property.

Location: Situated so conveniently in central Newcastle, north of Sydney, that you can hardly miss it when you drive into the compact and pleasant city; the stylish Crowne Plaza has a balcony seat overlooking the working harbour.

Check-in experience: Australian, and that's a compliment. I felt they were glad to see me. "Can we help you with anything, can we park your car for you and bring in the bags?" I said yes, and they did.

The style: Okay, Crowne Plaza is a big multinational chain which might seem rather generic and anonymous, but this one does seem rather special. Read on.

Room: Number 408 with a harbourside view, perfect size for a couple. A small but serviceable kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge and bedroom and an unexpectedly large bathroom. Perfect without wasting space.

Something to eat or drink? Of course. Good, open lobby area where you can have a drink looking at the water, large-enough restaurant, more than generous breakfast options too.

What's in the neighbourhood? Everything. The museum and excellent art gallery are four minutes away, the boardwalk outside takes you on an easy stroll - or jog or vigorous bike ride if you prefer - right up to Nobby Beach and the fascinating, historic Fort Scratchley. Do the tunnel tour if you can. Numerous restaurants within a 90-second or 10-minute walk. Location, location, location.

Exercise: There's a lovely 25m pool, the harbourside boardwalk - which I commend even though I try to avoid walking anywhere - and I'm told you have access to "a top-class fitness centre next door with weights and training machines". (Training for what, exactly?) There's a spa too. Does a surf beach count because if it does you can be there in minutes, too.

The bed: I like them medium-firm these days and these guys had it just right. It also had a helluva view.

A room with a view? Unless you request otherwise you'll probably get that harbour out the window. I didn't turn on the television - that's rare for me - but for far too long just gazed aimlessly at the water and the boats and the pelicans and ... Pleasure boats bob, the occasional massive vessel plods by shepherded by proper tugs. Brilliant. Bring binoculars.

Noise: Was that the air-con? Nah ...

Bathroom: Shower-cum-bath, their own brand of toiletries (rather nice), hair dryer, etc. Everything you need ... and if you feel like sitting somewhere else to see the harbour view you can open the venetian blinds and sit on the toilet for another angle of sea and sky.

Would I return? I took 20 photos from my window of the ever-changing view. I think that says it all.

CHECKLIST

Crowne Plaza Newcastle is on the corner of Merewether Street and Wharf Road, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Phone: 0061 249 075 000.