Hotel Windsor, Melbourne - 27 July 2013

Full of old world charm and ideals of service, from the liveried doorman, who arranges your bags to your room, and valet parking to the pillow library.  We got a Wotif deal that included a continental breakfast.  Room faced Spring St with a view of Fitzroy Gardens, and triple glazing.   

Called reception for the pillows we wanted, anti-snore, firm and high.  And left for a little shopping and Dinner.  On our return the pillows had been delivered, as had a small birthday cake and a card signed by about 7 of the staff.  a very pleasing end to the day.  Breakfast was 7-10 on Saurday and we enjoyed coffee, 6 types of juice, 7 typed of toast and 4 of pastries, plus porridge and yogurt with a selection of fruits to add.  We stuffed ourselves in preparation for the day ahead!

Only one thing jarred - and that was the slightly too modern for the rooms Art exhibition.  Too much LED lighting, acrylic and pictures of women with paint dripping down their faces to fit ingot the decor of the Hotel.  

The Hotel Windsor Melbourne Victoria on TripAdvisor

FNQ Holiday Part one

Townesville - Cape Hillsborough - Airlie Beach - Townsville

Wow what a great time was had.  We hardly planned our trip at all but luckily were staying with friends in Townsville for a day or so of acclimatisation. And after the cool to cold of Melbourne we needed a moment!

Cape Hillsborough - very pretty, but the best thing was the wildlife.  Possums passed us, wallabies on the beach and wild turkey things nesting beside our accomodation.

Airlie Beach - arrived with no accommodation or plans - loved the Martinique (TripAdvisor link) and reception were so helpful in booking trips.  However, weather was against us and we only managed out to Whitehaven beach for an afternoon.  Still quite stunning.  Hotel apartment was great by the pool and with a balcony/veranda on which to sip wine and eat prawns.

Also visited Montes Resort out at Hydeaway Beach.  An amazing location down 3km of dirt track, definitely a place to rest, gaze at the sea and drink Corona beer (4 in a bucket for $20).  Staff need to upsell a bit but the food was great and we could have stayed all day.  However, we were not offered desert, nor more drinks, so eventually we left feeling a little bereaved not to have lazed the whole afternoon away.

Quick flip back to Townsville for the Queens Birthday Weekend

Chowdhary Indian Restaurant

Off the main Mornington drag

On a quiet Thursday evening in mornington, when the restaurant we wanted to visit was closed (The Social - only open Friday and Saturday) we called in a Chowdary's.  Not terribly prepossessing, we just wanted a quick meal.  No surprises here and the food was typical Indian fair.