Meet your host: Ngai
When you combine a passion for food, architecture and travel, with almost 20 years’ experience working in hotels, you get Ngai Wong, one of Sydney’s most hospitable, tapped-in locals. And, lucky ones, she’s at your disposal.
You’ll find all-seeing, all-doing, guardian of guest experience Ngai Wong – our Operations Manager – in so many different parts of the hotel on any given day, you’ll think she has herself a stunt double. The ultimate multi-tasker, Ngai is no spring chicken when it comes to the ins and outs of hotels, having spent almost two decades delivering excellent guest service and travel experiences in a dozen hotels all over the globe, from London to Macau.
She feels right at home at our boutique hotel, which has not only been designed for travellers by travellers, but is run day-to-day by travellers too. Ngai has been to 17 different countries since leaving her homeland of Macau, and has lived in Sydney for eight years so knows all the hidden gems and must-sees. And she’s always happy to share these tips and experiences with our guests.
Read on to uncover more about your host.
WHAT TYPE OF TRAVELLER ARE YOU?
I’m a foodie, as well as a history lover. I’m obsessed with castles and old architecture. I enjoy planning my travelling in advance and searching for hidden gems.
WHAT’S YOUR FONDEST TRAVEL MEMORY?
Too many to tell, but my fondest memory was in Portugal. I’ve been away from home for many years, and everything in Lisbon and Porto just reminds me of home in Macau: the cobbled streets, the traditional blue and white street signs, the delicious bacalhau (Portuguese for dried cod), the port wine, the varieties of canned fish. Pastéis de Belém (Portugese egg tart) reminds me of the first-ever Lord Stow’s Bakery in Macau which sells egg tarts inspired by the Portuguese pastry itself.
WHERE WAS THE LAST PLACE YOU TOOK A TRIP?
I travelled to Canberra a few months back. It was a relaxing and enjoyable place. The dinner at Les Bistronomes was fantastic!
WHAT’S TOP OF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
Gem fossicking.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO GET AROUND?
I usually walk everywhere, but I also like to navigate transit maps and travel.
HOW MANY LANGUAGES DO YOU SPEAK?
Three! English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT SYDNEY?
I love the cultural diversity and inclusion in Sydney, the weather, and the food!
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO SPEND A SUNNY DAY IN SYDNEY?
On a nice sunny day, I enjoy spending time around Darling Harbour and Darling Square. I’m always curious to know what’s on at the ICC just across from the hotel and enjoy going to all the expos, then a short walk to Darling Square where there is plenty of good food to choose from!
AND A RAINY ONE?
On a rainy day, I like to spend time in Kinokuniya Bookstore at The Galeries in the CBD by taking bus #389 from Pyrmont to Town Hall and bringing home a slice of watermelon cake from Black Star Pastry (it’s one of my favourites!).
WHAT’S YOUR BEVERAGE OF CHOICE?
Lindemans Framboise Lambic draft beer.
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO FOR BREAKFAST?
Fried Chicken Croffle.
WHERE WILL WE FIND YOU ON A TYPICAL DAY IN THE HOTEL?
Everywhere! I’m spending quite a bit of time across the hotel recently, especially at Wayfarer’s Bar & Cafe, so come and say hi!
WHAT’S YOUR INSIDER’S TIP ABOUT GETTING THE MOST OUT OF A STAY AT AIDEN DARLING HARBOUR?
Definitely start the day with breakfast at Wayfarer’s, and finish the day with a Firecracker Margarita.
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If you have any questions for Ngai, drop her a line: hello@aidendarlingharbour.com.au