De Russie Suites- Central West

The Age

Saturday October 18, 2008

Kate Simons

72 Hill Street, Orange, 2800

Phone (02) 6360 0973

Fax (02) 6361 1397

orange@derussiehotels.com.au

www.derussiehotels.com.au

Arriving in Orange on a chilly Friday evening, we three 30-something best friends in need of some fresh country air and serious chick-bonding burst into our three-bedroom suite with excitement and anticipation - and were far from disappointed.

Situated right in town, de Russie Suites has a warm and inviting lobby with friendly and knowledgeable staff. The apartment was beautifully furnished with Italian-style throw rugs, chocolate-brown and cream furniture, and a generous welcome basket containing bread so fresh we immediately made ourselves some pre-dinner honey sandwiches and poured three glasses of local merlot to signal the start of the weekend.

Highlights of our stay included dinner at Union Bank Wine Bar, just around the corner; the second-Saturday-of-the-month Orange Region Farmers' Market, where we sampled sensational bacon and egg rolls along with slightly classier fare like olives and tapenade; watching Sex & the City at the pics; wine-tasting at Mayfield Vineyards followed by lunch at The School House Restaurant; and a final mod-Italian meal at Lolli Redini.

Then it was time for the three of us to sink into the lovely soft beds and cosy blankets of de Russie Suites, our superbly comfortable home for the weekend. After much gossiping, nail painting and just one more glass of red wine before bed, we slept ... and slept ... and slept. -- Kate Simons

Cost: from $137 to $350 a suite a night (includes a continental breakfast basket).

Distance: 250km (about 3 1/2 hours' drive) west of Sydney.

Accommodation: 22 suites from a studio king to a three-bedroom family suite.

Features: flat-screen TV, Austar, kitchenette/full kitchen, high-speed wireless broadband, air-conditioning; indoor plunge pool, babysitting, guest lounge room with log fire.

Nearby: shops and restaurants, wineries, golf courses, heritage walks, Mount Canobolas.

Bookings: one to two weeks ahead.

Children: yes.

Wheelchair access: yes.

© 2008 The Age

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