What's a Hotel?

That is a good question my friends. In the US, you say hotel, and that is what it always is. Accommodation. A place to stay for one night, perhaps two, maybe more. In Australia, they have those. But it is means bar.

Take the Marlborough (pictured). It's a bar nearby, and there isn't even a hint of rooms. But nearly everywhere you go you'll see (insert random name) Hotel. And it means bar. They serve lots of beer, have sport on TV, and that is that. It's been an interesting part of my time, because no one will ever really refer to a place like that as the such and such hotel, but rather, just its first name. For example, the Marlborough is affectionately called the 'Marly' by those who frequent it. I have spent many hours in there, usually in the morning watching a sporting event that is on live from the US where is is the night before. Then of course, nights out at various hotels, where my friends would get kind of drunk. There is also the Landsdowne, home of the famous $10 meal that Dave and I would always get - Chips, Chicken Schnitzel, and Mushroom sauce served with a ice cold Coca-Cola. I will miss those the most. Delicious food with good people.

I haven't been able to come across why a lot of these establishments are called hotels. I heard somewhere that it used to be a law in Sydney that places that served alcohol also had to provide accommodation. Not sure if that is valid, but it could be. Bottom line is, they are plentiful in the harbour town, and you definitely can't stay there overnight.