Who says you have to travel far to have a great vacation? Kaydes and I just experienced one of our best staycations over New Year’s at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters! It was a bit last-minute – I booked it the day before, thanks to a targeted ad that popped up. Sometimes, spontaneity leads to the best adventures!
The thought of a staycation over New Year’s was exciting, especially since we weren’t travelling anywhere else for the holidays. It felt like a wonderful way to welcome 2023 with my little girl!
A Warm Welcome
A quick 18-minute walk from home, and I was pushing the stroller into the spacious reception area. How convenient not to travel far! The reception team was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making every request I had a breeze. The check-in process was smooth and stress-free, which is always a plus when you have a toddler in tow.
One of the highlights of our stay was being allowed to check in a couple of hours before the standard time of 3 pm—such a bonus! This early check-in meant we could start enjoying the Lasseters complex sooner, without feeling rushed.
Our Room
We stayed in a King Premium Room with stunning views of the MacDonnell Ranges. It was a bit pricier than the standard rooms, but the view was well worth it—those mountains are one of my favourite things about Alice Springs.
Room 5202 was spacious, with large windows that perfectly framed the ranges. The space was just right for my daughter to crawl and edge-walk around freely without feeling confined. We made ourselves right at home, taking naps on the comfy king bed and frequently tuning in to the kids’ channel on TV. I did a bit of baby-proofing by hiding the telephone and placing the rubbish bin on the desk – parenting hacks!
The room also had a balcony with seating, perfect for soaking in the views even more. The only minor downside was the small portion of the car park visible from the balcony, but it didn’t detract from the overall experience.
I was thrilled to find the ensuite bathroom stocked with New Zealand‘s Antibodes amenities – a lovely touch that added to the room’s modern feel. 🙌🏻
Experiencing the Complex
Having visited the Lasseters complex many times before, I didn’t feel the need to explore everything. The complex is quite large, with a casino, four restaurants, a health club, and, where we spent most of our time—the outdoor pool area.
The toddler pool was a big hit with Kaydes! She loved crawling around and practising her edge-walking in the shallow water. It was a relief to find such a perfect spot for little ones to play safely.
There’s so much to see and do without even leaving the property, which is exactly what we did!
New Years Eve
For New Year’s Eve, we joined friends at the Juicy Rump for drinks and a delicious dinner. The atmosphere was lively, and as the evening went on, the outdoor event kicked off around 7:30 pm. The band even played some Wiggles songs, which got us singing along and dancing on the lawn.
As a single mum to a 1-year-old, that’s about as wild as my New Year’s Eve got! 😂 We were back in our cozy king bed by 8:30 pm. Miraculously, I woke up at midnight by chance and got to whisper loving New Year wishes to my daughter—a sweet way to start 2023.
Hello 2023!
The next morning, I woke up early to catch the first sunrise of 2023. It was a peaceful, reflective moment as I watched the sky change colours, accompanied by the flocks of small finches flying by and spotting a few bunnies in the bushes below.
Later, my mum dropped by to see our room before we headed to breakfast at Tali restaurant. Breakfast wasn’t as relaxing as I’d hoped, with Kaydes being extra tired from staying up later than usual. Still, it was nice to share that moment with my mum before we checked out at 10 am.
We squeezed in one last swim in the pool before saying goodbye to Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters – such a perfect end to our staycation.
If you’re considering a staycation, I highly recommend giving it a go. You might be surprised at how refreshing and enjoyable it can be without the hassle of travelling far. A few practical tips for planning your staycation: book early for the best room options, pack some familiar comforts from home (especially if travelling with little ones), and embrace the spontaneity of it all.
Here’s to more spontaneous adventures and memorable moments in the New Year! Have you ever had a staycation that left you feeling refreshed and recharged?
Lore & Tempo is where motherhood meets adventure. I’m Ren – storyteller, explorer, and single mum in Wellington, New Zealand. I’ve been lucky enough to wander through 45 countries. 15 of them with my +1, Kaydes, either strapped to my front, on my hip, or running ahead on her own adventures. I created this space to share single parent life, travel tips, and the joy of exploring the world.
