For My Friend, Baron Munchausen

Riddle of 'the Baron' in Room 1827
February 16, 2004

WHO is The Baron? He has a permanent reservation for a deluxe terrace suite at one of Sydney's top hotels, but nobody has ever seen him.

Room 1827 at Sheraton on the Park is the only suite always booked - its elusive guest paying $342 a night. But, after five years and $608,760, his identity remains a mystery.

"There is a reservation in the system under 'P. Baron' that is always there, but nobody from reception has actually seen or met The Baron," one former Sheraton staffer who worked in guest services said.

"It is the nicest room in the hotel on the 18th floor, he has his own fittings and fixtures that are pretty luxurious."