Novotel Sydney Central, Sydney, Australia – Executive Room

Short review

Note: 3 is average

Value for money: 3/5 – Average

Services: 4/5 – Generally good, but there were minor hiccups along the way

Bedroom: 4/5 – Reasonably spacious and clean

Sleep quality: 4/5 – Generally good, although sometimes I could hear other guests on the corridor

Bathroom: 4/5 – Rather small, but it was clean and has a bathtub

Facilities and amenities: 4.5/5 – A gym, a pool, and a kids’ corner

Pros

Many restaurants nearby
Near a train and a light rail station
Heated pool
Delicious breakfast
Generous welcome gifts

Cons

Inconsistent services
Parking was a bit inconvenient
Basic equipment in the gym
Front desk was very busy at times

Long review

As reflected in its name, Novotel Sydney Central is located near the Central train Station. The Haymarket light rail station is also nearby, providing convenient access to other attractions in the city. Given its central location, there are many restaurants around the hotel. Other places conveniently within a walking distance include Paddy’s Market, Chinatown, University of Technology Sydney, Capitol Theatre, Belmore Park, Powerhouse Museum, and Chinese Garden of Friendship.

My family and I arrived there by car. I parked my car in front of the lobby and went it quickly for check in. The check-in staff did not give the right information at first as he thought that breakfast was not included in my booking. The lobby itself looks nice with a fireplace warming the space. There was a kids’ corner with toys and some kids’ movies. We also could ask for colouring pencils and sheets from the receptionist. The staff were accommodating to my daughter during our stay. There was also a business corner, which, I think, has become more and more obsolete nowadays.

The car park is located next to the hotel. The parking fee for hotel guests was $35 per night, which I think was reasonable given its location. Before exiting the car park, hotel guests must get a parking ticket from the receptionist first. This could be annoying and time-wasting if there were many people at the front desk. A 2-day parking ticket was available though, which made it a bit more convenient for us. I must also say that the width of the car park spaces is very narrow. I guess this is the reality of parking in the CBD.

Our room is on level 18, the top floor. Levels 17 and 18 are executive floors. The executive room has 2 queen beds along with additional bathroom amenities, espresso coffee, bathrobes, and slippers. It is quite spacious at about 32 sqm. The welcome gifts were generous, and included a bottle of Shiraz, a plate of fruit, crackers, and cheese, and two bottles of water. Despite being on the top floor, the view from the window is fairly limited since there is a building blocking the view.

Cheese plate along with some fruit and crackers

The bathroom was rather small, but clean and perfectly functional. I like the honeycomb pattern on the wall. The bathtub is certainly a useful thing to have as well.

The gym is located on the 7^th floor. It was on the small side and I think the equipment was fairly limited too (note that I am not a gym person). There is no toilet either in the gym.

The outdoor pool is located on the 8^th floor. It is again small (dare I say tiny), and the area is completely exposed to all the office workers in the next building. The good thing was that the pool was heated, so I could swim there even though it was winter.

How about breakfast? The breakfast staff at first could not find my name on his list, although this was finally rectified on the … 3^rd day, which was rather a poor practice in my opinion. The breakfast itself was good. The dishes were delicious with a good variety for an Australian standard. The juicer was an excellent addition to the breakfast experience.