City Lodge Sydney

I chose my hotel from an internet search and decided on the City Lodge Sydney.

My main criterion was location & price, the previous hotel I stayed at was $120 per night and more for Saturday night, last time it was a flat rate of $100. 20% inflation in 2 years? I don't think so.

As I booked 6 nights, the City Lodge was $494 including gst, with free internet and laundry included. I thought this would be ok.

I wouldn't describe this place as a hotel, more of an up market youth hostel.

This is the view upon entering my room and my first impression was "small". The curtains to the right hide a window that opens out to the smokers balcony, so I kept that closed. The curtains to the left hide a painted window, dark enough to not be able to see through but still let some natural light in.

Here's the double bed which was so soft I had shoulder aches every day. The bathroom was to the left, but of course it had no bath. And with the toilet in the same room as the shower, I could imagine that privacy would be a major issue if two people were staying in the room.

My room opened onto the common area, so if any group of people decided to sit down and have a chat I could hear everything in my room.

In short
+ Free broadband, both network and wireless.
+ Free laundry
+ Cleaned daily
+ Cheap
+ Centrally located in Sydney

- No view or natural light
- Small room
- Horribly uncomfortable bed
- No elevator, only stairs.
- 4 floors, only stairs!

I was left with the distinct feeling that it was a place for backpackers, run by backpackers.

Seriously, Sydeny?