Australia – Novotel Sydney Central Hotel Review

During my stay in Sydney, I choose Novotel Sydney Central Hotel because the hotel is conveniently located in the central which is very near to Chinatown, Darling Harbour Entertainment, Capitol Theatre, CBD area. All the attraction can be reached by walking.

While it may have a convenient city center location, Novotel Sydney Central is situated in a quiet corner – allowing guests easy access to the city, and at the same time, providing a peaceful & privacy from the hustle and bustle.

The hotel is located in the corner of the “no through road” very near to the Sydney Central Station. The Clock Tower, picture below is where Sydney Central Station located, only 5 mins walk to the Central Station.  The Central railway station is a heritage-listed railway station so if you are not driving, you certainly need to check it out, the Central railway station also links to all Sydney suburbs, including the city stops, such as Town Hall (QVB Shopping & George Street),  Circular Quay (Harbour Bridge & Opera House), Martin Place (Financial Center & Banks), St James (The Botanical Garden & David Jones Shopping).  You can catch the interstate train here at Central Station, eg Newcastle. (about 3 .5 hours by train)

Charged Parking

There is a charged carpark, (not belong to Novotel) just next door and it is inter-connected to Novotel at the ground floor.  You do not have to come out from the car park, use the inter-connection path instead.  Pretty cool with a good pathway made for huge luggage with wheels.

Parking in Sydney is expensive so be prepared.  We paid for about AUD35.00 for an overnight.  Most hotels in Sydney CBD do not include free Parking and do not have their own parking space.  People who travel to Sydney usually do no use a car to explore the city area, best is by public transport or by foot.

For those who are doing a road trip and have a car with them, then Novotel Central Sydney is ideal because the car park is located just right next door.

The Lobby

I have to say the lobby is very spacious with lots of sitting areas and corner.  The layout is brilliant, it can cater to different small groups of guests.

The Bar is located at the front lobby near the restaurant, that’s where you will have your breakfast if you want it to be included.  Our stay did not include breakfast as we prefer to just go to Chinatown to have our breakfast, lot of choices there to choose from.

Children Corner

There is even a corner dedicated to children, bean bags, toys, tv with cartoon aired and storybooks.

Free Cookies

There are free cookies at the front desk, so I took a few cookies to fill me up before my dinner.

Lifts to go up

There are three lifts to bring their guests up and down, we didn’t experience any waiting time at all even in the peak hour in the morning.

To the Hotel Room

There are in total 18 floors and we stayed on the 14th floor. The total number of rooms is 255 and all are non-smoking.  The floor is all carpeted and looks clean.

Hotel Room Review

We booked for triple sharing which include two queen size bed, a sofa, table, and chair.  The lightings in the room are very bright which I was very much happy about it.  The room is also considerably spacious.

The TV and table and chair.  A Sydney Guide is also available if you need some information.

A small mini-fridge to store some cold beer and fruits and a kettle are available to use for hot coffee and tea in the morning.

Toilet Review

I won’t say the toilet is very crowded at all since it is located in the city center and I am very petite.  There is bathtub and shower with glass window which I prefer more than the curtain as it stops the shower water from splashing out to the floor.

Clean towels and toiletries are provided, the floor and everything seem to be very neat.

The view

Looking out the window is the skyscrapers, nothing fancy.  No Sydney Harbour View.

Nearby Attractions

The funny building below (only 3 mins walk, on the way to Darling Harbour) is the Business School of UTS (University of Technologies Sydney), built by a famous architect named Frank Gehry, a Canadian born America who built several important architectures around the globe.  Pay a little attention to look at the glass windows and the whole appearance, does it look like a “squeezed brown paper bag”?

Powerhouse Museum

If you or your kids are interested in Arts & Sciences, then pay a visit to the Powerhouse Museum which is only 5 mins walk from the hotel. On the way to Darling Harbor and behind the Haymarket, Chinatown. The old steam engine or the Appollo Expedition to Moon exhibits can be found in the Powerhouse Museum.

Market City

The Sydney biggest flea market – Paddy’s Market is located in the basement of Market City, about 5 mins walk from the hotel.  If you are looking for some cheap Australian souvenirs, key chain, sheepskin, kangaroo skin & nougats, Paddy’s Market is a good place to find them.  If you want something more elegance or classy, go up to the higher level of Market City.  And if you are a fan of Mr. Meng (Meng Fei 孟非 – the Chinese host for “You are the one”非诚勿扰, then please go up to Market City third level to dine at Mr. Meng’s Noodle Restaurant 孟非的小面 with Chinese Sichuan cuisine – hot& spicy.

Final thoughts:

Highly recommended to anyone who is driving a car, the location of the Novotel Central Sydney is very ideal as it is located at a dead-end of a busy street.  Easy access to Chinatown (for food) and Darling Harbor and CBD area.  We parked here and explore the city on foot, walked up to Circular Quay to catch the Captain Cook Cruise for Harbour View and Opera House.