Southend Hotel

The staff seemed friendly, and the pub downstairs had a nice atmosphere. It’s close to local essentials and beaches, so I’d happily return if the room issues were sorted. The shower was dirty when we arrived, with sand and dirt all over the floor. I was the first in my group to use it and spent most of my shower cleaning up after the previous guests. The TV was frustrating too. The remote barely worked, the hotel internet wouldn’t work on it, and it wouldn’t let me connect my phone’s Wi-Fi. That meant only free-to-air channels were available. It’s hard to see the point of a smart TV that doesn’t work as one.

There are useful shops right nearby, including a supermarket, bakery, chemist and petrol station, plus a pub downstairs with good food. The beach is about a 10-minute walk, and there are restaurants and cafes around too. Coogee beach is within walking distance for a coastal walk, or you can take the bus. Central Sydney is around 45 minutes away by public transport. The room was spacious, clean and comfortable, with everything we needed. It was very quiet and I slept well. Check-in was super quick, and the laundry costs $4 for a washer and $4 for a dryer. It only takes $1 coins, but the house maid kindly swapped some cents for the coin I was short of. You can also air-dry clothes on the balcony if your room has one. I’d rate it closer to 4 stars than 3, and it was better than some 4-star hotels I’ve stayed in. Really pleased with the stay and would happily come back.

The hotel bar had a good range of drinks, and we were very pleased with the quality of dinner there. There’s also a supermarket next door if you want other options. Staff were friendly and helpful, and our room was a good size with a great bed and good facilities.

The updated room was really nice, though it could use a screen door to keep mosquitoes out. The beach is a pleasant walk away, and there’s a market, a drug store and another nice market in the plaza, so there’s plenty nearby. The room had an electric kettle, plates, cups, spoons, shampoo and conditioner, plus USB plugs for charging. Bring a hairdryer, though. The people here were amazing, from the sweet guy answering the phone to the girl who checked me in and the cleaning team. I called back to ask whether a room had opened for the next evening after another hotel I’d contacted had given me such attitude. One had become available, so I took it. I had to switch rooms on the second night, and the housekeeping boss made the change so smooth. She was great and gave me really helpful tips about the beaches and nearby things to do. There was also a mix-up when the person checking me in entered the amount incorrectly. Once she noticed, she came up to my room and returned the difference. Honesty still exists!