Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

The rooms were very quiet, with good bathroom facilities and excellent hot water. We enjoyed the bar's happy hour, though it was busy on Friday evening. The well-appointed decor in the foyer made it feel like stepping back in time, right in the heart of Sydney.

We enjoyed a glass of house wine at the Reagh bar each night before dinner. Its happy hour from 5-7 is very reasonably priced. The location is hard to beat, with every kind of train or tram just a block or two away and the harbor only a half-hour walk. It's a wonderful historic hotel, close to everything downtown. Our room was large and clean, and the staff were extremely helpful. They let us check in an hour early. Like most older hotels, getting the water and air temperature just right can be a little finicky, but it was well worth it for a classic hotel stay. We'll definitely return to Sydney and stay here again.

The location felt like the center of just about everything in Sydney, and getting to attractions was easy. There were restaurants and shopping all around, and I love cappuccinos, so having a coffee cafe on each side of the entrance was a treat. The hotel has lots of classic character and an interesting history. Our room and bathroom were spacious and quiet, seemed newly renovated, and had nice amenities.

The bar was lovely, with a great barman, and the coffee there was good too. Breakfast was good, with buffet and menu choices at okay prices for the city. The room setup was unusual. The toilet and shower were separate pods on either side of the handbasin, with the TV above it directly opposite the bed. Both pods had frosted glass, but this isn't the kind of room I'd share with someone I don't know well.