Gladius Hotels & Suites Parramatta, an Ascend Hotel Collection

Our son keeps asking when we can go back, which says a lot. The beds were really comfortable and the location worked well for us. The staff were lovely and sorted out an extra night at short notice for the same rate we’d already paid. We’ll definitely stay here again when we’re in Sydney.

We liked it enough to add a couple of nights. The room was roomy and spotless, and having a kitchen and microwave was handy. There’s a free washer and dryer with detergent supplied, plus a mini gym. Restaurants, cafés, public transport and a large mall are all within walking distance. Everything during our stay went smoothly and surpassed what we expected.

The team made us feel welcome and were friendly and helpful throughout. The hotel was clean and well looked after, and I felt comfortable there. I stayed for five days and was very pleased with the service. I’d happily return and recommend it to anyone visiting.

The noise made it impossible to get the quiet stay my partner and I had hoped for. Guests could be heard through the walls, doors slammed, and I was woken several times overnight and again at 6am. We left feeling completely unrested, and the stay was basically ruined. Our level two room was so cramped that the bed blocked the bar fridge, the cupboards and doors, and even the small chair at the desk. There were no bedside tables, just two tiny windows and a lot of cabinetry that took up space. There wasn’t a full length mirror either. The hotel is far from restaurants and bars, so expect to pay about $30 for a return Uber. It was 32 degrees, but there was no air conditioning in the common areas. With no instructions in the room for calling reception, I had to find staff to ask for ice. They were eating KFC in the tiny dining room beside the front desk when I approached. I’d booked a standard King room directly on the Gladius website a week ahead and checked in at 2:30pm. I’d joined Choice membership for a free upgrade and paid a premium rate. When I finally reached the front desk by phone and asked about changing rooms, I was told that wasn’t possible because we’d already been there more than three hours. I said I couldn’t rest in that room. The staff member then said an upgrade would cost another $50. I thought we’d already received the upgrade, but was told we hadn’t because of the festival. I said that wasn’t my problem. He asked to call back after speaking to his supervisor, then rang five minutes later with the same answer. He offered a later checkout at 11 instead of 10 and free continental breakfast, which I declined. When I asked the supervisor’s name, he said he couldn’t tell me or he’d get in trouble. I don’t think he even asked. The room was so small it was hard to move around, with little usable space despite all that cabinetry. Save yourself the disappointment and book somewhere else.