Mantra Sydney Central

The location suited exactly where I needed to be, and being next to Chinatown meant lots of better food choices nearby. That was the best part of my stay. The hotel has potential, but it needs renovation, cleaning, and replacement lifts before I'd consider staying again. I was in room 809. At check-in, the receptionist stared at his phone for a couple of minutes until I announced myself. He was nice enough while making my key, though. All three lifts felt tired and questionable, much like the rest of the hotel. My room was clean enough, and the bed seemed clean. The kitchenette had some facilities, I guess. The so-called balcony was more like a ledge with a fence, looking out at broken furniture on neighbouring roofs. The bathroom was dated and felt dangerous even for someone able-bodied. The bath was very high, and with no shower curtain, water splashed onto the floor and bath mat. I nearly slipped getting out, and the only handrail was too high. They should just remove the bath in such a small bathroom. The toilet needed several flushes, though the shower pressure was good. Wifi came and went. Street noise carried through the night, but the lifts running at all hours and neighbours on my floor were more of a problem. I'd booked a "Noise reduced room," so that wasn't ideal. A hot pot restaurant downstairs made the lobby stink, and I avoided the hotel as much as I could during what was meant to be a relaxing weekend away.

The room was very basic, with no smart TV. The twin beds were pushed together, but the gap between them made them uncomfortable. Their mattresses sagged, and the pillows were either lumpy or far too soft. We hadn't realised we were staying over Luna New Year, and I assume that was why the price was higher. For what we paid, we wouldn't stay again. The automatic air freshener in reception was so strong and unpleasant that it made me nauseous each time we went in. The shower screen didn't keep water in, leaving the floor soaked, and the bathroom door had obvious water damage, presumably from that. We were given only half a roll of toilet paper for two nights and had to call reception for more.

Housekeeping never came back after I asked them to return in a few minutes while I was out. If you're looking to stay in Chinatown or near Central Station, though, this could be a good option. Our room had a lot going for it: it was spacious and well equipped, with a large comfortable bed, seating area, useful kitchen utensils, and a balcony for fresh air, which you don't often get in a high-rise. Restaurants, shops, and attractions were all an easy walk away in the heart of Chinatown. Noise is the main thing to think about. Our room faced an inner courtyard full of loud air conditioning units, especially with the balcony door open, and the busy area also brought street noise at night. I attached a video so you can judge whether that noise level would suit you.

The tea and coffee weren't replenished, and our towels were left as they were. The balcony felt far too narrow to be safe so high up. With the outside door open, the air conditioning units were noisy. The shower was over the bath.