No9 Springfield

The location was convenient and the reception staff were lovely, but the rest of my stay fell well below an acceptable standard. I wouldn’t usually leave a bad review, but this experience left me feeling I had to. No one mentioned when I booked that the laundry and kitchen would be closed for renovations. I only found out on arrival, even though I would have relied on both. The room was poorly maintained, with sticky carpet that didn’t reach the skirting boards, an unpleasant bathroom smell, and a window that wouldn’t lock. It already felt dirty, and then I saw a cockroach on the wall late at night while I was in bed. Reception advised me to email management the next morning. The general manager, Matthew T, eventually replied after I chased him and offered compensation. I responded right away, and if he’d followed through I could have felt the matter was handled fairly and professionally. Instead, after a month and several more follow-up emails, I’ve been ignored completely, with no response, resolution, or compensation. I wouldn’t bother staying here in its current state.

The location was great, an easy walk to Kings Cross Station and about 15-20 minutes on foot to the Botanical Garden, Sydney Harbour, and Opera House. The staff were friendly apart from one who seemed like he couldn’t be bothered. We booked online and got a notification from the hotel, but no warning that building work was happening. There was noise through the day until 5pm, so there was no chance to sleep in after travelling. We stayed four nights, and the rooms weren’t serviced daily even though we put the sign on the door and asked for it. They were very old and rundown, with tiny bathrooms. I most likely wouldn’t return.

The staff are great, and the place has a lot of promise, but the noise carries everywhere. I can hear every step from guests above me and on the stairway. Right now I’m listening to my upstairs neighbours’ wonderful tunes. The hotel could improve things a lot by adding insulation between the room floors and ceilings.

No 9 beats De Vere and the McLeay for me. It’s comfortable and quiet, with particularly good concierge service. The building has lovely architectural details, maybe Georgian, and is well appointed. There’s reverse-cycle air conditioning, wifi, and a lift serving the first three of four floors. It’s a small bathroom, though nothing compared with some budget hotels in London or Paris. I stayed in late December and never saw a cockie. If you want to be in the heart of Sydney, look no further.