Royal Hotel Ryde

There’s no onsite parking, and the toilets and bathrooms could use a deeper clean and a refresh. Everything feels a bit run down, there’s no hair dryer, and the bathroom could do with more hooks or shelves. Finding the toilets and bathroom isn’t easy because signage is lacking. Still, it works for an overnight stay: the room was spacious and clean, staff were friendly and helpful, and it has most basic amenities. Great location near Top Ryde and a bus stop, especially for concerts at Olympic Park.

A good local pub for food and a relaxed visit, with just enough space. The pizza kitchen and sports bar have been newly renovated. There are lots of screens, an outdoor patio for smokers, a pool table and pokies if that’s your thing.

I left after getting a refund, and I won’t be back. My friend and I went to the pub for lunch today and ordered a mushroom pizza, expecting the porcini, mixed mushrooms and pecorino listed on the menu, along with mozzarella and sauce. What arrived had only regular commercial mushrooms, with no porcini or pecorino. When I raised it, the staff were rude and said the mushrooms they’d used were enough. They insisted it wasn’t their fault and said they’d used what was on hand, without telling me beforehand. I said they should update the menu or let customers know in advance. It felt like a half-truth, so I took the refund and left. I’d tell others to be cautious about visiting.

Another outstanding Wednesday night, with a meal and drinks shared with friends. Two thumbs up for the bistro folks.