Rydges Darling Square Apartment Hotel

My parents are staying here for 30 days while our home is being renovated. They have another 3 weeks to go, but already want to leave early because they don’t feel welcome. This has been extremely disappointing and has added stress during the renovation. We asked for daily touch-up cleaning, including making the bed, changing towels, replenishing amenities, and taking out rubbish. That hasn’t been provided. We agreed to weekly deep cleaning, but daily light servicing is essential for long-stay guests. Manager Ashleigh has been harsh and unaccommodating about this basic request, and her attitude has left my parents feeling uncomfortable and undervalued. I hope the actual owner reads this. Ashleigh acts as if she owns the place and is trying to run it outside what I’d expect of a 4-star property. Service is unacceptable and well below industry expectations. My parents stayed here in previous years when Radisson managed it and were comfortable, but the standard has clearly dropped. I hope the owner reviews this and brings the property back to true 4-star standards. Right now, it feels closer to 3-star.

The location is central, but the street noise comes straight in through old windows that don’t close properly, and some were broken. We could hear every noise outside. The pool was closed, too. We got one of the very old apartments, even though the hotel has renovated ones at the same price. The bathroom was terrible: the shower sits in a small, old bathtub, the glass door had a broken knob and no seal between its panes, so water flooded the bathroom. The shower head wouldn’t stay in its hook. All the furniture was old, and although there’s a kitchen with only two pans, there’s no table to sit and eat at. Too expensive for what you get. I wouldn’t book again.

The hotel is quiet despite the busy streets around it, and the team are friendly. Rooms are comfortable, and it’s reasonably priced for this location. There are lots of places to visit within walking distance, including Darling Harbour, just a quick walk over the bridge. I’ve stayed before. If you can, get breakfast included: there’s plenty to choose from, and it sets you up for the day.

I had a great experience during a two-day training at Rydges Darling Square Apartment Hotel. The conference was smoothly organised, and the staff were professional and welcoming. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the food and drinks were excellent. A special thanks to Huong, the Asian café supervisor. She was friendly, attentive, and especially thoughtful about vegetarian meals. Highly recommended for conferences and business stays. I’ll definitely return.