The Kings Cross Hotel

Our host Connor was extremely friendly and welcoming. He was very attentive and accommodating, even though he was extremely busy. That was five-star service. The rooms are very small, but clean. The bed was firm and I slept really well. A kettle would be nice, but if its absence is going to ruin my holiday, I’ve clearly got deeper issues. The burgers were delicious, made with quality ingredients, and genuinely worth the price. I’m shocked and annoyed at the one-star reviews blaming staff for things outside their control. I’d absolutely stay again, and so would the group I came with. Great service, a warm welcome and a decent night’s sleep, I can’t ask for more. Massive thanks to all the staff.

We decided not to stay after arriving tonight. The room was tiny and not nice, with hairs on top of the duvet cover, and the bathroom was even smaller. I know it’s a budget hotel, but a little bar of soap in the bathroom would have gone further than such an extensive spirits menu. The gentleman who checked us in was very friendly and made us feel welcome, but he knew my husband badly needed the toilet and still showed us around before letting us get to the room. After a long journey, that wasn’t good. I’ve never paid for a night somewhere and then left, so I think that says enough.

We didn’t stay. The room was tiny and shabby, with a grubby bathroom, stained bed cover and no headboard, just filthy wallpaper. The mattress was so bad we felt every spring, and there wasn’t room for a chair. The place smelled of weed, and we had to pay for tea and coffee. While waiting for a taxi, we saw a drug dealer selling to a guest, and reported it to police. When we complained to Nautica, she said it was a budget hotel and this was what you get. The first four photos showed what we expected, but the next three showed what we got. A budget hotel description says basics should include comfortable beds, clean bathrooms, Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast and hot drinks. This place fell well short of that. It’s a doss house. Do yourself a favour and go elsewhere.

We booked in a rush after a major problem with our other accommodation, and I’m glad we did. This family-run hotel offered first-class service, with a chatty, welcoming team who were happy to help with anything. Our room was on the small side, but clean and comfortable, with a hot shower and good water pressure. We’ll upgrade next time. The facilities were great, with a pinball machine, pool table, jukebox, arcade games and even dominoes for a friendly game. The burgers were awesome, freshly made, with some of the nicest chips around. Great value overall. We’ll definitely book again. See you soon.