The Astra Hotel

"The short story: The manger, Scott, is the let down for the rest of the staff here. The rooms, are big, but it’s noisy and the bed is really not comfortable. Greeted by a lovely woman at the bar when I went to check in (reception desk sign says to proceed to the bar). The manager had “just stepped out” (he walked past me as I walked in the door with my bags). Once he was back, no attempt at hospitality at all. The bartender told me I get 10% off with my room key on food and drink, Scott doesn’t mention this at check-in though. The rooms are nice. Heritage like. But the bed is awful. The room also faced a balcony , not in use by bar patrons on this stay, but would be an issue if you wanted to sleep and the bar was open with guests up there. The shower reached the bottom of my neck (I’m 6 foot), and it makes this screeching noise the entire time you shower. The street noise was unbearable. Cars revving and racing, and local homeless (??) screaming at the top of their lungs. I woke up every hour either from being uncomfortable or from noise outside the hotel. First night dinner was mediocre, the fine dining restaurant being closed (btw, the fine dining restaurant is fantastic, you should go here, if they don’t close due to low booking numbers). The casual dining was below average. I had a nasi goreng, which except for chilli, has NO flavour. I thought I had covid and had lost taste, I mean no flavour at all. I also ordered two grey goose martinis extra dry, that tasted like vermouth. The next night, I ordered the same to drink, and was told they don’t have grey goose. I said “I wonder what I had last night” and the bartender, manager, reception (Scott) came out and said a martini is with Bombay and vermouth, not grey goose, and pointed to “martini” on their drink menu. I tried to explain martinis, but quickly gave up, as Scott didn’t really care, and just wanted to argue with a customer about what I’d ordered vs what I got. I spent the rest of my meal listening to him shout to staff what able to seat guests at. The chicken schnitzel was ok, typical pub grub. The rest of the staff are very nice. I heard one tell an older gentleman and his middle aged son how much she enjoyed talking to them, and thanking them for their stay. The others are friendly, call you love and doll, and are attentive. The cafe in the morning is staffed by two lovely women, the coffee was delicious, and the bacon and egg roll with hollandaise was very nice. I wouldn’t come back, except for the fine dining restaurant. I’d stay at Ibis Styles or Red Earth, my usual places when I’m here a week or two a month for work. Unfortunately, they were full when I only had two days notice to book."

Royal Exchange Hotel

Heritage City Motor Inn

Private access, remote gate. Netflix, Foxtel, Wi-Fi, A/C,

"Great"