Affordable hotel in Chinatown, near Central Business District
Fifteen-minute walk to Darling Harbour, Sydney Aquarium, and Cockle Bay Wharf
Rooftop swimming pool and outdoor courtyard
Modern rooms with flat-screen TVs
Buffet breakfast available daily
Room service is available during the afternoon and evening
One function room and boardroom available for business guests
Free daily newspaper on request
Free Wi-Fi for one hour per day in the lobby
Fee for the Wi-Fi in the rooms; it can be spotty
Breakfast is not included in the room rate
Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay not within walking distance
There are 220 rooms at this mid-range property that’s set in the Sydney's vibrant Chinatown, just south of the Central Business District. There are shops and restaurants galore on the doorstep, and sights like Darling Harbour are within a 15-minute walk. Rooms are fairly basic but have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and modern bathrooms. A buffet breakfast is available, but costs extra, as does in-room Wi-Fi. The hotel's rooftop pool is a major perk in this part of town, but there's not much else for guests on site. It’s worth comparing rates with the Hyde Park Inn, which offers free Wi-Fi, an Italian restaurant, and park views from many rooms.
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Scene
Simple, no-frills hotel draws a mix of guests
The Metro Hotel Sydney Central is a basic place for travelers to rest at night. The lobby is quite busy, and has plenty of seating areas for guests to make use of their daily free hour of Wi-Fi. There are vending machines, computer stations, a pay phone, and cell phone charging points in the area, along with a stand of tourist information leaflets contributing the hotel's straightforward atmosphere. The dated red granite and light oak paneling throughout doesn't help the bland atmosphere much either. There aren't many places for guests to hang out on site beyond the rooftop pool -- a huge bonus for this part of the city -- and the hotel's breakfast room. The hotel attracts a mix of business guests and tourists and tends to appeal to those who want an affordable stay near the Central Business District.
Location
In Chinatown, next to the Central Business District
Located in Chinatown, next to Sydney's Central Business District, the Metro Hotel Sydney Central sits on the corner of a busy block. There are lots of authentic Chinese restaurants and grocery stores in the surrounding streets, and the Capitol Theatre is just opposite the hotel. Central Station is a five-minute walk from the hotel, making it easy to reach other parts of the city by train, including Circular Quay (10 minutes) and Kings Cross (10 minutes). There are plenty of attractions within walking distance as well, making this a good choice for both leisure and business travelers. It’s a 15-minute walk to Darling Harbour, Sydney Aquarium, and Cockle Bay Wharf. Popular Campbell Street -- known as Thai Town -- is a five-minute walk from the hotel, which is a treat for those fond of Thai food. Sydney Airport is a 15- to 25-minute drive from the hotel depending on traffic, though the trip can be done by train from Central Station in less than 25 minutes.
Rooms
Modern and simple, with flat-screen TVs
The 220 guest rooms at the Metro Hotel Sydney Central are available in Deluxe, Superior, and Junior Suite categories. Guests can expect fairly basic furnishings in neutral colors with deep red accents. Every room has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, air-conditioning, electric kettles, a mini-fridge, work desk, and safe. There are modern design elements, though none particularly memorable, like vibrant floral wall art and light wood veneer furniture. Superior Rooms are on the higher floors and have better views of the city streets, while suites have a separate bedroom with a double bed and sofa bed. Simple bathrooms have white tile walls and taupe floor tiles. We did spot a bit of dirty grout in floor tiling and stained caulking, and all bathrooms feature spacious vanities and shower/tub combos. There's a fee for the Wi-Fi, and the signal is spotty, especially in rooms on higher floors.
Features
Rooftop pool, breakfast buffet, but limited features overall
One of the best features of this hotel is the rooftop swimming pool, a rarity in this part of the city. It's clean and well-maintained, and lounge chairs are provided. There is also a small courtyard with a few patio tables and chairs. A breakfast buffet with hot and cold options is served in the hotel's breakfast room, though it’s not included in the room rate. There is no lunch or dinner service, and no bar on site. Chinese food can be ordered through room service during the afternoon and evening. There’s one function room and a boardroom for business guests, and free daily newspapers are provided. Although there's a fee for the Wi-Fi in the guest rooms, free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby for one hour per day, per guest.
