Park Regis City Centre

The building this simple, chain hotel occupies was once the tallest residential building in Sydney. Now one of many high-rise blocks in the area, the hotel has a lobby that's welcoming but straightforward. It's a fairly small and narrow space with a seating area and large stand of tourist information leaflets. Further down the hall is the reception desk where staff dressed in smart uniforms check guests in and out of the hotel. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, and the property attracts a mix of business and leisure guests looking for a city center hotel that won't break the bank. Be careful, though, as many guests have reported rates booked without any deals that actually mean paying a steep price for what is essentially a no-frills place to rest at night.

Located in the Central Business District, between Hyde Park and Sydney Town Hall, this hotel is on a busy intersection at Park Street and Pitt Street. There are plenty of shops and restaurants close by, including a cafe at the hotel’s entrance. Public transport links are excellent, and there are several train stations within a short walk -- the nearest being Town Hall, which is a two-minute walk from the hotel. There are plenty of bus stops in the neighborhood as well, making it easy to get around the city. There’s plenty to see and do within walking distance of the hotel. Pitt Street Mall is a two-minute walk, while it takes four minutes to walk to the ANZAC War Memorial in Hyde Park and the Australian Museum. Darling Harbour, lined with eateries and shops, is a 14-minute walk from the hotel, and the Sydney Opera House and trendy The Rocks neighborhood are both about 10 minutes away by car or cab. The Sydney Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel depending on traffic. 

At first glance, these rooms look bright and modern, but upon closer inspection, decor is generic and the overall style is bland. Guests can expect to see neutral decor with bright purple and orange touches in the soft furnishings. Bright satin pillows and bed runners aren't the freshest detail we've seen and they match the uninspired abstract art on the walls. Rooms are available in a range of categories. Express Rooms are the smallest, and are designed for short stays -- there's little floor or closet space in these units. Premier Rooms are available in King, Queen, Twin, or Triple configurations, and cater to a wider range of group sizes and guest types. Executive Rooms have a king-size bed or two single beds, and a partial view of Hyde Park. Park Suites are the largest option and have a separate lounge, small kitchenette with microwave, and sofa bed. All rooms have air-conditioning, a work desk, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, fridge, iPod dock alarm clocks, and free limited Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are small and basic, and have only a shower stall. Some look worn and dated and could use refurbishing. A hairdryer and toiletries are provided. It’s worth noting that some rooms at the front of the hotel on lower floors can be disturbed by traffic noise from the street outside, while guests in other rooms may hear their neighbors. 

The best feature of the Park Regis City Center is the fantastic rooftop pool and sundeck. The rectangular pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and there are potted plants and incredible 360 degree views over Sydney Harbour, Darling Harbour, and the city. It’s a popular spot for guests to relax, especially as the sun is going down. The hotel has few other amenities, but car parking is available for a daily fee, and there's also limited Wi-Fi (the first 250MB per day is free, after which there’s a charge). The hotel also has a computer station which guests are welcome to use.