Noise factor at the Russel/Holiday Inn- & grocery
 

Hi,

I'll be in Sydney in May and am attracted to the Russel but am concerned about reviews I read about lots of street noise. I am recovering from some health problems and crave a restful place to stay. I love places with character- but have read reports that the noise levels are really high at these places...Are the inner court rooms at Russell quieter? Higher floors at HI?


If these are too loud - I'll pay more and go to the quay suites with the kitchen or something like that. I was told to go to Observatory but that is really $$$$$

I also looking for convenient groceries in the area...deli turkey/beef/ green salad/ fruit.

I am looking forward to Sydney and just want to be rested up so I can enjoy the sights.

janet

Can't help with the noise factor as I haven't stayed at either ... and I find noise is one of those very subjective judgements, like "expensive", "how hard is it to drive on 'wrong' side of road" etc. Difficult to comment on what can't be measured as we're all wired differently.

I can, however, tell you that there are zillions of places where you will easily find deli & salad items. There are "convenience" stores on practically every corner, sandwich/salad/juice bars aplenty to service the CBD workers' & visitors' requirements.

You're coming at a lovely time of the year - nights starting to cool down & usually gorgeous warm, sunny days. :)

Sounds like an abundance of delis...thanks so much.

I just booked a seat at the opera to see Chick Corea...so exciting.

Wow- I'm prepared for sloshing around on rainy days...and will be delighted if its sunny!

A few comments like the noise being extremely loud at 3am like mardi gras..
and so much partying and road racing going on - make me wonder.
I was hoping someone stayed in a inner court room.
An old post said that there was a disco that permeated those rooms-so the screams from the street were preferable.

Its a fun lively city with a harbour,trains,traffic so I am not expecting tranquility ;)

cheers

ciao , I just saw your post and you might want to look at the other hotels I mention on an answer I just did to a query about the Holiday Inn Kings Cross and my alternate suggestions in Potts Point which are nice and possibly quieter . That area offers lots of cafes , delis , a supermarket nearby . see simpsons.com and search The Hughenden which is further afield but may appeal nonetheless .

I stayed at the Russell a few months ago. Was in a second floor room that facecd the Opera House area (though we didn't have a view of it).

It was fabulous and the location was perfect! We didn't notice any street noise at all and I could not imagine staying anywhere else unless i had heaps of money to spend on a luxury suite with a view.

That said, i didn't notice an elevator and if you're in a recovery stage, that might be an issue.

Check with the hotel - i believe the website is www.therussell.com.au to see if they have an elevator that I somehow missed.

oh, i also didn't hear any disco noise.

Thanks for the reports and alternative neighborhood suggestions. Looking into that idea.

I'm considering a deal at the russell for a superior ensuite for $120 US/no cancellation allowed.

I have to be in Sydney otherwise I'd head out to a more tranquil spot altogether so thanks for the replies...much appreciated.

Have a lovely time and the Russell is in a most central place to go and see things .

No, it doesn't have an elevator, or at least it didn't a couple of years ago and as its heritage listed doubt if there's one there now. Its not a big building, and stairs aren't arduous.