Russell Hotel
 

I am seeing mixed reviews about the Russell Hotel--Fodorites are highly recommending it, but on Tripadvisor, there are some really bad reviews. What's the real picture? Any advice?

Also, for the Holiday Inn in Old Sydney, what would be considered a good deal for mid April in this economy?
I'm not sure whether to wait or book now.

Russel is a small boutique hotel and therefore does not have a lift which may or may not be a problem for you. It also can be hot in summer but if you are not there in high summer then that too is not a problem. I, for one, think its the best position in Sydney and I also think it is the loveliest hotel you can get. Remember that it is nowhere near the prices of the other hotels so you have to ask yourself " what price is a few stairs"?

I've spoken to a lot of people who stay at Russell in Sydney and have had very few minor complaints, considering the amount who've stayed there. In fact, an American family I was talking to last week in Cairns had come from the Russell and liked it enough to go back.

I did check it out when in Sydney, the very pleasant owner/manager told me that because of its Heritage listing, she was unable to instal built-in airconditioning and she was then experimenting with a portable air conditioning arrangement. It's not big enough to warrant an elevator, the stairway is not difficult, nor was it "rickety", as described on one TA review.

Its a 3 star establishment, so don't expect luxury, and it could hardly be in a more convenient position in Sydney.

Hi Ichin,

Wow..you weren't kidding about the reviews on TripAdvisor! Yikes.

Pat and Liz: I don't know how long it's been since you did a site inspection there, but did you read the recent reviews Inchin's referring to? That would give someone pause...

Anyhow, I would have to agree with those posters; while the Russell's in a great location, the "red flags" for me are two things: noise and lack of A/C. If those two things aren't a concern, then you should go for it.

It's not so much climbing the stairs (unless that would prove difficult), it's the creaking! As with many older homes / B&B's, hotels which can be very charming - floorboards, stairs, etc. creak. I believe one of those TripAdvisors posted that they couldn't get any sleep because of the noise. In addition, if it's hot out, with no A/C, if you happen to face the street, you'll have that noise as well.
The hotel does need a refurb in my opinion.


I'm not sure if you were looking for the location or something historic, but you may want to consider the Harbour Rocks Hotel, which is another heritage property with no elevator; however, they do have a dumbwaiter type of deal to haul your bags up! Again, noise can be a factor here as well (there's a bar close by and on recycling days it sounds as if the roof's coming down on you!).

Re: Holiday Inn - great hotel with a fantastic location (the Sydney Explorer bus stops right across the street). I used to put my clients in here all the time; for the location and the fact that a very nice breakfast was included with the rate as well; but then they started raising their rates and brekkie only included during certain times of the year ...

Hope this is helpful!

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

Thank you so much for all of your comments. The price range is certainly what we are looking for and we are not fussy about accommodations. Noise could be a factor which I will think more about. Is it possible to get a room at the Holiday Inn at that price through wotif, closer to the date? Or are they much more expensive. I'm not sure whether I should hold out and wait to book.