"How did it strike you on arrival? A grunge-industrial aesthetic rules at Veriu Broadway in Ultimo, with vintage lounge chairs, bikes and exposed brick walls in the café-style lobby. On a side street off on of the city's main arteries, Broadway, the tall white 1900s building is a short walk from Central Station, handy for exploring nearby Chippendale, Glebe, Camperdown and Newtown neighborhoods. Nice. What’s the crowd like? Younger travellers, the young at heart, and fans of Airbnb’s home-away-from-home experience will appreciate Veriu Broadway, part of a fresh-faced chain of affordable apartment-style hotels in alternative neighbourhoods. This branch is near two universities, so students are among Veriu’s entourage, as well as professionals and families. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. Launched in 2017, Veriu Broadway has 64 rooms and suites in a converted textile and fashion warehouse and former tannery. Rooms start at 32 square metres, with self-contained studios, and one- and two-bedroom, split-level loft-style apartments, including the top-tier Skyline Suite at 60 square metres with a large balcony. Neutral decor mixes white, wood and raw surfaces, with creative spots for lounging, dining, working and storage. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us? Sink into your Kingsize ‘U-Bed’. Single, Queen, bunk and sofa-beds feature in some rooms, with the largest occupancy sleeping five. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase? Rooms have minibars and kitchens with espresso machines. Add breakfast and a vegetable or fruit box when you book online. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down. Vive Re-Charge amenities in the sleek white showers, with baths in select suites. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word? Free unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi is available in rooms, plus smart TVs with Foxtel, Handy smartphones and Bluetooth music docks. Room service: Worth it? There’s no room service, but The Hide lobby café serves coffee, tea, pastries, Sonoma bread, banana bread, protein balls and juices. Italian restaurant Salt Meats Cheese is nearby (68 Bay Street) or walk to Kensington Street’s Kopi-Tiam Spice Alley hawker market in Chippendale. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why? Friendly Veriu Hosts are your 24-hour concierges and local area guides. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you. Off-site parking is a short distance away (charges apply). What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay? Lekker bicycles are free for guests to explore. Bottom line: worth it, and why? Sydney’s Veriu chain includes Veriu Central (in Surry Hills), Veriu Randwick (near Coogee Beach) and new-build Veriu Camperdown (sporting a lush tropical courtyard near Newtown) – with plans to expand. Show your room card at Veriu sister stays in town to enjoy the on-site facilities. Veriu encourages guests to mix and mingle." - Sophie Davies
