Jeff B.
Yelp
(Checked In 12/12/24 TH @ 3:00pm; Checked Out 12/14/24 SA @ 12:00pm): If you went far enough west from Los Angeles, you eventually arrived at this Sydney, Australia hotel!
I did major research before I decided on staying at the West Hotel Sydney, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton property. Full disclosure... I was a hardcore Hilton Brand Hotels disciple and looked to them whenever I traveled especially since my favorite credit card was from them with points. On this particular occasion, my travel companion and I simply needed a place to rest our respective heads for a couple of days at a relatively centralized location for the least amount of money before we embarked on a 12-day Southern Australia Explorer Cruise with Princess Cruises. Did this hotel in the west satisfy our needs!?
LODGING
Twin Acacia Room w/2 Double-sized Beds (approx. $300.00AUD / $200.00USD / 60,000 Hilton Honors Points per night): Unknown sqft. and Room #, a non-smoking room with Level 1 views, plush bed sets, a 49-inch LG flat-screen HD Smart TV, work space with nearby integrated ports at a marble table with a chair, coffee/tea maker, complimentary snacks and water, in-room Bluetooth speakers and safe, room service, complimentary in-room Wi-Fi, a hairdryer, and a designer bathroom with equality eco-friendly Mr. Smith amenities. Sadly, there were no microwaves nor mini refrigerators. Here were some snapshots that gave you an idea what to expect:
~Double-Size Beds & Living Room: Shared with another human. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=APuC4_NhWcMoe3mrYoJbcQ
~Work Station: Could've used more space, but we made it work, and there were plenty of charging ports throughout. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=Dzv03OiKJYtktR0HaDRQPg
~Medium Bathroom: Medium shower pressure, no handicap safety bars, and plenty of towels. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=eRecSkU1t_Dcqrkfe2BkfQ
~Toiletries: Mr. Smith. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=754vFNlG5KmIo9GKKhg5iA
~Complimentary Snacks & Water: These were surprisingly tasty with probiotics! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=6gfAVfKK6-A4lq1H-VK6_Q
SERVICE
Online reservation was a snap. Upon our extreme early arrival, we tried for early check-in (no dice) but they were able to secure our luggage while we freshed-up in a travel bathroom before we headed out to explore the city. We returned around 2:00pm when the room was ready (we received a text notification), received the room keys, and took our luggage to the room. Until we checked out, there wasn't much else needed except for printing out luggage tags and any recommendations of things to do/see. The staff was awesome - thank you!
PARKING (Unknown; N/A this instance)
I didn't see any onsite parking. Otherwise, everything was within walking distance, a subway station away, or a rideshare reservation away, there was no need for a vehicle - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A boutique modern multi-story hotel, an onsite bar and restaurant (Solander) off to the right as you entered into a pathway https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=Lmzmqo6OLzSPdh7Gackt0w that led you to a minimal lobby/waiting area. Supposedly, there was a fitness center which I never saw, and a beautiful open-air atrium to enjoy company and drinks. Sadly, I missed the happy hour https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=DHadOOTDjU2UaWE8H3vjPA this time around. That was the extent of major amenities. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=8jRys3M3m98gmBSXCxWDqw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
West Hotel Sydney filled all the necessary checkboxes on this travel vacation and would gladly return. The biggest selling points were its location (Central Business District) and that it was a Hilton brand hotel. Sadly, they didn't offer any transportation service (Uber was more than useful), and the lack of an in-room refrigerator or an onsite convenience store was unfortunate. Lastly, I couldn't say enough about the staff at the front desk, who were friendly, kind, patient, and extremely helpful. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $600.00AUD / $400.00USD / 120,000 Points BEFORE any discounts, points usage, and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS