We stayed here for 5 days during the Queens Birthday weekend decided on this hotel because of the excellent reviews it had received and the location.

I had requested a city view room when I booked but we arrived so early in the morning all they had available was a room on the first floor, clean and comfortable but with only a view of the neighbours tin rooves I went back to front desk and informed the attendant that we had booked the room a couple of weeks in advance and that my wife and I were having a bit of a get away so we'd really like something a few floors up with a nicer view. They were a little reluctant at first (Queens Birthday weekend so they knew the bookings would be coming in) but with a little pressing Sebastian the attendant came through for us with a room on the 5th floor. Again very clean and comfortable, even the matresses were comfy.

Had breakfast and great coffee at La Bouvette a chiq little cafe just over 5 mins walk down Macleay Street from the hotel. The barista there is an Austrian bloke and he makes the best coffee.

There's a Coles supermarket across the road from the hotel which was good for our bottled water. Hotel is close to the train station it's only 2 stops to Town Hall which takes you to the heart of the Sydney CBD and shopping district but if you're in a walking mood it's an easy stroll to the city and you can take in the sights of Woolloomoloo harbour and the Botanic Gardens along the way. If you get hungry while walking stop at Harry De Wheels cafe and have one of his famous pies topped with mash, peas and gravy or hot dogs with chilli con carne and hot sauce ... awesome.

Lots of great cafes and restaurants nearby as well as pubs and clubs for the party goers. Don't forget to try Anderson's ice cream it's in the Cross.

Also recommended Il Barretto Italian restaurant Surry Hills, check out Newtown a cool and funky place with a slightly alternative edge ... and if you see him say hi to my cousin Steve hehehe.