We've stayed at this hotel twice. I think Darling Harbour is the best location for tourists in Sydney, but most of the hotels at the harbour leave a lot to be desired. The Grand Medina is advertised as apartments, but some are just regular rooms. The regular rooms are larger than average. On our first trip in 2006 we got a large apartment; on our recent trip in March 2007 we had a regular king room with an area with sink and refirgerator (room 101 on the sixth floor, no view). Both were priced around $200 US. I'm not sure why we didn't get an apartment the second time, but since we really didn't need a super large space, we didn't mind. The rooms were quite clean both times (see photos). Decoration is spare--kind of modern--but not in need of refurbishment. I suppose the bed could use replacement, but it wasn't too bad. I never had the problem of one reviewer with a dirty room, although I don't think the daily cleaning service is at a five star level--but hey, it's cheap. The bathroom is large, clean, and with plenty of shelves and storage. It's on the city side of the bridge next to the aquarium and within walking distance to the ferry stop and some great restaurants. The restaurant at the bottom of the hotel (Lime Cafe) is great for breakfast and also reasonably priced. The staff is cheery...We've stayed at this hotel twice. I think Darling Harbour is the best location for tourists in Sydney, but most of the hotels at the harbour leave a lot to be desired. The Grand Medina is advertised as apartments, but some are just regular rooms. The regular rooms are larger than average. On our first trip in 2006 we got a large apartment; on our recent trip in March 2007 we had a regular king room with an area with sink and refirgerator (room 101 on the sixth floor, no view). Both were priced around $200 US. I'm not sure why we didn't get an apartment the second time, but since we really didn't need a super large space, we didn't mind.

The rooms were quite clean both times (see photos). Decoration is spare--kind of modern--but not in need of refurbishment. I suppose the bed could use replacement, but it wasn't too bad. I never had the problem of one reviewer with a dirty room, although I don't think the daily cleaning service is at a five star level--but hey, it's cheap. The bathroom is large, clean, and with plenty of shelves and storage.

It's on the city side of the bridge next to the aquarium and within walking distance to the ferry stop and some great restaurants. The restaurant at the bottom of the hotel (Lime Cafe) is great for breakfast and also reasonably priced.

The staff is cheery and very helpful. It's an easy place to grab a taxi. I will definitely stay here again when next in Sydney; it's a much better location than the opera house area, The Rocks, or within the CBD.
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