Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour

Worst hotel experience with exhorbitant rates

Just the receptionists - guy who took my feedback when I checked out and seemed sincerely upset that I had a bad experience and the lady receptionist who produced the bedroom slippers when housekeeping rudely said there was none. Other than that, I was totally ripped off. I know the holidays bring volume, but the hotel should've been prepared for that. If you can't handle it, don't book additional guests, especially the ones that pay and are Accor members. You'll just ruin the experience.

Booked this for NYE, our first time in Sydney, Australia, at that. Paid a hefty AUD3000 given the holiday and received a rude response with no explanation on the first night from housekeeping when I requested for bedroom slippers. Was told they ran out but reception managed to produce 2 pairs the next morning for me (reception was actually quite helpful). Used, empty glasses, utensils were left on the table after beds were made up and towels were replaced. Room was clearly not vacuumed nor cleaned as the carpet still had some pieces of paper on the floor. Moulting towels with lint sticking to the body upon use, which meant having to take a bath again to remove them. Being an Accor member and having used Novotel around the world on various travels, my family was placed on the lowest floor with the cabin crew of various airlines. Noise could be heard outside. Black out blinds were not noticeable and woke up to the bright light. Refill of water bottles inconsistent - only done on 1 out of 4 days and even after having asked 3x on the same day for a refill, was told - "that's not our department" - and so the water never arrived. Attempted many times to re-stock water in the lobby but it was always empty and finished. For AUD3,000, it was a total rip-off and after having transferred to Westin Sydney with my SPG-Marriott points and getting the best room ever and satisfactory service for another 3 nights, Novotel Sydney has made me re-evaluate and think whether I should still continue using them when I travel.

The only thing I liked was the availability of the outdoor pool and access to internet in the lobby.

When I arrived and walked into my room, it smelled horrendous. Then walking into the bathroom their was some object of grossness in the shower. We called immediately and transfered to another room that was ok, but still had an odd odor. Then later in the evening, when coming back from dinner their was puke in 2 of the 4 elevators just sitting there. The front desk was informed, but really didnt act on it. I had to ride up to my floor with puke on the ground cause the other 2 elevators were taking too long. I spent 475 dollars for the one night.....I was extremely disappointed. Didnt even bother to try and get a refund.

I enjoyed the closness to the city of Sydney and the harbour side views from our room.

The additional cost of the car parking. The lack of exhaust fans in the bathroom.