Novotel Sydney Olympic Park

The hotel's most significant feature is its prime location, offering unparalleled access to major event venues like Accor Stadium and Qudos Bank Arena. This makes it an ideal choice for concert-goers and event attendees seeking convenience and minimal travel time after shows. Many guests appreciate the spaciousness of the rooms and the general cleanliness, though feedback on bed comfort and overall room condition is mixed. The staff consistently receives praise for their friendly and helpful demeanor, contributing positively to the guest experience. While dining options receive varied reviews, the hotel's proximity to various eateries is a definite advantage. For families, the hotel's large rooms and dedicated kids' activity room are beneficial, making it easier to manage stays during busy event periods. To ensure a comfortable stay, guests should be aware that noise from nearby entertainment venues and bars can be noticeable, especially on lower floors, and be prepared for potential delays with the lifts during peak times.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's facilities receive mixed feedback, with the lifts being a frequent point of concern. Many guests report slow service and long wait times, often due to only one elevator being operational, especially during busy event periods. While staff sometimes assist by making service lifts available, this remains a significant inconvenience. The fitness center is not on-site, requiring guests to walk to a neighboring hotel to use its facilities, which some find inconvenient. On a positive note, the hotel features a kids' activity room, which is a welcome addition for families. The lobby is generally described as spacious and appealing. In-room amenities like the mini-bar and fridge sometimes receive criticism for being barely functional or too small, and some guests note issues with Wi-Fi speed. Overall, while some facilities are appreciated, the operational issues with the lifts and the off-site gym are notable drawbacks.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. While many rooms are described as very clean and well-maintained, a significant number of reviews highlight issues such as black mold in bathrooms, dirty grout, unvacuumed carpets, and general dustiness. The room decor is frequently noted as dated and tired, with some bathrooms showing their age through old fixtures, leaking showers, and discolored toilet seats. Bed comfort is also inconsistent; some guests find the beds very comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, while others report them as lumpy, saggy, or having non-existent springs. Noise levels are a recurring concern, with guests experiencing disturbances from service elevators, street traffic, and loud music from nearby bars, particularly on lower floors. In-room amenities like coffee and tea supplies are sometimes insufficient or not replenished, and issues with curtains not fully closing or having broken handles are mentioned.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive mixed reviews, particularly regarding breakfast. Most guests find the buffet breakfast to be delicious and a good selection, with some appreciating the inclusion of barista coffee and gluten-free options. However, it is frequently described as expensive, and some guests note issues with food being only lukewarm, limited scrambled egg options, or a lack of basic items like specific condiments. The restaurant and bar food quality also varies; some guests praise specific dishes and the overall experience, while others find the offerings to be overpriced, average, or lacking in variety, especially for vegetarian choices. Room service food quality is similarly inconsistent. While the bar atmosphere is generally pleasant, some guests mention that the bar can become overwhelmed during peak event times, leading to slower service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is its most highly praised attribute, making it exceptionally convenient for guests attending events. It is situated directly across from major venues like Accor Stadium and Qudos Bank Arena, allowing for easy walking access to concerts and shows. The proximity to the train station also provides excellent public transport links. However, parking is a significant and frequently reported challenge. Guests consistently mention that parking is expensive, often limited, and operates on a "first-in, best-dressed" basis, leading to difficulties in securing a spot, especially during busy event periods. Some guests have had to park blocks away at additional cost, and issues with the automated parking system and boom gates are noted. While the location is ideal for events, the parking situation often detracts from an otherwise seamless experience.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlight positive interactions with reception, concierge, and housekeeping teams, noting their willingness to go above and beyond to assist. The check-in process is often described as quick and efficient, though some guests report long queues during peak times or issues with rooms not being ready as expected. While staff are generally responsive, the resolution of certain issues, such as in-room amenity requests or maintenance problems like flooding, can be inconsistent or delayed. Housekeeping is commended for its thoroughness, with some guests appreciating thoughtful touches like beds being made and pyjamas folded. Overall, the positive demeanor and efforts of the staff are a recurring theme, significantly enhancing the guest experience despite occasional operational challenges.

Additional Information
Many guests note that the hotel's decor and facilities are dated and in need of a renovation, with some feeling that the experience aligns more with a lower-tier brand despite the higher rates. This perception is sometimes linked to the hotel sharing services with a neighboring property. The pricing is frequently mentioned as expensive, particularly during major events, leading some guests to question the overall value for money. There are recurring issues with billing, including unauthorized charges and double billing for parking, which cause significant frustration. For wheelchair users, some accessibility challenges are noted, such as the lack of a phone by the bed and difficulty reaching items at the breakfast buffet. The hotel does offer some unique touches, such as a kids' activity room and occasional pop-up shops in the lobby.