Kirketon Hotel Sydney

The hotel, with its Art Deco charm, is primarily recognized for its exceptional central location, offering convenient access to public transport, diverse dining options, and key city attractions. It is an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers and sightseers who prioritize accessibility and value. Medical visitors also find it suitable due to its proximity to a major hospital. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and helpful staff as a significant asset, contributing positively to their stay. While many appreciate the comfortable beds, a recurring theme is the considerable noise from adjacent rooms and creaking floorboards, and the absence of an elevator which can be challenging with luggage. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor or away from potential noise sources, and be prepared to manage stairs, especially if traveling with heavy bags.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of in-room amenities to enhance guest comfort, including a mini-fridge, iron, hair dryer, and coffee and tea making facilities. Guests generally find the free Wi-Fi to be reliable, and some rooms are equipped with a smart TV and a walk-in wardrobe, providing additional convenience. While air conditioning is available, some guests have noted issues with its efficiency or temperature control. A significant point of feedback is the absence of an elevator, requiring guests to use stairs, which can be challenging, especially with heavy luggage. Some guests also mentioned a lack of a microwave in rooms. There is no on-site swimming pool or dedicated hotel bar, though a cafe is located adjacent to the property. A few guests expressed concerns regarding the lack of consistent overnight staff presence or security, which impacted their sense of safety.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is notably mixed. While many guests found their rooms to be clean and well-maintained, some reported issues such as mould, dust, stains on furniture or carpets, peeling paint, and a general tired or dated appearance. Rooms are often described as small or cramped, with some having a no view or brick wall view. The beds generally receive high praise for being comfortable, though a few guests found the mattresses too soft or hard. A significant concern is the noise level within the hotel; many reviews highlight thin walls, squeaky floorboards from rooms above, and disturbances from loud music or conversations from adjacent rooms or downstairs functions, impacting sleep quality. Bathrooms also receive varied comments, with some being spacious, while others are described as narrow, dated, or prone to water flooding due to fixed shower heads or poor drainage.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not offer an on-site restaurant or breakfast service directly, but guests consistently praise the adjacent cafe, often referred to as "Jamie's Kitchen," for its top-notch breakfast and excellent coffee. Many found the food quality to be very good, though some noted that the breakfast options were limited to a single item. A few guests mentioned that the breakfast service starts relatively late in the morning, which might not suit those with early schedules. In-room amenities include a mini-bar, providing convenient access to snacks and beverages. Beyond the immediate vicinity, guests appreciate the abundance of bars and diverse food options available within easy walking distance, catering to various culinary preferences. Some guests also highlighted the hotel's consistent daily room service, ensuring rooms were made up regularly without specific requests.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest attributes, placing guests within easy reach of numerous attractions and amenities. It is conveniently situated a short walk from Kings Cross Station, providing excellent access to public transport including trains and buses, making it simple to explore the wider city and the CBD. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of a vibrant array of cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops, contributing to a lively neighborhood experience. Its proximity to St Vincent's Hospital is also a significant advantage for many visitors. While the hotel itself does not offer on-site parking, guests note the availability of nearby off-site parking options, though these can be expensive, and street parking in the area is often challenging to find.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise from guests, frequently described as friendly, helpful, accommodating, and professional. Many guests highlighted their willingness to assist with luggage due to the absence of an elevator, and their overall attentiveness. The check-in process is generally reported as smooth, with some guests appreciating the flexibility for early check-in. The hotel also offers convenient luggage storage at check-out. Housekeeping is noted for its regular and thorough service, ensuring rooms are well-maintained. However, a few guests reported negative experiences with staff responsiveness, particularly concerning urgent issues or complaints, indicating a lack of consistent support outside of standard reception hours or for resolving significant problems.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain hotel policies and unique aspects that may impact their stay. Some reviews mention unexpected late check-in fees or additional charges for late check-out, which were not always clearly communicated at the time of booking. There have also been instances of price increases after initial booking confirmation. The hotel, being an older building, occasionally hosts functions or has a venue within the same building that can generate significant loud music and noise, particularly late into the night, which some guests found disruptive and unadvertised. A serious concern raised by a few guests relates to the security of the main entrance at night and difficulties in reaching customer service via phone during emergencies, leading to feelings of insecurity and frustration with complaint resolution. Some guests also noted a peculiar abundance of mirrors throughout the property and occasional issues with a stale smell in rooms.