Strathfield Hotel

This hotel's most notable feature is its exceptional proximity to the train station, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers and those who rely heavily on public transport. Its convenient location also appeals to concert-goers attending events at nearby stadiums, offering easy access. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's lively bar and food offerings as a significant positive, contributing to a vibrant and social atmosphere. While the building is recognized for its historic charm, many reviews consistently point to its dated condition and the pressing need for significant updates and renovations. The staff receive notably mixed feedback, with some praised for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness, while others are criticized for unresponsiveness or rudeness. To ensure a comfortable stay, guests should be prepared for an older property with potential noise from the surrounding area and be aware that in-room amenities may be limited.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's facilities and amenities are frequently described as basic and in need of significant upgrades. A recurring concern for many guests is the absence of a lift, requiring them to navigate multiple flights of stairs, which can be particularly challenging with heavy luggage. Rooms often lack air conditioning, leading to uncomfortable temperatures, especially during warmer periods, with only a pedestal fan sometimes provided. Guests also report a scarcity of conveniently located power points, making it difficult to charge multiple devices or use in-room appliances. While the hotel explicitly states no Wi-Fi, some guests express disappointment. Many rooms feature shared bathrooms, which are a point of contention for some, though the hotel does offer a popular bar and gaming area on the ground floor.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is highly varied, with many highlighting significant issues. Rooms are consistently described as old and dated, often featuring stained beds and carpets, flaking paint, and even exposed wires. Many guests report unpleasant odors throughout the building, including strong smells of cigarette smoke or dampness. Noise levels are a major concern, with frequent complaints about sounds from the adjacent train station, ongoing construction, the downstairs bar, and other guests due to poor soundproofing. The beds are often found to be uncomfortable, with guests feeling springs or experiencing sagging. While some note clean sheets, the shared bathrooms are frequently criticized for being dirty, mouldy, and lacking basic maintenance. In-room amenities are sparse, with many rooms missing bedside tables, lamps, TV remotes, or sufficient power points.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining and food quality generally receive positive remarks from guests. The on-site bar and bistro are frequently praised for offering good food at reasonable prices, making them popular spots for both hotel guests and locals seeking a casual meal or drink. Many reviews highlight the pleasant atmosphere within these areas, often enhanced by live music or entertainment, creating a vibrant social hub. Guests appreciate the convenience of having accessible on-site options for meals and beverages, noting the variety available. However, some guests have noted that the bistro has been closed or undergoing renovations at various times, which can be disappointing for those expecting a full dining experience. Despite these occasional closures, the overall sentiment regarding the quality and value of the food and beverages served is consistently favorable.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is overwhelmingly cited as its strongest asset, offering exceptional accessibility to public transport and local amenities. Situated directly across from the train station, guests find it incredibly convenient for commuting to various parts of the city, including easy access to Olympic Park and Accor Stadium for events. The surrounding area is rich with shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing numerous dining and retail options within walking distance. While the central position is highly advantageous, parking is a significant challenge, often described as difficult to find and expensive, with limited or no on-site options. Despite the noise that comes with being in a bustling transport hub, guests consistently value the unparalleled convenience of the hotel's position.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is notably mixed, presenting a varied guest experience. Many guests consistently praise certain individuals within the bar and restaurant areas for their friendly demeanor, attentiveness, and excellent customer service, often highlighting their willingness to go above and beyond. These positive interactions contribute significantly to a welcoming atmosphere for many visitors. However, a considerable number of reviews express dissatisfaction with other staff members, citing instances of rudeness, unhelpfulness, and a lack of responsiveness to guest concerns. Issues such as slow check-in processes and difficulties in resolving room-related problems are also frequently mentioned. While some security personnel are noted for being friendly and helpful, the overall impression of service quality varies widely depending on the specific staff encountered.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is frequently undergoing renovations, which can result in construction noise, particularly during daytime hours, and may impact the availability of certain facilities like the bistro. A significant point of concern for some guests is the hotel's no-refund policy for early check-outs, even when issues arise that lead to an abbreviated stay. There are also reports of booking accuracy problems, with guests sometimes assigned rooms different from what was expected or even already occupied. Some reviews highlight security concerns, with guests feeling unsafe due to the presence of certain patrons or the layout of shared spaces like balconies and connecting doors between rooms. It is crucial to note that the hotel lacks disability accessibility, with all rooms only reachable via stairs, posing a challenge for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage.