Sovereign Inn Crows Nest

( 1 star , Sydney , Australia )

The location was ideal as it was close to my family who live locally in Crows Nest. I enjoyed staying at the hotel, because whilst enjoying the wonderful views of the harbour I could smoke in my room which many hotels no longer allow. This is great for me in my senior years! There was two disappointing aspects to my visit. One - although I had booked in May,(three separate bookings as I was travelling Australia)my final booking for the New Year was not available. Surely a person booking several dates, especially that early has preferential reservation? Secondly - there doesnt appear to be much human interaction. The easy access means you can avoid reception and with the bar usually closed this doesnt give you time to chat to staff and others, which is all part of enjoying a stay in a hotel.Of the staff I did meet, they were very pleasant and kind. However, I do reconise for the independent traveler, this is an ideal situation.

The rooms have excellent views of the city and there are lots of cafes, restaurants and pubs close by. However, the rooms are not that clean, the windows cannot be opened but there are no room controls for heating or air-conditioning and on my last morning jack-hammers started work on the roof (I was on the top floor). Also, the mini-bar, a vending machine on each floor which is accessed with a magnetic card, is rather temperamental and often seizes up.

Hotel was close to our Office in Crows Nest. Make sure you ask for a nonsmoking room and floor. Rooms were roomy and clean. Decor is dated and needs modernising. Breakfast was good.

To be fair we only stayed one night but I can say it was one of the best places we have stayed in at Sydney. Our room was large with a good view. Other places we have stayed in at up to $220.00 per night plus parking at $14 had a view of an adjoining brickwall. The main problem was getting to and fro to the city Our choise was a last minute decision, one iam glad we took. Will use again

In house free parking is a major bonus. Entrance off Pacific Hgwy is a bit awkward, can easily block other cars, even stack them on the main road. Rooms well insulated from traffic noise.

Excellent views of Sydney. Staff were very helpful.