Novotel Central

I haven’t had a chance to try the rooms in the hotel but I’ve been here a few times for conferences and meetings b
The venue is very well organised and clean, with attentive staff. The air conditioning gets quite erratic at times but the staff is always responsive to our calls.
The buffet lunch here is usually pretty good. I suspect they hired Chinese chef because the Chinese food’s flavours tends to outperform the western counterparts. The stir fried noodles were one of the best I’ve had in a hotel setting.
Oh and don’t forget to ask for free wifi pass code if you’re here for a conference or meeting.

Beds were comfortable, view was lovely. Staff were professional and helpful. Bath was coated with black. Did someone smuggle an oily penguin in here from an oilspill? It’s hard to understand this oversight, as everything else was great. I purchased some disinfectant wipes, but there was too much to remove. I opted instead to wear thongs and throw them away afterwards. I was just visiting a friend at the time.

Stayed a week for business.
Pros: Beds are really comfortable, nice desk in room. Breakfast is pretty good (but not free). Decent TV in room. While I didn’t use the pool or spa, it looked really clean. Nice lobby. Helpful and friendly staff all around. Great location, walkable to central station.
Cons: Not only is the internet not free, but it costs $ 60 for a week, and the connection is somewhat spotty. Bathroom is tiny. And the worst part: the connecting room door is so thin, I could make out conversations in the next room.

There are a few Novotels around town but this one is very close to Central station so it is easy to get to from the airport by train. Of course, you need a map once you get to Central (exit toward George Street and then go down Hay Street and Thomas Street is on your left) so make sure you print out the map in advance since people may direct you to the other Novotel in Darling Harbour.
The best thing about the hotel is its location and the breakfast buffet! There is currently construction all around so be a little careful if you want to sleep in since that may not be possible!
This is the hotel I recommend to all my out of town guests — can’t beat the location and there are often deals that make it priced well.