The Russell Hotel – The Rocks Sydney

THE HOTEL INSPECTOR: There’s nothing The Inspector likes more than a bit of ‘old world charm’ especially when it’s presented so well.

Okay, for the business traveller, usually the flasher the hotel the more important you are, but when you’re not as important as the other folk at the conference, it’s prudent to live within your means.

Staying at The Russell could be challenging for those who are used to cocooning themselves in their rooms watching as much TV from bed as they can and not having to walk down the corridor to use the bathroom.

If the idea of sharing a bathroom with other guests is too much to bear, then read no further.

For those prepared to step out of your comfort zone, read on.

 

The hotel is not new. Nothing in The Rocks is. But it is welcoming, comfortable, and The Inspector rates it as one of the most enjoyable places he has stayed in when visiting Sydney.

The rooms are small, however, there is very little chance you will ever stay in a place that offers so many power points per square metre.

Even with all his traveling accoutrement plugged in The Inspector still felt obliged to go out and purchase some new gadgets.

As far as locations go The Russell Hotel is situated in The Rocks, on George Street just after the Cahill Expressway.

The reason most Sydney folk walk under the Cahill Expressway to enter this part of town is to catch the ferry home from Circular Quay.

Others with a more intimate knowledge of the area take the opportunity to have an after work drink in one of its many pubs and bars without the usual noisy crowds.

One of the bars that draws them there is The Push Bar, located beneath the hotel, and which doubles as the breakfast room where guests enjoy their – included in the tariff – continental breakfast.

The bar welcomes a steady flow of office workers and others kicking off a night out with a good selection of beers, a diverse wine list and a delicious tapas menu – try the ginger and chilli fish cocktails.

Spend a couple of nights at bar and the staff become your new best friends.

They know your name, where you live and your favourite drink. They also make you forget you’re staying a long way from home with nobody to talk to.