Some time ago I searched for accommodation in Sydney, Australia, for two senior ladies who were spending a week there prior to boarding a one-month cruise.

We had several suggestions through the chat lines and finally settled on the Macleay Serviced Apartment Hotel. We were warned that it was only 3 1/2 stars and was a little shabby but conveniently located, safe and clean - our main priorities.

For us it was an excellent choice. The Macleay is located in Potts Point. There are a number of coffee shops and restaurants within close walking distance and a food store and pharmacy are located right across the street. The bus stop in either direction is a short walk from the front door and the city bus will take you to Circular Quay in one direction and the railway station in the other

We had a studio apartment and were able to make our breakfast and occasionally lunch. The apartment was on the eighth floor and from our window we could see the Sydney harbour bridge and the opera house. In the other direction was a marina. The view was unobstructed and a real asset.

In fact, one morning we saw the Mercury (which was to become our home away from home for a month) sail into the harbour. It's not often one can say, "We saw our ship come in!"

Although the furnishings could do with an update, our apartment was certainly clean and comfortable. It was serviced daily. The rate was reasonable given Sydney's prices that we found to be high by Canadian standards.

The best of all, however, was the staff. Although the accommodation was only 3 1/2 stars, the service was 6 stars. The staff was exceptionally helpful and couldn't do enough for us. In other locations we had stayed in excellent hotels but none exceeded the service provided by the staff of the Macleay.

Lest you think I am on the payroll of the Macleay, nothing could be further from the truth. However, if we ever return to Sydney - a real possibility because we fell in love with the city - we are going to stay at the Macleay.

If you are going to stay there, ask for a room with a harbour view. There is another building going in next to the Macleay that may obstruct the lower floors so ask for the eighth or ninth floor.

A friend and I recently stayed for 5 nights at the Macleay, we thoroughly enjoyed the visit...great location we walked through the Botanical Gardens to Circular Quay on several occassions, we ate at surrounding restaurants.
We found all the staff to be most friendly and helpful and would definately go there again, would always pay the extra for a room with a view.
The room and pool area was smaller than we thought it would be from looking online but both were adequate for our needs.
We both thought it was good value for the money we paid.

We booked this hotel in May '07 for NYE '07. It wasn't our first choice because of reviews and location (was concerned about the red light district). It was also very expensive - but you have to expect that in Sydney on New Years Eve. When we booked, we were told that there were only rooms with city views left, but that that would get us an invite up on to the roof for the fireworks at both 9pm and 12pm. However, when we checked in, we were gobsmacked by the view we had. Unobstructed views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge to our left, and the north headlands to our right (7th floor, can't remember what room). We literally could have sat in our room and had one of the best views in the city! We had an Australian friend staying in the room with us who lives just outside of Sydney, and she said that it was one of the best view of the fireworks that she had experienced, and without having to fight your way through the crowds to get a drink. In the morning, we went down to collect the local newspaper and found that the photo of the fireworks on the front page had been taken from the roof of the Macleay for the 3rd year running!! Yes, the rooms are a bit dowdy, but the staff were polite and helpful, and the hotel is not actually in the red light district. We walked through that area a couple of times, but it was amusing rather than threatening!! Actually didn't see anything to write home about other than a homeless man being propositioned for $8!! The rooms are compact - especially for 4 adults, but we were warned of that by the hotel before booking. The kitchenette is small with few amenities, however, with some creativity, we managed to cook a full English breakfast for 4 adults on New Years Day!! If you are thinking of heading to Sydney for New Year, and don't want to get caught up in the crowds, we would highly recommend the Macleay.....but don't expect the Ritz!!

We stayed at this hotel from May 31 to June 1, 2007. The staff was very friendly, helpful, professional. The asked what we wanted to see
and gave us a map and made recommendations. I did some washing and they were very keen to give me change.

The view was awesome! We had room 910 with an unobstructed view of the opera house and bridge. Even saw the flying foxes from our room at dusk. We paid US 135.00 per night. Maybe this room is always occupied due to the view and that is why it was in need of updating. Overall the room was a bit small for 2 adult and 2 children ages 9 and 4 but we did not spend much time in it. I would not let them play
on the floor. It needs updating bad. If it were not for the view one may want to reconsider. We were not in the room but to sleep.
Woolworths grocery store is across the street and there are restaurants and bakeries very close. It was a nice walk from the hotel to the gardens and opera house. Noise was not a problem.

My photos are too large to attach but if you would like email me and I can send somee of the viewe from the room.