We stayed at the Medina Executive in Sydney for our honeymoon in September 2007. Even thought the hotel knew we were on honeymoon, we didn't get any compliments like a bottle of wine or a card like some other hotels provided.

The room on the fourth floor was absolutely immaculate. You walked into a kitchen with a spacious lounge with a sofa and TV, and on the other side was a bathroom with a bath/shower and cupboard with washing machine and dryer. Opposite that was the bedroom which had a huge wardrobe and a TV. Could not fault the appartment in any way.

However, there were some problems from our 5 night stay which I'd like to highlight.

1) We had a lot of valuable property and therefore we would have liked to have used the safe which was allocated in our room. However, every time we tried to use it, it wouldn't work due to the battery being low. We contacted reception who were extremely friendly and polite and sent a message through to the handyman for him to change the battery. A day passed and no new battery. We asked at reception again and was assured that the handyman would change the battery for us immediately.... two days passed and still no new battery in the safe!!!

2) Washing power, charged at $2.50 for two small packets. We needed to do some more washing at the end of our trip, and as we had run out of washing powder, I left a note for the cleaner to leave us a new packet. Wasn't done. Next morning I caught her in the corridor and asked her about it, she said that I needed to ask at reception, she didn't use her own initiative to phone reception herself when she first read my note. So we asked at reception and was assured that washing powder would be sent up to the room immediately........... dum dee dum ...... hours later, no washing powder!!!! I went back down to reception and asked where the washing powder was, almost begging him for washing powder as we were leaving the appartment in the morning and needed time to wash and dry the clothes. He once again spoke to the porter on the phone asking him to do it ... when we came back we finally had some washing powder, it was like a miracle had happened!

But why should we have to ask about four or five times almost to demanding point for things to be done at the hotel????

In the end I was up until way past midnight trying to dry clothes off because of the laziness of the staff.

Next thing: we had someone else's bill come through our door. We went to reception to explain that the bill had been delivered to us by mistake and that we are not room 50, but room 60. The guy on reception apologised and then crossed off 50 on the bill and put 60 instead! We kept saying to him "But this is not our bill! It was put under our door by mistake!", but he apologised and said he didn't understand and asked for us to speak to someone else at reception!

The TV channels: on our bedroom tv, there were two porographic sex channels which had no warning or restrictions on them. Children could very easily have access and view them, so BE CAREFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Overall, would I stay there again? No, because the personal service at the hotel is extremely poor.

These apartments had pretty good reviews, so we booked.
We arrived at 10am, knowing we wouldn't get our room which was no problem as the wife was going shopping until mid afternoon. Arrived back around 2.30 but our room was still not ready. Had to wait a short time which was a little dissapointing.

The room was not quite what we expected but had everything we needed. Something I have learnt is never trust hotel photos, as the room was a lot smaller. Most of the fixtures and fittings weren't in the best condition. Most of the furniture was really marked/damaged.

The location to central station is why we booked, but to be honest by the time you get into the platforms you have nearly walked half way to the town hall. So in hind site a hotel nearer the town hall may have been better. But overall the stay was fine, but not worth the high end cost.

I've stayed here many times over the last five years and during extended stays provided by my employer. The Medina Executive is my chosen executive apartment. It's right in the heart of the city. Minutes from Chinatown where there is an abundance of eateries. In my view, when eating in Sydney: stick to the Asian community. The food is fresh, the prices are cheap. Anyway, the Medina Executive is in beautiful condition and the upkeep is sound. A former enormous parcel post building the renovation into the Medina by the Toga Group is very nice. I prefer the rooms that overlook Central Station. Call me old fashioned but I find the quiet honk of a departing train soothing in the wee hours of the morning. And my five year old son endlessly watches the commuters and trains. Some room windows barely open, so check to see which ones. The house keeping staff are by far the best thing about this place. The desk staff, although friendly, well.. plan on asking them three or four times for things you require before you get them sent up. If you want Sydney right at your feet, like being smack dab in the middle of a city with plenty to do then this is good. All the rooms are different. Many are very nice, some I've requested to leave and have ended up being accommodated for a room more of my taste.

Up to the city for a show night, how handy is this hotel, right on Central station but the sandstone walls and double glazing block all but the occassional train horn. Step out the door onto the main city bus terminal. The 1 bedroom apartment had everything, you could stay here and prepare your own meals and even do the laundry. However, laundry was not on our agenda! Staff were friendly and helpful. Getting in and out of the bath/shower was higher than usual and this could be difficult for someone not able to make the awkward step in, but apart from that I would certainly recommend the place to someone who seeks centrality and a home away from home.