Challis Lodge

Checking out

The unfriendly, unhelpful staff. Fire alarm without a battery in, when a complaint was made they gave us a battery saying it was taken out because it kept beeping, however this is because the battery was flat. This would have put many hotel users at risk and in my opinion Challis Lodge should not be allowed to stay open to the public with such a fire hazard in place. This will be notified to the authorities. The staff messed us about with changing rooms because of a "lock problem" saying we had to change rooms on the last night, we didn't and they did not even realise. On our last night of staying the man on reception could barely speak any English which made communication difficult. Overall the hotel obviously doesn't care for users safety and reviews will be written on all travel websites in order to prevent other travelers having to go through this same experience. Although expectations were low for this budget hotel, the low expectations were not even met, making this hotel a disgrace to the amazing city of Sydney.

Location was close to the shops and night spots

Uncomfortable beds, toilet was un-operational, not enough blankets.

There was one girl working at the reception that was really nice and helpful. The locations is excellent, really central and in the quieter part of Kings Cross, so not so noisy as the hostel alternatives. The rooms are in a beautiful building, with a bit of a make-over this lodge has great potential.

The room was really worn-out. You get better value for money in the average hostel, the only problem is that a lot of hostels in Sydney are situated in noisy neighborhoods and Challis lodge was quiet. The personnel at the reception were not very friendly (with one girl as an exception). On booking.com someone mentioned that you should ask for the room with the balcony. I did, but these are family rooms (the photo's on the website are of these rooms, not the worn-out double room I booked) and are in a higher price range.

The beds were ok.

I thought that the staff were unorganized and not very friendly. The room I stayed in was on the second floor and the staff didn't offer to help carry my luggage up either! The room was clean and tidy, but the bathroom was a different story! There was water all over the floor, there was mold all over the floor too!! The balcony door could definately use a different lock, I was worried the people in the room next to me could easily get in! Also, it would be handy to have some numbers down at the reception for shuttles etc.

Did not enjoy my experience at the Challis Lodge, stayed one night and then booked into a much nicer hotel up the road which cost me the same in price and was excellent in conparison to the Challis Lodge. I was not impressesd to get to this accomadation after travelling for around 24hrs from the U.K!

Awful and disgusting. Actually I was staying in their similar hotel - Springfield Lodge. I would never recommend it even to my enemy.

When we were moved to a room which was more of what we expected for the price we were paying.

The first room we were put into. Didn't find some of the staff very friendly

location, location, location

Price ( a little on the high side )

If you expect a 3-star like hotel, you defenitely will be dissapointed. It is more like a budget accomodation. You will get what you pay for. The location is quite good. Kings Cross around the corner and just 15 min walk into the city.

The rooms are old-fashioned and small. But for this price absolutely OK

The price is good. The room was very clean. I appreciate open windows and fresh air rather than air con.

The room was very small and rather worn. I would have liked a microwave in the room. The kitchen was inaccessible without going out in the rain.

Helpful staff. Handy city location, close to train station. Had everything we needed - with regards to laundry, cooking facilities etc.

The hotel is in a good location, quiet place to relax but still close to plenty of dynamic bars and restaurants and charming district of the city. Close to King Cross station as well which makes the city trip really easy. The rooms are simple and comfy.

There are just one bathroom per floor.