Get this! I live one mile away from the Medina Grand Harbourside in Sydney (across the water) - but needed an apartment for the night so my two kids and I could crash after the evening theatre. We lobbed straight off the ferry at Darling Harbour around 4pm - and the reception and room introduction was flawless. The booking was all in order and room spacious, airy and quiet.

The pool, gym and sauna are all good. We were there in January (high summer) and had a peaceful and refreshing swim. I think the pool would be chilly in winter, although it cleverly faces north (whether by design or accident) and is sheltered so would get great sun out of season.

Brought some ingredients for supper and breakfast so was able to cook up meals in the kitchen. Everything you'd need in terms of utensils. Thought about dining out for dinner (Saturday) but most Darling Harbour eateries are tourist traps. Ended up at The Star (casino) food hall. Flying Fish knocked up excellent seafood amidst the laminated tables. Feels like you're eating in a hospital corridor. Not to worry. Great food, reasonable price. Kids and I te every morsel. Saw the show at the Lyric theatre. Walked back to the Medina Grand in ten minutes. Slept like babies. Beds comfortable, air conditioning perfect, rooms quiet.

Checked out Sunday with a minimum of fuss.

If you can land a one-bedroom apartment here for $200-$300 for three people (which we did) then it is really good value compared to a hotel room without a kitchen. Central, clean but a little knocked about (what apartment isn't?). I would stay here again and recommend that my friends do the same.

We visit and stay in Sydney often ,this was our first time at the Medina Grand.We stayed 2 nights in January and can't wait to come back. We love Darling Harbour and had the best time,there is so much to see and do within walking distance of the hotel. We were up graded, without asking, to a room with fantastic views. The lovely young lady at check-in could not have given us a warmer welcome and been more helpful. Not the flashiest hotel in town but excellent value and service. See you again soon:-)

Friendly, comfortable and convenient apartment hotel

Good value, great location (a few steps away from Darling Habour) and friendly staff. Affordable hotel - not the best looking, nor particularly fancy, but everything needed was provided by helpful staff. Good-sized rooms.