Sydney Junction Hotel — Restaurant in Newcastle-Maitland

The condition of the room was awful it absolutely reeked of cigarettes, even the towels and bedding smelt like smoke. It hadn't been cleaned properly in months there was huge dust buildups everywhere, the paint on ceiling was deteriorating and flakes falling all over the room, the door handle was falling off and felt unsecured, there was dust and dirt everywhere, what looked like bloodstains on the walls, brown stains on the ceiling, the carpet was dirty and not hoovered, pigeon feathers on the windowsills due to the holes in the windows. The fire/ emergency procedure document we found on the roof of the wardrobe where we discovered a huge amount of dust, dead bugs and grime. The shared toilets were disgusting and again haven't been cleaned properly in ages, pigeon feathers on the windiwsill and in the sink, there was no soap and no hot water on arrival although after we alerted management the hot water was fixed quite quickly. The hotel guests were an eclectic bunch mostly young people who after back from their night who were running around the hallway knocking on doors at 3-5am all doing drugs and smoking in the rooms we could easily hear it all. The following night we heard aggressive screaming and swearing from the resident junkies who were in and out of the fire exit at 4-5am which more often than not was just left open. The place did not feel safe or secure in the slightest. The music from the dj nights downstairs was acceptable one night but the following night was insanely loud till 1:30am rooms vibrating like at a rave or festival. No problem with music and noise at the weekend it's a pub downstairs so you have to expect it but this was absolutely ridiculous levels considering the place sells itself as a hotel. Do you not book here while the "Hoedown Throwdown" event is on. Actually don't book here at all.. I can't recommend it in the slightest unless you're a borderline underage teenager who wants to get on the mandy aith friends then its ideal. This place needs some serious renovation in the hotel and cleaning policy reviews it is not fit to be open as a hotel and feels more like a centre for party goers and junkies. The bar downstairs is a whole world of difference, clean, modern and presentable with a well stocked bar, immaculate toilets, many huge tvs for sports and a restaurant (that we couldn't bring ourselves to try due to the room cleanliness) I can't help but feel some money invested downstairs should've been spent upstairs. Ive been in hospo for 20 years so trust me when I say do yourself a favour and spend a few extra bucks and go somewhere else that has a minimum standard as this place does...

Upon arrival, the bistro area itself was very nice. Quiet fancy looking. Very busy place so we thought popular! must be good here.

Playground was ok. Unfortunately was dirty, could benefit from an update. The fan in there was covered in thick dust. Flooring was grotty too.

We ordered typical Steak w/chips and Parmi chips & salad. $105 later for two adults and two kids. For a jug of lemonade and one glass of Jack Daniels. $27.

If I had to rate the food out of 0-10. I'd say a 4/10. I've had better and I've had worst but for the pricing. Bad. Parmi had cheap slice cheese. Barely any flavour and gravy also tasted like cheap powered gravy. Steak was small for price and burnt. Also no flavour. Sadly.

Staff I found on the day was very nice and polite.

We stayed the night upstairs and instantly from the moment you open the door to go upstairs. Everything changed. Doesn't look anything like advised photos. Got into our room which was four single beds. It had coffee and cups but no kettle? And no information for where I could get hot water from? Broken window so the room was cold. Had to blast the heater to keep warm. Very dirty!! If it wasn't so late i would've taken our family elsewhere. Photos speak for themselves as I'll attach soon. Bathroom was also dirty and small doors? So others would be able to see you naked? One toilet door can't even close or lock. Toilet seat barely on?

Also got woken up at 6am from fire alarm but no communication on if it was false alarm or what actually happened ?

Doors also locked outside at 8pm without information so had to walk through bistro to our room. Quiet embarrassing with our bags etc. Free WiFi also cut off after certain time of use.

Other than that, good area for access to the main shops and lively atmosphere. Obviously very loud place to sleep but that's expected with being a pub and right next to a train station so didn't mind that so much.

Would've been nice if it was as advertised and some more communication to...

We went to the Sydney Junction Hotel (or SJs to the Newcastle locals) less than a month ago with our dogs on the off chance they may allow dogs outside. We were surprisingly informed that the venue was pet friendly throughout - beer garden, bar, TAB, Sports bar. To ensure we were doing the right thing, I asked other staff. We were advised that dogs were allowed throughout the venue by 3 staff members and 1 manager. Today, we went there for lunch and a few beers on a pleasant afternoon with our two dogs. Walking in, we were stared at by one of the bar staff. Awkwardly asking if dogs were allowed, we were advised that they were not unless service dogs. When I advised that we were assured by other staff they were allowed, he informed that we were incorrect and dogs were not permitted and that the other staff were incorrect and he was correct. If dogs aren’t allowed at the venue, that’s fine. But the attitude of the barman in advising us was out of order. Very disappointing and a little bit embarrassing. Anyway, we went to another venue very close and spent $150 on...