Ovolo Sydney, Woolloomooloo — Restaurant in Sydney

A really cooky-cool hotel!

Special shoutout for Moz from Concierge and John the valet. You guys absolutely rock. Moz was the most attentive, professional, and welcoming guy, and John went above and beyond to help us with his valet services. We have a small baby so the extra help with our luggage and coming and going was very well appreciated.

The Location (if you absolutely have to be in Sydney 😂) is great. A short walk to the Botanical Gardens, and near the CBD.

The concept and build of the hotel is really cool. It feels really geared towards younger people.

A few points of well meant feedback for improvement:

The one bar and restaurant there is vegetarian only, which seems to be in an on brand effort for sustainability. This was alright to me I guess, but it would be nice to have more options. I think overall the vegetarian thing is slightly more of a detractor than a feature.

I also found the breakfast staff to be very kind, but easily confused. For example, we were seated (after discussion) at a table that we accidentally stole from an older couple who had not started breakfast yet, but had ordered eggs and coffee and left the table to get buffet. The staff member allowed us to stay because of our baby and re-seated them but didn't redirect the orders, so their eggs came to us (which I ate because I ordered the same by coincidence) meaning they had to wait longer and follow up the orders

The second morning my coffee just never came. I didn't follow up because I didn't have time and had to get going for my sister in law's wedding prep, so no big deal for me overall, but it deserves mention. - Everyone on staff is kind mannered and hard working, but I really do think some stronger processes and training would be a real benefit for the FOH staff at the restaurant.

I found the hotel difficult to navigate for amenities like the gym and pool, because of the way it's been built on the old finger wharf and shares some parts with permanent residents. This could easily be rectified with some small maps and better signs. I mentioned this to a concierge staff member at the end of my stay who explained to me that it's because of the concept of the hotel and that they're always super happy to help. Thing is I get all that - I'd just rather not have to bother someone in the first place for something that I could work out faster for myself if there were signage or something.

Last point of feedback is that we wouldn't stay again unless we had to simply because it means we're in Central Sydney. This isn't something Ovolo can help but Sydney is a pretty expensive and stressful place. (We spent $50 on road tolls for two days and $180 on hotel parking)

If you do have to be in Central Sydney though, The Ovolo is a really fun hotel. Mini Bar is no extra cost, there's a free lobby candy bar, the building is very interesting and full of cool artworks, and the staff are always happy to help.

Overall though it was a really good experience. It was enough fun that we're considering a staycation some time at the Ovolo Nishi...

I have never been to Ovolo hotel Wooloomooloo before today and I will never go there again.

That's thanks to the misogynistic concierge that works there.

I went as a guest to attend an event that was being held there. I had multiple bags with me. There was a lineup of other guests and I needed to be at this event. I went up to this concierge and politely asked what room the event was held in.

He rudely dismissed me and said he was with a guest (who actually was standing meters away) and he said I had to wait. Whenever I've entered previous hotels and asked where an event is held, not only does the staff know whats going on, where it is, but they happily point you in the right direction. It's not hard to show basic hospitality.

It was a simple question. All he needed to do was point me in the right direction.

Finding him rude and unhelpful, I went to see if I could find it for myself. I'm in the elevator. He is now coming towards it to take bags upstairs and asked what floor I needed. I told him again I was looking for the event.

He said the elevator only took guests to their rooms. So I needed to exit the elevator. As I do my baggage is falling off as I exit, he didn't bother to help or anything and by now I'm clearly upset.

I head back to the front reception and waited for the ladies to help and at least they pointed me in the direction of the event. It wasn't hard to do. The ladies were helpful and courteous at least.

Have a guess where the event was held?

Right next to the lift, up some steps where this arrogant concierge and I were just at!!

How hard is it to say that at the time?

Also, there is only that level where they hold events. He either doesn't know what goes on that day or just was making things extremely difficult and irritating.

But wait it gets worse. Much worse.

He comes back down from upstairs and little did he know that I was still around the corner waiting to take my bags up. He then proceeds to the ladies at the reception and loudly says to them "She was disgusting, absolutely disgusting, such a disgusting woman" ... wow, unbelievable and completely unprofessional.

Is this how you as a guest would like to be spoken about? Especially as a woman?

Imagine how he talks about another guest there! It was appalling.

He was such a grub and should not be working in a 5-star hotel but in some 2-star pub.

Yes, I was upset, the very least he could have done was so some professionalism and hospitality in the first place.

Don't bother going there, especially if he works there as there are plenty of other amazing 5-star hotels in Sydney with better...

I’ve been staying at Ovolo for several years now and have always loved it, recommending it to friends and family after each visit. Unfortunately, this recent stay was disappointing compared to previous experiences. Pros: • The double deluxe loft suite was spacious with a beautiful sunrise view. • Bed and pillows were extremely comfortable, allowing me to finally get good rest after several sleepless nights. • I appreciated the large bath, bath salts, and quality brand of tea in the room. • The location is quiet, with plenty of Uber Eats options for a relaxed night in. • Chromecast connectivity was great for music and shows. • Buffet breakfast included unlimited barista-made coffee and tea, which was a nice touch. • Air conditioning worked well gym area available & the pool is fun to go into.

Cons: • The minibar and goodie bags; one of the highlights that made this hotel stand out, were no longer included, despite prices not decreasing. (We chose this hotel due to this extra added touch so this was a shock when we got here). • On check-in, I was told an “arrangement of goods” would be delivered to our room (529), but this never arrived. • I had requested a simple card for a celebration in advance, but it was not in the room. Despite being reassured multiple times it’s on its way, it only arrived four hours later after I followed up several times, which spoiled the surprise to my partner. A staff member (Cameron) eventually delivered a card and bottle of wine, kind, but unfortunately not suitable as I am in recovery. • Our quilt had no cover, which felt unhygienic considering this is a hotel and I’m sure many couple have their “fun” activities on these beds. • Shower design was difficult to use, especially for anyone with mobility issues, as you have to climb out of a deep bath. • The pool area shower was very poor, chunks of hair on the floor, the cold tap stopped working after 2 minutes, and I had to finish rinsing in the bathroom to avoid being burnt. • Breakfast food was below average and lukewarm, and unfortunately both my partner and I fell unwell after eating resulting in us being physically sick in the rooms.

Overall: Ovolo used to be one of my favourite places to stay, but it feels like many of the small touches and thoughtful services that made it special have been cut, while prices remain the same or higher. Loyal returning customers like myself notice these changes, and it may be time to try somewhere new. The little...