Royal Automobile Club of Australia — Restaurant in Sydney

My husband and I stayed here about 15 years ago so we knew that it was a private members club in an old building but the location for us was ideal for this trip to Sydney. On booking I was advised that the rooms had been refurbished so we were really looking forward to some improvements from our last visit. It was very disappointing to walk into a room that probably hasn't changed much in the last century but we were very tired on arrival so didn't query the room until the next day when we were advised that only some of the rooms had been refurbished and they didn't include the Queen Room that we had booked. We weren't advised of that when making the booking. Unfortunately the plumbing for the room next door seemed to be in the wall next to our bed and whenever the shower or toilet was used in that room all you could hear was (very loud) water running through the wall. Made sleeping very difficult. The room was also dangerous for two elderly (late 60s and late 70s) people to stay in. There were two large wobbly wooden steps up into the bathroom - there is a grab rail on the side of the doorway/wall but we found that you almost had to pull yourself up into the bathroom. We had to leave the light on at night so we didn't fall on the steps. The bathroom, which included the toilet, was quite long but not very wide. You had to stand side-on to dry yourself because of the narrow width. We were also led to believe that a full breakfast was included - it wasn't. Buffet continental breakfast only - same every day so became very boring after the first couple of days. Dining room staff during the week were extremely quick to remove plates, etc. from the tables - several times even before our last mouthful of food had been swallowed! It definitely wasn't a welcoming environment during the week. Weekend staff were totally different both in the dining room and also at reception. All were very friendly, helpful and efficient - as were all the cleaning staff. Our final insult from the week day staff was when we asked (on the Friday) if we could have a late checkout (on the Saturday) and was advised in very terse terms that it wasn't policy to have late checkouts and anyway they were fully booked on the Saturday night and the rooms had to be cleaned early for the new guests to arrive. We did understand that and asked if we could check out at the required time and leave our luggage to be collected later in the day - this was allowable. On checking out at the correct time on the Saturday morning we mentioned that we were a little disappointed that we wouldn't be able to freshen up prior to our flight and was advised that we should have requested a late checkout as they were not busy that night and that three people had already requested (and been allowed to) stay late that day. We expressed our disappointment but as we had already packed up and checked out we just left it as it was. Even the great weekend staff didn't make up for the very poor service and unhelpful attitude during the week - we won't...

My Father invited us here for his birthday and to be honest I was alittle apprehensive, because I was afraid the place would be really old fashioned and dated. To my delight it was not, they have kept alot of the extravagance and opulence of the club with a some modern day upgrades.

I wouldn't say it rivals the top class hotels in the area, but the rooms are big and well furnished although they need some cleaning up in certain areas, like the bathroom needs abit of work, for example the soap dispensers were held on the mirror with double sided tape, which was coming off and we had to keep pushing it back on. Other then a few little things the room was great.

The decor of the building was great and it certainly took us back in time, from the old style phone booths to the lifts that were so old but really nice. The ballroom and everywhere else was delightful.

Food, they have updated their chef and menu and from what ive heard from my father its a massive difference from before. I'd give the food a 3.5 out of 5. Great taste, well cooked. But lacked just the finishing touches of a great restaurant.

Staff, they were really friendly but you could tell they were alittle new or just were not trained up enough, this is the same at most places due to covid.

One of the best features is by far the garage and its location, its right on circular quay, so if you book parking, you can park and leave the car their during your stay and walk everywhere.

You do however have to be a member or a guest of a member to stay there, membership its alittle pricey. But you get membership to many other clubs around the world.

We would definitely like to go back...

Absolutely perfect location! As you walk out the garage you are on Circular Quay. Perfect access to the light rail which takes 5 min into the QVB building in the city. Tons of eating places 5 min stroll. The restaurants right in front of the wards are of poor value yet quite costly, rather try the ones to the right of the wards, though still quite expensive. There are no Circular Quay views from the rooms at the hotel. There are views of the bridge from the dining room. Breakfast was lovely with excellent service. They were happy to replace the English muffin with sourdough. Eggs cooked to perfection. Didn't have lunch/dinner there as we were out and about. The service was outstanding. As we decided to stay an additional night, though booked up, they arranged it so that we didn't have to move rooms. The bath was lovely with all toiletries provided, including gowns to use. The shower was hopeless as it doesn't have a strong flow. Towels were wonderfully crunchy and felt like a massage after a long day exploring. King room was great, excellent bed, however an extra pillow would really be great. They provide 2 very flat pillows. A small minibar as well as tea/coffee facilities are available. The room didn't have that old pub smell that some older hotels have. The hotel has a wonderful old world feel of yesteryears charm. Lots of wood furnishings. Some nice caracature paintings, but I think maybe a few newer ones would go down well. Some lovely old photos of old cars. Loved our stay. Thinking of coming...