Nightcap at the Charles Hotel

The hotel offers a unique stay experience, being situated directly above a lively pub that surprisingly maintains a quiet atmosphere in the guest rooms. This distinctive feature, combined with its central location, makes it a memorable choice for visitors. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's exceptional cleanliness, the comfort of its beds, and the consistently friendly and helpful staff. It is an ideal fit for budget-conscious travelers seeking great value, short-stay visitors looking for a convenient overnight stop, and families who appreciate the on-site dining and comfortable accommodations. To ensure a comfortable stay, guests should be aware that some rooms may lack windows, and the hotel is accessible only via stairs, so packing light is advisable. Taking advantage of the complimentary drinks and on-site pub amenities is highly recommended to enhance the experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of practical amenities that enhance guest convenience. Rooms are generally well-equipped with coffee and tea facilities, a fridge often stocked with complimentary water bottles and milk, and USB charging ports conveniently located next to beds. Guests also appreciate the provision of complimentary drinks or vouchers upon arrival, adding value to their stay. While most rooms feature effective air conditioning, some guests noted that the design of certain rooms, particularly those with internal walls, could impact its optimal performance. A significant point of feedback is the absence of an elevator, meaning all rooms are accessed via stairs, which guests with heavy luggage or mobility concerns should consider. Additionally, some guests reported that the bathroom fan could be quite loud, and a hairdryer is not standard in all rooms, requiring a request from reception.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests overwhelmingly praise the hotel's exceptional cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless, neat, and tidy, maintained to a high standard. The comfortable beds are a consistent highlight, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most, though a few found them too soft for their preference. Room size receives mixed feedback; while many found rooms spacious with high ceilings, some noted that their accommodations were rather small. A recurring theme is the presence of windowless rooms, which can make some guests feel claustrophobic, especially for longer stays, and this design choice is often mentioned. Despite being located above a pub, the noise levels from the establishment itself are surprisingly low, with effective soundproofing noted by many. However, some guests experienced minor disturbances from road noise or sounds from adjacent rooms and hallways. The bathrooms are generally well-regarded for their spaciousness and modern design, featuring good shower pressure and often a rain shower head, though isolated reports mentioned issues with fluctuating water temperature or a noisy shower.

Dining & Food Quality
A significant advantage of staying at this hotel is the on-site pub and restaurant, which offers convenient dining and drinking options directly downstairs. Guests frequently commend the food quality, describing meals as substantial, well-priced, and delicious, with specific praise for the pizza, mushroom pizza, garlic bread, and generous portion sizes of dishes like chicken parmy. While the overall feedback on food is positive, a few guests found the pub food to be ordinary. Breakfast options receive mixed feedback; some reviews indicate breakfast is not available on-site, while others mention a breakfast pack provided in the room, typically including cereal and milk. Room service is available and noted for its efficiency, with bar staff occasionally delivering food directly to guest rooms, adding to the convenience. The lively atmosphere of the pub, especially with live music, is also a draw for many.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly advantageous central location, making it incredibly convenient for guests to explore the area. It is within easy walking distance of numerous cafes and restaurants, as well as major supermarkets like Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi, simplifying daily needs. Proximity to public transport access, including the train station and a free local bus service, is frequently highlighted, providing easy connections to the city center and other attractions like the rockpool and university. While the hotel is situated on a busy road, most guests found that noise from the street was not an issue in their rooms. Parking is available at the rear of the hotel, often free, though some guests initially found the parking area and hotel entrance confusing or perceived it as less secure, despite overall positive experiences.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receive high praise for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently commend their welcoming demeanor, attentiveness, and willingness to assist with various requests, from providing information to helping with luggage. The check-in process receives mixed feedback; while many found it quick and easy, some experienced initial confusion due to the lack of a traditional reception area, often requiring interaction with the pub staff. However, any initial difficulties were typically resolved efficiently by the accommodating team. Daily housekeeping and towel changes are generally provided, ensuring rooms remain clean and well-maintained throughout the stay, though a few reviews mentioned less frequent room cleaning. The staff's commitment to providing excellent service is a recurring positive theme, contributing significantly to a pleasant guest experience.