The Holiday and Travel Magazine: Alfred Park Accommodation - the economical place to stay in Sydney

Tuesday 25 August 2015

Alfred Park Accommodation - the economical place to stay in Sydney

Alfred Park Accommodation

The Alfred Park Accommodation is an economical place to stay in Sydney. I recently discovered this Lodge when I needed somewhere to stay in Sydney to see Matilda the Musical at the Lyric Theatre.

Alfred Park Accommodation is located handy to Central Station, as it is just a short walk through the adjoining Prince Alfred Park. This large park is in lower Surry Hills, and is bounded by Chalmers Street, Cleveland Street and Central Railway. It has large grassed areas, avenues of trees, a fitness centre and swimming pool, 5 tennis courts, 2 and a half basketball courts, BBQ's, seats and table. It is interesting to note that the first Agricultural Society Show was held in Prince Alfred Park in 1869. The following year this park was the first to be laid out in connection with a major Australian Exhibition, the inter-colonial exhibition held in 1870 to mark the centenary of Captain Cook’s landing at Botany Bay.

View to Prince Alfred Park

Alfred Park Accommodation, in Cleveland Street overlooking Prince Alfred Park, was built in the late 19th century and it originally housed the large family of a whaling captain and his wife.

This heritage building has been restored and new extensions built at the rear. It now contains a range of 44 guest rooms for travellers in the 2 floors, basement and attic of the main house and the two floors of the newer motel style rooms at the rear.

There is a variety of styles of guest rooms available, including single, double and triple private rooms with ensuite bathroom, and dormitory style rooms with shared bathrooms. These dorms are either mixed sex or female only dorms. All rooms have air conditioners and TV's.

Private twin room

I was fortunate to stay several nights in a private room at the rear. My room had two single beds, bedside table and reading light, hanging space for clothes, a bar fridge, remote controlled TV and air conditioner. Good quality fresh linen and towels were provided. The ensuite bathroom had a shower with plenty of consistent hot water, toilet, hand basin and exhaust fan. My room looked bright and fresh as the carpet was new, and it had been recently repainted. I noticed a team of professional painters hard at work repainting the other rooms in The Alfred Park Lodge. A new lawn has been planted at the front of Alfred Park Accommodation, with a row of my favourite plants, the camellia, planted along the front fence.

Communal kitchen

There is a large communal kitchen with cooktops, a microwave, toasters and all the pots and pans anyone would need to cook a gourmet feast. There are plenty of plates, cups and cutlery. Several large glass-doored fridges house guests perishable food. An electric urn provides continuous hot water. A feature that I like is that a free breakfast is provided for all guests. It provides a selection of cereals & milk, toast & spreads and tea or coffee.

Covered courtyard

Tables and chairs are located in the communal covered courtyard along the side of the building, which is heated in winter. There is also an enclosed balcony with a large window overlooking Prince Alfred Park at the front of the Lodge with some comfy leather lounges and coffee table.

Free internet is provided with Wi-Fi in each guest room. There are security lockers available for each guest, and luggage storage is available. A coin-operated laundry is available for guests to use, with free washing powder provided.

I appreciated the quietness of Alfred Park Accommodation. There was little street noise, and they have a no noise policy at night after 10.30pm. I also appreciated the cleanliness of my room and ensuite, and of the kitchen and courtyard area.

Alfred Park Accommodation is ideal for individuals, couples, families and groups who need space to stay in central Sydney. The short walk from Central Station makes it easy to get to. Alfred Park Accommodation has recently had a change of ownership and the young staff are both very welcoming and professional to guests.