“Excellent for the price, great location” - Metro Hotel Sydney Central Guest Review

I managed to get a really good deal on this hotel for only $100 AUD, which in the centre of Sydney is great. I arrived after a 23 hr flight from London very early in the morning, and the reception staff did everything they could to accommodate me into an empty room as soon as possible, for which I was incredibly grateful.

The first room I was put in was a little old and un-renovated with a view of a grey wall, but it was very quiet and easy to sleep in. The room was large, clean and comfortable, with a large clean bathroom. I was moved later in my stay to a much nicer room facing Central station, that was very modern and stylish.

The staff were so great that even when I became ill during my stay at had to be hospitalised, they moved my baggage for me into storage and stopped my payment for that night! I was extremely impressed at the high level of customer service and friendliness I experience. The genuine concern alone was appreciated and not expected in todays customer service.

Everything you need is right outside your door - major transport hub of trains and buses all over Sydney, Darling Harbour is a 15 min walk and Town Hall and the shopping district is only 12 minutes away. Chinatown is only 5 minutes away with great restaurants and the Chinese Gardens. There are little convenience stores dotted around the hotel if you need snacks or amenities, and the lobby has vending machines too for drinks or munchies in the middle of the night.

Really surprised at the negative reviews on here - these guys could not be faulted. I'm coming back to Sydney in October, and will be staying here again. People, for $100 AUD a night to stay in the centre of town within walking distance of everything, with nice clean large rooms - this was a gift.

BESydney expands the 2012 ABEE Hosted Buyer Program

Australia’s leading convention bureau, Business Events Sydney (BESydney), in conjunction with the Australian Business Event Expo (ABEE) and airline partner Qantas, has expanded the ABEE Hosted Buyer Program to include both Hosted and Semi-hosted Buyer Programs that will run from 14–16 August 2012.

Last year’s Hosted Buyer Program catered for a qualified number of fully hosted buyers. This year, expanding the program to two streams will introduce more local buyers to the show floor and enhance the quality and quantity of appointments for exhibitors.

“The expansion of the ABEE Hosted Buyer Program is a strategic decision to ensure ABEE’s show floor continues to be a dynamic platform for supplier and client connection, networking and business,” comments Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of BESydney.

“The two distinct programs ensure that both the hosted and semi-hosted buyer experience is productive, as well as educational, and really delivers on the modern day buyer’s needs. We’ve acted on feedback provided by previous participants and have made supplier appointments, key site inspections and networking the priorities in both programs.”

Jodie Richmond, CEO of Exhibition and Trade Fairs (the owner of ABEE) adds, “It is fantastic to work alongside Business Events Sydney and airline partner Qantas to grow the already successful ABEE Hosted Buyer Program. Our combined understanding of the business event market, paired with a savvy, concise format, will see the Program deliver enhanced results to both our Buyers and our Exhibitors this year.

Hosted buyers will receive complimentary Qantas return travel to Sydney and 2 nights' accommodation in a leading Sydney hotel. This program includes participation in the educational program that is punctuated with fantastic speaking talent, scheduled appointments, the Destination Site Inspection Tour, gala events and all ground logistics.

Semi-hosted buyers will have the opportunity to schedule appointments with suppliers, listen to selected speakers on the educational program and enjoy the ABEE Hosted Buyer Dinner. They will also have the option of participating in a full-day Destination Site Inspection Tour.

The Australian Business Events Expo runs from 15–16 August 2012 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and is the ultimate marketplace for business events in Australia.

Metro Hotel Sydney Central, NSW - 4 Stars on TripAdvisor By ABDUL RAHIM M, June 6, 2012

1) I stayed at the hotel from 30/5 until 4/6/12. Here are my comments:
a) the room was clean and was made up every day.
b) it will be much better if there are more lights in the room but since we didnt have the time
do much reading, it is okay.
c) the lifts were fast.
d) the location is superb : easy access and near to many of the attractions of Sydney.
e) will definitely stay there again.
2) For muslim travellers, there are 2 halal restaurants nearby : Cafe Kasturi on George St
which serve Malay food (closed on Sundays and the Christmas period) and an Indian
restaurant at Paddy's Market. There is a halal Chinese restaurant (Neptune Palace) at
Circular Quay.
3) If you want to go on a day trip ie to Canberra etc ..........it is much cheaper to book the tour
in Sydney itself rather than by booking it online, which is very strange indeed. For examples,
a) I booked a day trip to Canberra by online and it cost me AUD 155. A fellow traveller only
paid AUD 100 when she booked it at the travel agent near the YHA which is located nearby.
There is nothing exciting in Canberra except for the guided tour of the Parliament House.
Along the way we stopped at the beautiful small town of Berriwa which is an absolute gem.
I booked by online a tour to the Blue Mountains and it cost me AUD 155 (inclusive of lunch).
A similar trip cost only AUD 138 if the booking is done in Sydney. If you travel to Katoomba
by rail and then take the Hop On Hop Off bus there, the cost is even less.
4) From the hotel, walk to Central Station and take a train on the North Shore Line to Milson's
Point. There you can get a picturesque views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
Then walk across the bridge to The Rocks. The views are breathtaking.
5) The cheapest place to buy Australiana souvenirs is at the Paddy's market, within easy
walking distance from the hotel. The cheapest perfumes can be found at the shops of
Discount Chemist. I found one such shop at Bondi Beach. The prices were much cheaper
than those at the duty free shops at the airport.

Metro Hotels Appoints Business Development Manager - MICE

Metro Hotels has appointed Mr. Div Grover to the role of Business Development Manager – MICE for Metro Hospitality Group in Australia.

In this newly created role, Mr. Grover is responsible for building and maintaining the small meetings, incentives, conferences and events business for Metro Hospitality Group’s network of properties Australia-wide.

The position reports to Metro Hotel’s National Sales and Marketing Manager Gary Long, who today welcomed Mr Grover’s appointment.

“Div brings to this role significant experience in the hospitality industry gained over the past 9 years, Mr Long said.  

“While many hotels only cater for large events, it is often difficult to find venues for small meetings and seminars.  Metro Hotels is increasing its focus on the small meetings and functions market.  We see Div’s strong background in building and maintaining business relationships as instrumental in developing this niche market to drive business and further enhance the reputation and patronage of Metro Hotel’s network of properties,” he said.

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