Travelodge Wynyard – A Little Bit of Mystery in Sydney

I’ve always been curious about those mystery hotels offered by website’s like Wotif.com, but also a bit nervous. As a control freak, the idea of spending money on a hotel, sight unseen, was just a little daunting. But recently I decided to take the plunge, and I’m so glad that I did.

We don’t know a lot about these hotels, but they’re not entirely mysterious. We’re told of each one’s star rating, and general area, such as the CBD. We also know of the configuration of the beds, so families aren’t left with a queen bed to share and couples don’t book rooms with two singles. Once the booking is made, the full hotel details are presented, so you’re given plenty of time before arrival to prepare.

We were given a room at the Travelodge in Wynyard, and I couldn’t have been happier. It was a mere 50 metres from Wynyard train station, a blessing when you’re wrestling with luggage solo. The desk staff were cheery, advising me of the hotel’s internet access and gym. I wasn’t interested in using either facility, as none of them spell holiday to me, but it’s always nice to know about the hotel’s features. On hearing I hoped to have breakfast the next morning, I was offered a $5 discount on the meal.

I retreated to my room feeling positive, emotions that only increased as I opened the door. I didn’t expect a king-sized bed, so was thrilled. I always sleep so much better given space to spread out, and it was just the thing I needed for relaxing after my long train ride. I chilled out with soaps on the television and the in-room magazines, so I honestly forgot to take a snap of the room!

My husband and I were seeing a concert in Newtown that night, so that proximity to public transport was a real blessing. On arriving back to the Travelodge we felt thirsty, and the bar was only too happy to oblige, despite it being after 10. A bottle of wine was the perfect end to a romantic evening.

The romance continued in the morning. There’s nothing to put you in a good mood like a full buffet breakfast. All the usual suspects were there: bacon, scrambled eggs, hash browns, and pancakes, and we indulged in all.

As I left I wondered what I was so nervous about. The uncertainty of mystery hotels is all part of the fun, and we saved $60 on Wotif’s regular listed price. Surely that’s worth a little mystery. Needless to say, I’ve already booked my next mystery hotel for a holiday in October!

Location: Travelodge Wynyard (map)
Address: 7-9 York Street, Wynyard
Public transport: Catch a train to Wynyard train station. Exit via the York Street exit, and turn left. The Travelodge is 50 metres up the road
Parking: On site parking costs $30 a night
Cost: Regular room rate is $395 a night, but Wotif is currently selling rooms for as low as $134
Website: http://www.travelodge.com.au/travelodge-wynyard-sydney-hotel

Image source: Yello Dog @ Stock.xchng