Lakeside Hotel and Conference Centre

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about the Lakeside Hotel and Conference Centre? It’s actually got that lakeside thing going for it – I mean, the name isn’t just marketing fluff. Sitting right on Talavera Road in North Ryde, this place overlooks Lane Cove River, and honestly, the water views from the upper floors are pretty solid. The building itself is that classic Australian conference hotel style from maybe the ’90s, but they’ve kept it up well. Nothing too fancy, but clean lines and it doesn’t feel dated when you walk into the lobby.

The thing about this spot is it’s genuinely useful if you’re doing business around Macquarie Park or need to get to the city without staying right in the CBD chaos. You’re maybe 20 minutes to the harbour by car, and the train station’s close enough that you won’t be cursing your accommodation choice. I’ve noticed they do a lot of corporate events here – the conference facilities are actually their strong suit, which makes sense when you see how much space they’ve got for meetings and those awkward networking sessions with terrible coffee (though theirs is decent, surprisingly). The rooms are proper 4-star standard, nothing that’ll blow your mind but comfortable beds, good water pressure, and the air conditioning works without sounding like a freight train.

What I really appreciate is how they’ve handled the whole conference hotel thing without making regular guests feel like afterthoughts. The restaurant overlooks the water, and while the menu won’t win any awards, they know their audience – solid steaks, fresh seafood, and they actually stock local wines that don’t cost a fortune. The staff seem to stick around, which always tells you something about a place. Parking’s included, which in Sydney is basically like finding free money, and they’ve got that resort-style pool area that’s surprisingly quiet during weekdays. The 8.2 rating makes sense to me – it’s not trying to be the Park Hyatt, but it delivers on what it promises. If you’re looking for something reliable near the business districts but with actual character and decent amenities, this works. Just don’t expect the nightlife scene right outside your door – though honestly, after a day of meetings or exploring the city, that quiet riverside setting is exactly what you want.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $122. Standard Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $131. Standard Twin Room with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Superb – Michael from Australia – 13 July 2025 (9/10)

  Friendly staff & pleasant facilities for a professional couple to go about professional life
  
  What could be improved: It could have used bigger cups for coffee in the room, there were only small tea cups

• Convenient – Anonymous from Australia – 11 July 2025 (9/10)

  A great place for when we need to travel for a few nights in Sydney. I really like being able to open a door out onto the grass from the room.

• Very good – Sandy from Australia – 2 July 2025 (8/10)

  As usual all good
  
  What could be improved: It says on bookings.com to tick if u need business invoice from the hotel…they refuse to give one…i complained about this at last stay and said i cant stay anymore hotel replied and said would put a note on our file that we need one then we went back again a week later and wouldnt give it so basically have been tricked into coming back with no intention of giving us what we require…this is the only hotel that refuses this and booking .com should take that option off the listing …feel tricked and deceived

• Leisure only hotel no good woth bookings.com if u want for buiness – Sandy from Australia – 27 June 2025 (7/10)

  Hotel is excellent we stay there every few weeks for 2 nights at a time..
  
  What could be improved: The booking.com app has a part we tick if we need a business invioce from the hotel i alsways tick it but the hotel says they no longer give these to people who book thru bookings. Com. This makes it now impossible for us to stay there anymore

• Very good – Peter from Australia – 24 June 2025 (8/10)

  Very good value for money. Large room with lovely view of lake. Close to Metro station and Macquarie Centre

• Superb – Sandy from Australia – 14 June 2025 (9/10)

  Rooms so nice comfy beds
  
  What could be improved: Would like the access thru the building to the carpark accessable with the room key card

• Superb – Janice from Australia – 8 June 2025 (9/10)

  The room
  
  What could be improved: Inconvenient parking

• Very good – Jared from Singapore – 2 June 2025 (8/10)

  Room was very clean and beds were soft and comfy.
  Toilet was also clean with shampoo, body soap and conditioner provided.
  
  What could be improved: Parking is not at doorstep but still within 5 min walking.

• Superb – Christine from Australia – 1 June 2025 (9/10)

  Quietness. Closeness to public transport. Closeness to M2.

• Lovely surprise in great surroundings – Stuart from Australia – 1 June 2025 (9/10)

  Very pleasant accomodation in the same location as the University and hospital. Walking distance to trains and large shopping centre

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities