The Lakes Hotel, Rosebery

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to The Lakes Hotel in Rosebery – I mean, it’s tucked away in this sort of industrial-meets-residential pocket that most tourists never see. But honestly, that’s exactly what makes it brilliant. This 4-star spot sits right where the old manufacturing district bumps up against some seriously trendy warehouse conversions, and there’s something refreshingly authentic about staying here instead of the usual Circular Quay madness.

The hotel itself has this clean, modern vibe without being sterile – you can tell they’ve put thought into the details. My room had these floor-to-ceiling windows that actually opened (revolutionary concept, right?), and the bed was one of those cloud-like situations where you sink in just enough without feeling swallowed. What really got me though was how quiet it was at night. Rosebery’s not exactly the CBD, so you’re not dealing with drunk backpackers stumbling around at 3am or construction starting before sunrise. The staff at check-in were genuinely helpful too – not that rehearsed hotel speak, but actual conversations about where to grab coffee (there’s this incredible little roastery called Gumption just a five-minute walk away that they recommended).

Here’s the thing about the location that took me a day to fully appreciate: you’re basically in the perfect spot to explore Sydney like a local. The light rail stops practically at your doorstep, which means you can zip into the city center in maybe 15 minutes, but you can also walk to some of the best hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese places along Botany Road. I spent one morning just wandering through the neighborhood farmers market – apparently it’s only on Saturdays, and the hotel concierge casually mentioned it like it was no big deal. The whole area feels like it’s right on the edge of becoming the next big thing, but hasn’t quite gotten there yet, so you’re not paying inner-city prices for everything. Parking was actually manageable too, which anyone who’s driven in Sydney will tell you is basically a miracle. I’d definitely come back – there’s something satisfying about finding a place that feels like your own discovery, even though clearly the 9.1 rating means other people have figured it out too.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $113. King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $147. King Room with Balcony with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $138. Double or Twin Room with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Exceptional – Alyson from Australia – 12 July 2025 (10/10)

  The location, the bed and bathroom.. Food in restaurant was delicious
  
  What could be improved: Absolutely nothing

• Superb – Joanne from Australia – 12 July 2025 (9/10)

  Very comfortable beds. Great if you've hired a car because you can park and its only 20 minutes drive to circular quay
  
  What could be improved: TV could go on a bracket in corner so its easier to see.

• Great accommodation – Sandra from Australia – 10 July 2025 (9/10)

  Newly renovated accommodation. Room, bed and pillows very comfortable. Excellent shower. Had a delicious meal downstairs in the Bistro. Staff were friendly and very helpful.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Excellent!! Helpful staff, convenient parking and access, room was clean and comfortable. – Ernesto from Argentina – 7 July 2025 (10/10)

  Friendly and helpful staff.
  I requested early check in due to early arrival from airport and was no problem.
  Room was ready when I arrived, convenient entry and parking!
  
  What could be improved: no dislikes, both attendants were very helpful and wanted to assist me with my request.

• Exceptional – El from Australia – 2 July 2025 (10/10)

  Clean, new, convenient, friendly staff
  
  What could be improved: Internet

• Great room friendly staff good location – Virginia from Australia – 26 June 2025 (8/10)

  The renovated bedroom and bathroom
  
  What could be improved: There wasn't a decent chair for the table just a small pod to sit on.

• Comfy and cozy but some tweaks would make it perfect! – Jess from Australia – 22 June 2025 (8/10)

  I loved the bed, soooo comfy! The bathroom was also really pretty and the soaps supplied smelt really nice. The fluffy grey blanket in our room was comfy as well. The TV was also really good as well with popular streaming apps.
  
  What could be improved: The pressure of the big shower head was really weak and the hand held one was hard to use without water going everywhere as the shower had a odd shower screen. It should really be able to be closed in because water just ends up going everywhere because of this and poor draining. Also the stairwell entry had a very odd smell. It was a overpowering sweet smell and also at times smelt like sewerage.

• Recently refurbished, clean, comfortable, spacious and quiet. It was a fabulous stay and great value. – Josephine from Australia – 7 June 2025 (10/10)

  Recently refurbished, clean, comfortable, spacious and quiet. It was a fabulous stay and great value.
  
  What could be improved: I lived everything.

• The comfiest beds and so nice and relaxing to stay. – Amanda from Australia – 5 June 2025 (10/10)

  We loved that it was convenient easily to get to and surround but other cafes and servos for easy options

• Very good – Dirk from Switzerland – 23 May 2025 (8/10)

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  What could be improved: X

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities