5 stars. I would 100% stay here again. In fact, I would live in this apartment if I moved to Sydney.
First, the location can't be beat. That alone is worth everything. You're literally across the street from the southeast corner of Hyde Park, next to the Pullman Hotel. So you can easily walk most places in the city, as well as to neighborhood places in Darlinghurst or Surrey Hills.
Second, the apartment itself is adorable. The blue wall and decorations are insta-worthy, as it the little balcony. This is a studio but it is quite roomy. I was there for 10 days and was given 10 packs of coffee (between instant and Nespresso) as well as about 12 bags of team, which I appreciated. I used the hot pot, Nespresso, and toaster almost every day. I had 3 bath towels and an extra set of sheets all ready for me. There was also an iron (which I didn't use) and A/C (which I couldn't figure out - I just kept the windows open!).
Third, I think the building is great too. It's a little dated, and also weird in that it appears to be a mix of hotel, homes, and rentals. However, the rooftop pool is stunning, and there is laundry and guest parking, as well as a concierge most of the time. I didn't have any issues with the facilities.
Even though this was 5 stars for me (and I really would return), a few things for full disclosure:
- Sabrina is not a real person. This apartment is controlled by a company called MadeComfy. So I had someone named Lance as my contact who I worked with the whole time. If Sabrina is somehow real I had no contact with her at all. Lance was quick to respond though.
- Guests are asked to wash and put away their own dishes. If you see comments about the cleanliness of the kitchen, that's likely why. I personally washed my dished intensely, and I also naturally rinse anything before I use it. But I'd feel more comfortable using the dishes straight away if I knew they were professionally cleaned between guests.
- I would have liked some kitchen cooking essentials. You have dishes, silverware, a pot, etc. - but some salt, pepper, and olive oil would be cheap for the host but go a long way for guests. There were also no napkins or paper towels or tissues.
- There are some birds that live outside of the window - cockatoos and rainbow lorikeets. Oh and pigeons. They are pretty cute but can get really loud when they are all screaming, so heads up if that matters to you. At one point I had 4 all lined up on the balcony railing! You can shoo them away though.
- The apartment has a bit of a musty smell. I think the whole building does, but they spray the hallways to death so you can't tell. However, once you're inside for about a minute, and if you open the sliding door, you won't notice anymore.
- Lastly, this is personal and a small complaint. But when I booked, I asked if I could drop my bags early. I was told no, because they have to clean the apartment between bookings. Fine. But 1) the Oaks is like a hotel, so they could hold your bags. and 2) the lockbox didn't open for me for 45 minutes. I was on the phone 3 times and someone nearly got sent out... finally, I had to slam it on the ground to get it to open (sorry guys). However, when the service guy was about to get dispatched, he said "sorry, the apartment was cleaned 2 days ago and it's been raining, so maybe the box is swollen or sealed up from the rain." .... so if the apartment was cleaned 2 days ago, why couldn't I come in early? I understand I'm not guaranteed that ability but the different stories really rubbed me the wrong way.
To end, I really enjoyed my stay and would return in a heartbeat! But I want potential guests to know the things I thought about so they are aware up front.
Thank you!