In our review of this Wollongong hotel, we found it offers a comfy home-away-from-home feel with stunning views of both the ocean and mountains.
The rooms come with handy kitchenettes and private balconies, perfect for soaking in the scenery. The on-site eatery dishes up tasty Australian fare, and you can catch the game at the bar.
While the place gets high marks for cleanliness and friendly staff, there are a couple of potential hiccups to keep in mind. Some ongoing renovations might cause a bit of noise, and COVID-19 policies could affect certain services.
This spot is ideal for travelers who want a central location with a dash of luxury. Families will appreciate the apartment-style setup, and beach lovers will dig the easy access to the coast.
If you’re after a mix of comfort and convenience in Wollongong, this hotel hits the mark.
About Your Stay
- The Best Western City Sands hotel is located at the corner of Bank and Corrimal Streets in Wollongong, offering excellent ocean and mountain views.
- The hotel features one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with private balconies, kitchenettes, and ample living space, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
- On-site dining options include The Deck restaurant serving Australian cuisine and The Tap Inn Bar & Lounge offering local drinks and live sports viewing.
- The hotel has a strict check-in and check-out policy, with a minimum check-in age of 18 years and no pets allowed on the premises.
- Guests must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the hotel, and minor renovations will be taking place from January 1 to January 31, 2024.
Property Overview
Nestled in the heart of Wollongong, the Best Western City Sands is a 4-star aparthotel that offers guests a prime location.
The property is situated on the corner of Bank and Corrimal Streets, providing easy access to the city’s attractions.
With an impressive rating of 8.2/10 from 1,796 reviews, the hotel is praised for its excellent location, cleanliness, comfort, and helpful staff.
Guests particularly appreciate the property’s ocean and mountain views, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers visiting the New South Wales region.
Accommodation Details
The Best Western City Sands offers a range of modern apartments that cater to the needs of both business and leisure travelers. Guests can choose from one-bedroom apartments with mountain or ocean views, or opt for a spacious two-bedroom unit. All apartments feature a private balcony, kitchenette, and ample living space, along with free WiFi, cable TV, and a private bathroom.
| Apartment Type | Mountain View | Ocean View | Two-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Kitchenette | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Private Balcony | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free WiFi | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s other amenities, including free on-site parking, family rooms, and facilities for guests with disabilities.
Dining Options
The Best Western City Sands offers guests two dining options on-site.
The Deck is the property’s restaurant, serving Australian cuisine featuring local seasonal produce. Open for lunch and dinner, it offers ocean views.
The Tap Inn Bar & Lounge is the hotel’s bar, serving local beers, premium wines, and cocktails. It’s equipped with live sports viewing facilities, making it a convenient spot for guests to unwind.
Both dining options provide a comfortable and enjoyable on-site experience for those staying at the Best Western City Sands.
Check-in and Check-out
When can guests check in and check out at the Best Western City Sands?
The hotel’s check-in time is from 14:00 to 22:00, while check-out is until 10:00. Guests must check out by 10:00 on their day of departure.
The hotel enforces a strict check-in and check-out policy to ensure efficient turnover and prepare rooms for the next arrivals. Guests are advised to plan their schedules accordingly.
Late check-outs may incur additional fees. Payments can be made via credit card, with a 2% surcharge applied. Cash payments aren’t accepted.
Payment and Policies
Guests can pay for their stay at Best Western City Sands using credit cards, though a 2% surcharge applies. Cash isn’t accepted at the property.
The minimum age for check-in is 18 years old. The hotel’s cancellation policy varies by accommodation type, with bookings charged 48 hours prior to arrival.
No pets are allowed on the premises. Guests must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the property, and local guests must book for essential work-related reasons.
Minor disruptions are expected from January 1 to January 31, 2024, due to corridor renovations.
Pet Policy and Age Restriction
No pets are allowed at the Best Western City Sands. This policy ensures a comfortable stay for all guests.
Plus, the minimum age for check-in is 18 years old. This age restriction aims to maintain a suitable environment for all visitors. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
These policies are in place to uphold the property’s standards and provide a pleasant experience for everyone. Guests are advised to familiarize themselves with these rules prior to their stay to avoid any inconveniences.
Accessibility and Safety Measures
The Best Western City Sands caters to the needs of guests with accessibility requirements. The property features wheelchair-accessible areas and designated smoking zones.
Security measures include CCTV in common spaces and functional smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. These safety provisions ensure a secure environment for all visitors.
Plus, the hotel adheres to COVID-19 guidelines, requiring all guests to be fully vaccinated, with local patrons needing to book for essential work-related reasons.
Upcoming minor disruptions are expected from January 1 to January 31, 2024, for corridor renovations, but the hotel will remain operational during this period.
Upcoming Changes and COVID-19 Guidelines
Minor renovations to the corridors are expected from January 1 to January 31, 2024, though the Best Western City Sands will remain fully operational during this period.
Guests can expect some minor disruptions, but the hotel will continue to provide its high-quality services and amenities.
Plus, the Best Western City Sands is adhering to COVID-19 guidelines, requiring all guests to be fully vaccinated.
Local guests must also book for essential work-related reasons.
These measures are in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both guests and staff during these unprecedented times.
Questions About Your Stay
What Types of Payment Methods Are Accepted On-Site?
According to the information provided, the property accepts credit card payments, but there’s a 2% surcharge. Cash is not accepted as a payment method on-site.
Is There a Shuttle Service Available for Guests?
The property doesn’t offer a shuttle service. Guests will need to arrange their own transportation to and from the hotel, such as using local public transport, taxis, or rideshare services.
Can the Apartment Be Customized for Special Occasions?
The apartments at Best Western City Sands can’t be customized for special occasions. However, the hotel does offer a restaurant and bar that could accommodate celebrations with advance notice and coordination with the staff.
What Are the Peak Seasons for Booking at This Property?
The peak seasons for booking at this property are typically during school holidays, major events, and summer months when demand for accommodation in Wollongong increases. Rates and availability may fluctuate accordingly.
Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Long-Term Stays?
The hotel offers discounts for longer stays, with additional savings for bookings of 7 nights or more. Guests can inquire about extended stay packages which may include perks like complimentary breakfast or airport transfers.
Booking Your Stay
After a long day of exploring Wollongong’s sun-kissed beaches and vibrant city center, we stumbled upon a real gem. This coastal retreat offers a refreshing blend of comfort and convenience that’ll make you want to extend your stay.
Picture yourself waking up to breathtaking ocean views, then heading downstairs to be greeted by a staff so friendly, you’ll think you’ve known them for years. The rooms? Spotless and cozy, with all the modern touches you need to feel right at home.
Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, you’ll appreciate the prime location that puts you within easy reach of everything this charming city has to offer. And let’s not forget the consistently high marks from fellow travelers – always a good sign!
Ready to pack your bags? Hit the button below to book through our tried-and-true partner, Booking.com. We use them ourselves and can vouch for their competitive rates. Happy travels!