We have just returned from a week stay in Sydney and had a marvellous time. We booked a 2-bedroom apartment at the World Towers which was as excellent as any 5-star hotel in the city. Prices were reasonable although the weekend rates are a bit hefty. Views of Sydney from the apartments are magnificent. The daily housekeeping service ensure that we have fresh towels each day. The personnel even washed all our plates and cups again even though we have washed them ourselves! The laundry and dryer came in handy as I was washing our toddler's clothes daily due to the mess that he sometimes get himself into.

The fully equipped kitchen was a tremendous help as I was fixing wholesome and nutritous meals for our 23 month old toddler each day. The location of the apartments meant that I could pop down to Coles supermarket located in the basement of World Square anytime to get our daily essentials like diapers, formula milk as well as oats and cereals. If you need to rent a car which we did, you can just pop to Avis which is right around the corner on Pitt Street. The apartments are also close to Darling Harbour, Powerhouse Museum and Chinatown whic are just a short stroll away. QVB and Circular Quay are only a bus ride away. The receptionists on duty each day were very businesslike but helpful in assisting us with our needs. I wouldn't say that they are friendly except for the one who helped us book a day tour to the Blue Mountains. The only downside I have are the noisy party revellers jamming the lifts on the weekends. This is despite the fact that the property has a strict no party policy. Nonetheless, I was impressed with the facilities overall and would definitely stay here again when we come back in 2010.

HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR STAY:

1. Arrived at hotel at 10 a.m. after an overnight flight and we checked in immediately.

2. Without requesting it were upgraded to a two bedroom, 2 bath on the 52 floor with an outstanding view of Darlng Habour. Balony glass enclosed so always usable.

3. Staff friendly and very responsive. We had trouble hooked up our internet and someone arrived without 10 minutes to solve the problem. Regardless of problem, we received the same prompt service.

4. Comfortable bed, bathrooms normal size but had long roomy counters. Important to me since I have lotions, potions, and makeup that take up lots space.

5. Close to food store, attractions, and Information office at Darling habour. Information recommended: Bontique Wine Tour(great all day trip to Hunter Valley--highly recommend), Blue Mountain(ended up the only two on the tour with Rob who owns the business. One on my favorite tours during our time there.), Sydney Habour Coffee Cruise a pleasant way to see the habour.

6. The building does seemed to be filled with mostly young adults. We did NOT find it noisy or in anyway affected by having so many young people living there.

7. Only negatives were the bacony needed to be swept and scrubbed before our arrival. Spa did not work the entire time we were there even after reporting it repeatly.

We stayed at these apartments before flying out from Sydney the next day and just loved the place!

We were staying on the 65th floor with the most amazing views over Sydney. The floor to ceiling windows were fabulous!

The apartment was very spacious and so very comfortable too - I didn't want to get out of the bed in the morning it was just too cosy.

It was very well equipped particularly if you were staying for a longer time period which we were sad that we weren't.

Although the place is very busy we had no problem with noise from any other apartments either which is something in such a large place.

The check in staff were very friendly and when our original room wasn't available we were moved immediately to another one. They even came and separated the beds for the two children who were sharing a room.

The secure underground carpark was a real bonus too, even at the price, to be able to leave your cases in the car overnight is great.

We really enjoyed our stay at the Meriton.

I am here in Sydney for a month at one of these serviced apartments. Overall I feel that my stay has been subpar.

First the good - location, location, location. These apartments are in the middle of the CBD and a quick walk to many great things. There's a mall underground that has some decent restaurants, a grocery store, a drug store, a liquor store, and a video store. There are always a ton of cabs driving by. And within about 5 minutes you're at oxford street which has some cool shops and a ton of bars and clubs.

The building is also pretty nice - the apartment I am in is on the 63rd floor. I have a view of Darling Harbor and the city.

The decor is average, there's some random pictures on the wall, blue and tan carpeting that appears to be the type that easily masks stains. The three bedroom apartment has two bathrooms - the master bath has a nice whirlpool tub, the secondary bath has a shower. Both showers have the handheld shower heads and the bathroom size is pretty generous.

Now the bad -- for me, the biggest reason I even get a hotel/serviced apartment, is so that I have a place to sleep. The beds here are horrific. They take two single beds and push them together, leaving a large enough gap in the middle so that it's unsleepable. Right now there is about a 5cm gap. The beds feel like someone took about 50 hard springs and stretched a thin sheet over them. You can feel each coil and it's not comfortable at all. My coworker actually has started sleeping on the floor which he says gives him a much better rest. I'm considering starting to try that. A motel 6 has a better bed than this. Even sleeping on top of the covers, I can feel each painful spring.

The maid service here does the bare minimum - changing the sheets and towels once a week. Even if you call to ask for extra service. They occasionally change the sheets in one room and leave the other two untouched. They vacuum exposed areas but never move anything to vacuum underneath it. They wipe exposed surfaces but wouldn't dream of moving a glass to the side to wipe under it.

The air conditioning is also a pain - it automatically shuts off after 8 hours, so when you wake up in the middle of the night, the apartment is hot and humid

While this apartment may seem like a good deal, unless you BYOB (bring your own bed), it's not worth it at any price.