Mantra 2: Sydney, AUSTRALIA

Another trip to Sydney, and another hotel and serviced apartment to stay at! This time it was in the CBD proper... and a nice serviced apartment, and just next to one of the tram stops, so an incredibly convenient location for getting to the rehearsing and recording venues. But I still have to wonder how much money gets sunk into accommodation when a cheaper option would be just as good for me... and if they are still willing to spend the money, I would happily just take it as a bonus instead!

So, Mantra 2... which for many days was Manta 2 for me... is next to the Bridge Street tram stop, between Circular Quay and Wynyard stations. Being the CBD, I left my car out in one of the Western suburbs of Sydney so that I didn't need to pay for parking... as it would be at least 60 AUD per night in the hotel parking... money that I could just spend elsewhere! Like a few Steam games in the current sale...

... a very nice lobby greets you as soon as you walk in off the street. It does scream quality! When I arrived, it was about one in the morning, as I had to drive to Sydney from elsewhere, and leave the car in Western Sydney before catching an Uber into the hotel. So, I didn't really appreciate how nice it was!

They even have an area for working... although, I didn't really see anyone using this as a work/meeting space. I guess you could... but if you are staying at the hotel, I guess you probably would prefer to use your own apartment instead for the privacy! Still... I'm keeping it mind, as a potential coffee sit down and kill time place for the future visits to Sydney when I find myself in the area... which is disturbingly often.

Travelling up to your apartment reveals the real weak point of Mantra, and the only point of complaint that I had during my stay here. Three slowish lifts service the whole building... and at least one seemed to be out of action each time. Two then... and it just wasn't enough... frequent stops going up and down, with full lifts and all of that. I normally would need to factor in an additional 5 minutes travel time to just get out of the building!

Once you are up in the apartment areas... it is nice and neat... large windows allowing in natural light to the areas that can have it.. and well lit in areas that need the artificial lighting.

Interesting but inoffensive paintings don the walls...

Your lounge area is nicely furnished... it was quite comfy if a bit tight on space, despite the fact that I tend to spend most of my time on the bed instead of the couch. I just prefer to have all my gear, power-board, and electronics there... and I don't like to spread out too much when I'm travelling, it just makes for easier and quicker pack-ups. Very unlike travelling with family, when everything gets unpacked and left all over the bloody place!

A decently equipped kitchen rounds out the lounge area... I didn't manage to cook this time, there wasn't enough days... and I didn't really feel in the mood to do it this time, even if it would save on the per diem monies.

Uuuuhhhhh... the artwork in the room was a bit strange, and in some cases... a touch on the creepy and spooky side. Glad I didn't take too much time looking at them! I already have enough trouble sleeping when I'm away from home!

The balcony view was nice... if you like the high rise urban city sort of thing. It is a little strange to be able to see into the office buildings... although, perhaps less strange than being able to see into my apartment!

... and my sleeping slash workspace! I don't think I've really shaken off the student days idea of the bed being also a workplace and table! My wife hates that I still do this at home.. but I think she has gotten used to it and sort of accepts it quietly. Either that, or she is festering over it... and it will come to a head sometime!