Review: Meriton Suites Zetland, inner-Sydney apartments with a new look

Introduction

There’s a lot to love about hotel life, like cool bars and eclectic eateries, luxe spas and executive lounges pouring social drinks from 5 till 7. But, sometimes, you crave the comforts of home, be it a comfy couch or a kitchen to whip up a quick dish.

Combining the best of both worlds, Meriton Suites is among Australia’s best known apartment hotels, with 20 properties dotted in key hubs across the country. Meriton Suites Zetland – midway between Sydney CBD and the airport – is one of them.

Emerging from a full refurb late last year, each of its upscale apartments now boasts a fresher, more sophisticated design, with Meriton hailing the look as its “new generation”.

Location & Impressions

Once viewed as Sydney’s industrial heartland, Zetland has evolved into a vibrant inner-city suburb, abuzz with multicultural restaurants and retail outlets. East Village shopping complex is its beating heart.

Meriton Suites is an easy stroll from the action, nestled on a leafy avenue at the far side of the Audi Centre, alongside the Eastern Distributor. Those arriving from Sydney Domestic’s Priority Pick Up zone can reach the door in a little over 10 minutes.

Further afield, Town Hall is around 15-20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Parking is available onsite for $25 per night.

You’ll find the Meriton Suites at 8 Defries Ave, Zetland.

Buses depart nearby roughly every ten minutes, while Green Square Train Station is around five minutes walk. If you don’t fancy waiting or walking, and don’t happen to have a car of your own, ride shares and taxis will likely be your frequent companions. 

Stepping through the hotel’s revolving glass door, you’re greeted by a practical space housing a lengthy reception desk and a few seating options (read: convenient spots to perch while awaiting that Uber). But, let’s be honest, you’re not here to linger in the lobby.

Of the four towers comprising the Meriton complex, each one linked by a lush central garden and lawn area, it’s the tallest – referred to as ‘O’ – which contains its 334 newly-transformed studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

The apartments feature a contemporary look, both inside and out.

At ground level are two lifts and an adjacent swimming pool and sauna, shared by hotel guests and long-term residents alike. There’s also a handy vending machine for those who don’t fancy leaving the premises to nab a snack.

Room

Occupying a city-facing corner on level 18, gazing down on the endless stream of traffic that is the Eastern Distributor, my Two Bedroom Apartment is surprisingly quiet. It’s stylish too.

Large windows afford a view towards the Sydney skyline.

Geometric grey and white carpet leads your eyes deeper; straight ahead are the two bedrooms and guest bathroom, while a left turn takes you past a study nook to the main living room and kitchen, along with a decent-sized balcony.

Avian artworks throughout add welcome pops of colour to the otherwise stark-white interiors.

Between the balcony, lounge and dining area, there are ample places to take a load off.

A grey three-seater lounge faces a 55” HD TV, while two comfy blue-hued armchairs, a white laminate coffee table and matching side completes the space. A low entertainment unit sits beneath the television, alongside a slim floor lamp.

The living room’s an inviting space to return after a day of sightseeing or business. Natural light floods in through the windows, making the sheers and blackout curtains very handy when trying to watch television, particularly in the early mornings.

A laundry with washer and dryer is discreetly tucked away in the hall.

Just alongside is a rectangular grey-flecked dining table, six cushioned seats radiating around its perimeter, while the fully-equipped kitchen – a stainless steel oven, stove, dishwasher, fridge and microwave all part of the deal – is just beyond.

Glimpses of the CBD can be seen from the living room and balcony, though the view over the freeway to Kensington is arguably more exciting for a non-Sydney resident like myself – all terracotta roofs, emerald parkland and streets lined with pale purple jacarandas.

The kitchen is well-equipped with a dishwasher, stove, oven and every utensil you could possibly need.

Around in the two king-size bedrooms (which can be converted into singles if required), it’s a fairly standard affair, though the fluffy pillows and mattresses do deserve a shout out. A HD TV is also included in both bedrooms.

Double glazing helps keep traffic noise to a minimum.

As is almost mandatory these days, Chromecast functionality is across all three televisions, allowing you to stream content on the road from your preferred service, be it Netflix, Binge or whatever the latest offering might be.

The master bathroom has a shower over the tub, while the second has a walk-in shower.

Wifi is a solid 37Mbps download and 127Mbps upload, which is more than enough for streaming.

Work

The study nook is one area which doesn’t quite hit the mark. While indeed nicely styled, particularly the image of the bird coming in to land, those who like to spread out their belongings will find the desk area a bit on the small side.

On top, its two powerpoints are both taken up by the telephone and desk lamp, meaning you need to reach around the nib wall into the dining room for juice.

Two power points are conveniently located beside the dining table.

With that in mind, the dining table makes more sense as a work desk. The seats are really comfortable, meaning those extended work sessions shouldn’t be an issue. Plus, you get to appreciate the view of the city.

Printing, scanning and photocopying can also be arranged via reception, if required.

Eat

The kitchen is stocked with every pot, pan or piece of crockery you might need. Conveniently, East Point shopping complex is just a block away, allowing you to stock up on supplies without needing a car.

Alternatively, mix it up at one of the nearby local restaurants. Staff offer a handy list of recommendations at check-in, as well as a pocket guide and map of the area detailing where to find everything from ribs and burgers to banh mi and tacos.

Relax

As mentioned previously, there’s an indoor swimming pool and sauna…

… as well as a gym for the use of both hotel guests and long-term residents of the surrounding Meriton-managed apartments.

During the middle of the day, the pool is fairly quiet, allowing you to get some laps in undisturbed. However, from 3pm it attracts the younger residents of the complex, and is best avoided.

Verdict

As serviced apartments go, Meriton Suites Zetland is a good option. It’s well located between the airport and city centre – ideal for those with business in the area, or leisure travellers seeking a base beyond the rabbit warren of downtown Sydney.

The kitchen and laundry are two big selling points, giving you flexibility to dine in or out to your heart’s content, as well as freshen up your wardrobe sans exorbitant hotel laundry costs.

The writer stayed as a guest of Meriton Suites.