Absolutely awful experience from check-in to getting back my 'deposit'! This hotel is the sludge on the feet of the ACCOR Chain! This is a one star (if lucky) property which I was unfortunate enough to be hosted in as part of a conference at the neighbouring Sydney Convention Centre. Firstly they take from you a $50 a night 'security deposit' up front - which wasn't refunded until TWO WEEKS after I departed!! There is no minibar, so why a 'security deposit'? Some poor African gentleman I checked in behind staying for a week had to fork out an extra $350 cash for his bond for his one week stay.

The website grandly exclaims that the hotel is recently refurbished, yet it is a very grungy, worn and tired hotel still. Also my room was paid for by me, and a few days later I received a call from the conference organisers asking me for money because they too had been charged for my stay!! Embarrassing.

A truly shocking and dreadful hotel.

Approximate cost: $155

Bridies used to be a regular spot to call in on a Saturday or Friday night, knowing that the next morning we would have lost our voices from singing "Jessie's Girl, Run to Paradise and Livin' on a Prayer" - yeah i know it is old school, but was always a hoot.

Nowadays the upstairs area is ferral - maybe it always was? The band has always disappeared for an hour at a time - seemingly to play at other pubs in between??

Having been here several times for drinks with friends, I enjoyed the music and bar areas. People dress up here, and the fit out is of a classy quality. One little blonde on the door does tend to like to shout and gets quite irate at punters for little reason, however it is a nice place to meet.

I did lose some friends there recently and discovered them in the basement dance area, where the DJs were top notch. It actually is quite a discovery when you go down to the basement through the door at the rear of the top level lounge.

I bought my new Mitsubishi from Penfolds Mitsubishi - which is also a Holden dealership. I have had my car serviced three times now by Penfolds and have always been impressed with the attention, offers to assist with loan vehicles and the cost of servicing.

Having purchased a new model Mitsubishi Outlander during 2007, I expected that when my vehicle was damaged in an attempted break-in that there would be drivers' door parts readily available in Australia. But no. My car is expected to be off the road for SIX WEEKS as these simple door handle and electronics parts get sent out from Japan. After two weeks of funding my own rental car and a week of a loaner from the repairers, Mitsubishi organised a free rental for me.

I would hesitate seriously to purchase another new Mitsubishi having experienced their parts inventory failure.

For a vandal simply sticking a screwdriver in the door lock, Mitsubishi owners are expected to wait six weeks for parts. This is ridiculous.

Approximate cost: $-

An AAMI approved repairer, these guys were selected to repair my new car after vandalism damage. Parts from Japan were estimated at some six weeks to arrive, and even though it was Mitsubishi's slack inventory system that let me down, these guys offered to lend me a car for the time it took Mitsubishi to organise to get the parts here. Communication has been good, and my initial fears of corner-cutting by AAMI repairers have been totally reversed.

Approximate cost: $-

Coffee lovers - this is Mecca. Still 'underground' since I discovered it several years ago, St Ali still has no external signage on the white warehouse, yet is usually full of those in the know. My interstate friends have complained about Melbourne coffee, till I take them here. My Melbourne friends are now all devoted St Ali caffeine addicts too.I have a weekly pilgrimage to St Ali now I don't work in Sth Melbourne. Breakfast from 7.30am always includes porridge with fruit and honey, even tho it isn't on the menu. BTW always wash your hands there with the Aesop soap and moisturiser too :-) *EDIT* 12 Oct 2009 - since I first wrote this review in 2008, it has changed hands, expanded, got new staff, changed the menu, and received a lot of publicity and is as popular as ever. Oh well, off to find a new haunt now

Approximate cost: $8

very pleasant cafe style food - had French Onion soup and lamb shanks in tomato sauce...delicious! Partner had lamb cutlets which were plump and large sized meals. No need for side dishes. Sticky date cake was a little dry. wine list basic but broad. Lots of kiwi options too.

Approximate cost: $26

A regular lunch cafe for myself and workmates, this is a largish cafe with a fabulous selection of cold and hot meals. MAP coffee is a plus! They have been having a special of a hot main with a can of drink for $7-50, which has been hard to go by come lunchtime! Always a paper or fresh magazine to read. Staff are a bit eclectic. Curries could be hotter, so I always ask for chilli flakes.

Approximate cost: $7.50

These guys bought the Tramont Cafe late in 2007 and were quite cautious to keep things as they were for a little bit. Over the Christmas break they re-branded, redecorated and expanded the selection. Working close-by, we ordered a couple of platters of sandwiches for a staff lunch and was honestly blown away by both the quality and quantity of the food. Even the fruit platters are a sight to behold.