The Kirketon in Darlinghurst is an intimate hotel that provides an oasis of quiet solitute amongst the hurly burly of Sydney. The service is excellent and the rooms are spotless. The hotel, which is two stories high, does not have a lift, so be prepared for stairs.

This recently refurbished boutique hotel provides comfortable rooms with beds that allow for a good nights sleep without the noise associated with a bustling city - although my air conditioner spluttered occasionally during the night. However I was assured they are being serviced so that minor inconvenience will be soon be remedied.

For those who complain of having to "run around in the shower to get wet" or of being "scorched one moment and then frozen the next" the showers are excellent, providing a nice strong spray with responsive taps - a rarity in hotels. One warning though, take a shower cap.

The hotel is three minutes walk to a selection of restaurants/eateries in Victoria Street and 10 minutes walk south to more in Oxford Street. If you are after a full and inexpensive breakfast to start your day then walk across the road to a cafe and sit outside and watch Sydney wake to a new day. For more formal eating, dine at the Salt restaurant which is connected to the hotel, however it is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Or enjoy a relaxing drink and unwind at the end of the day in one of the hotels two bars located on the ground floor

Getting into the city is a breeze. A 30 minute walk east down William Street will get you to Circular Quay. Buses are nearby to take you to most parts of Sydney and Kings Cross Rail Station is less than five minutes walk from the front door.

All up a very good boutique hotel.