We stayed at Paradox Sydney for one night over the long weekend expecting a premium experience given its 5-star rating and glowing reviews. Unfortunately, our stay was tainted by a serious cleanliness issue.
When we first used the shower at 2am, we discovered a used condom in the corner. This was not only disgusting but completely unacceptable for a hotel of this calibre. The night staff we called over the phone responded quickly, they arrived to apologise, took photos, and removed it, but the damage was done.
We immediately asked to be moved to another room, as my wife understandably did not want to use that shower. This request could not be accommodated until the next morning, meaning my wife was unable to shower after attending reception that night. When I asked reception again in the morning, the move was promptly arranged.
Mistakes can happen, but for a 5-star property with high ratings, I am shocked that housekeeping would miss something so obvious and unhygienic. Beyond losing access to the shower for one night, we were not offered any form of compensation, something I would have expected for paying guests unable to use basic facilities. While we did not demand it, the lack of gesture speaks volumes.
This is the first time I have ever written a bad review, and I hope management takes this seriously.
Cleanliness should be the absolute minimum, especially for a luxury hotel charging premium rates.