While in need of a makeover,the hallways are rather dingy, the owners were very friendly and helpful, and the location was exceptionally convenient. Our room was comfortable and we had a good stay overall. There was free wi-fi in the lobby which was a really rare and nice thing. If you do not have unreasonably high expectations this is a nice place to stay. I'd call it 2 1/2 stars.More
My second stay at the Normandie and I was just as happy as the first time. The rooms are comfortable and clean. The owners are super-nice and helpful. I felt like I was staying with them rather than just staying in their hotel. The restaurant downstairs is decent and I love hanging out in the bar. The downstairs bar and small family run hotel give me a slightly European feel which I really enjoy. And it's all very affordable!
We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay. It feels rewarding to read that you enjoyed the facilities and the feel of the place. It has always been a home away from home and we want to keep the character of the place with gradual changes in keeping. We very much look forward to welcoming you back again. Kind regards Beydon
This place is a little run down, but it's clean and comfortable and the staff are friendly and helpful. I needed a cheapish place to stay in Wollongong. I ended up here and had a small office, a room with a bed in it and bathroom. Fridge, iron and ironing board, kettle and coffee and tea were all available. could do with a better lok on the door. I have mobility difficulties and these were accommodated. I would recommend. I was told that their own website would have been cheaper than booking.com for single occupancy - so try that option.
Thank you for taking the time to review our motel. We acknowledge that we need some renovation an ongoing issue which may take time to resolve. We now have a new wi fi for internet which covers every room in the motel so now our guests can enjoy good reception . Kind regards Beydon
Stayed one night at the Normandie. Room was large, comfortable and included tea making, fridge and new TV. Beautiful old hotel. Reception staff was lovely. Very convenient for the North Wollongong rail station (3-4 blocks walk). Quiet and bright. Would recommend again.
Thank you for your wonderful review . We are happy that we made you feel comfortable. You are always welcome. Kind regards Beydon
This is a homely 3-star hotel that is quite the rare thing – not the bland palaces of the big hotels.
This property is nothing flash. If you want flash, go to the Novotel up the road. But it is clean, neat, and comfy.
The couple running it have been there for the last 2 years (I forget their names), and are seeking to carry on the good reputation of the property built up by the previous owners. And they are doing well.
We were on a 2-room suite on the 1st floor (bedroom and lounge room). Everything was comfy and well appointed. There is a bar fridge (empty), enabling us to store sandwich ingredients (there is a general store just across the street and down a bit). The television is an older tube model attached to the wall; but we are not big TV fans, so did not switch it on.
The bathroom is rather small, but again see my statement above – not flash, but clean and comfy. The unguents are liquids dispensed by push-buttons, so you might like to bring your own soap and shampoo if you prefer.
There is PLENTY of car parking if you include the back of the building (and this is pointed out in the room guide).
The property is very handy to the free and frequent Gong Shuttle bus to downtown Wollongong and to the University. The North Wollongong railway station (express trains to Sydney) is about 10 minutes walk away. There is also a taxi rank across the street from the property.
The Normandie is also very handy to North Wollongong Beach, 2 blocks away.
We can’t comment on the restaurant as we did not use it.
The only down side was our mildly noisy neighbours who noisily wandered the corridors conversing as they retired for the night (including one who inexplicably banged on our door). But they settled down by 11pm. Whilst there is no 24-hour reception service, you can still deal with these problems by ringing or sending a txt to the night manager (whose number is clearly displayed at reception and the front door).
All in all, a good choice for accommodation in Wollongong – especially if you are paying your own bill.
Thank you so much for for taking the time to share your experiences at Normandie . We are delighted to read that you enjoyed your stay. We are reading our reviews, for feedback as to know what we are doing well and what we can do better. It is a home away from home. It is a small boutique Motel all the rooms are different sizes, being retro built in 1946, it has its own character.
Thank you too for mentioning the area, there are a lot of different things to do in Wollongong. We have an information folder in the rooms highlighting what is around for guests convenience. We look forward to welcoming you back again. Kind Regards Beydon
We travelled from Brisbane to attend a family wedding in North Wollongong and stayed overnight at The Normandie in early March 2012. We booked a Queen Bed room. It was very small but did the job for what we needed. The linen and room/bathroom were clean. The hotel was about a 5 minute walk from the wedding venue.....and that's where the positives end. The bed was rock hard - we could feel the springs poking into us when we were lying down. The air conditioner was loud. We were advised at the time of booking that breakfast was included in our rate, however when checking out we were advised differently and were charged $50 for two meals of bacon and eggs! All in all the rates were expensive for what we got. I would not recommend this hotel in the future.
