Astra Apartments St Leonards

"The apartment was not new and not very clean (especially the carpets), and there were obvious signs of wear and tear here and there, but everything was in working order. Location of the apartment was also very convenient. We will not however choose to book with Astra Apartments again. We had a stressful experience dealing with its customer representative (Samantha), whose responses were always curt to the point of impolite. Every request was met with a negative response (including extra towels, roll-away bed, late check-out). Prior to our arrival, we were requested to pay a couple of thousands of AUD to settle the full cost of the stay plus security bond, which was fine, except that we were told payment by credit/debit card online was unavailable, and that payment could only be made by bank transfer or cash deposit at a bank or ATM. We made it clear that this was a problem for us, and asked if there were any alternative methods to pay as we were on the road (we were on a road trip in Melbourne at the time), and that this would greatly inconvenience us as travelers from overseas without a local account. The response we received was again negative, and no alternatives were offered. We ended up going through a lot of trouble getting the payment through. Cancellation of the booking was also not really an option at that point. We were told that 7 days’ notice was required to cancel the reservation. When we asked what the penalty was for giving less than 7 days’ notice, we were informed that the penalty would be the cost of 7 nights’ accommodation, which struck us as unusual (compared to other serviced apartments that we have stayed at around Australia and other countries, where the penalty is usually one night’s accommodation cost), and much harsher than the cancellation policy that apply generally to its properties (72 hours) as stated on Astra Apartments’ own website. Service was very limited as well. We get it that they are not a hotel, but beware that they are also not a serviced apartment as there is really very, very minimal service, as one of the other past patrons above had commented. We were informed prior to arrival that the linens and towels would be changed a few days after we checked in. This did not happen. We stayed for a total of 10 nights, and the cleaning lady did not come until 2 days before our departure (9 a.m. on a Saturday). Advance request for cleaning service at a time more convenient for us was also refused. There are plenty of other choices around the area at a similar price with more service, flexibility in their payment terms and cancellation policy, and most importantly, customer service teams that are much more thoughtful and willing to listen to the customers’ needs. Astra’s website reads “It’s the little things that make a big difference”. We cannot agree more, which is why we will not be returning."

"Great location and had everything i needed. Great communication pist my stay"

"For a serviced apartment there isn't a lot of service. Basics like toilet paper need to be bought yourself. There is no desk so it is limited when you can check in and out, and if you leave your fob to get in the building /lift in your room you are completely stuck. The cleaning is once a week but very minimal and we didn't have our sheets changed in a month there despite asking. The location is convenient near the train and cafés at crows nest but was noisy for us due to construction. Alright for a short while but have stayed in much better serviced apartments."

"nice and new. little small"