Collector Hotel Review

Review by Sabrina Cortez

A favourite daily drinkery for local ‘Westies’ and ‘tradies’, and a casual urban playground for nightlife enthusiasts, the Collector Hotel is the prime place to drink, dine and unwind.

I'd call Collector Hotel a localised less than off-the-hook version of Sydney’s Star Bar. But without the tiring train pursuit and somber waiting lines.

The Collector is easily a one-stop spot for everyone, whether you need affordable pre-drinks for a big night or an intimate place to get together with mates. But if you’re not quite the big boozer, like me, this place is a hybrid crossover of a club and lounge with an expansive dance floor, pool tables, TAB facilities, pokies and FREE WIFI! All perfect for any function. You know you’ve hit the jackpot when you can spend $30 on pokies, pool and drinks all in the one place. And who doesn’t love free Wi-Fi?

Situated in a nook on Parramatta’s George Street, and away from the Main Street mecca of beloved restaurants, I was initially underwhelmed by the lack of people at Collector. At first, I assumed it was because finding a nearby and available parking spot at 9pm on a Saturday night was next to impossible. I thought it might’ve also been the trek from said parking to Collector. But I soon came to learn that it was due to its unfortunate proximity to the well-known appraised Roxy. This was also confirmed by my own preconceptions and comparisons of the Collector to the Roxy. However, the Collector Hotel proves itself as a cheaper relaxed alternative where a fun laidback weekend does not have to cost you your entire week’s pay.

Its lacking yet varied clientele are frequented by 25–40 year old regulars and locals. While weekdays are saved for patrons keen for a schooner or a cheap indulgent meal after work. Most nights there is free entry before 11pm. Saturday happy hours are 6pm–midnight. For $10 you can buy you a jug of beer, while cocktails are $8. Friday happy hours run from 7pm-midnight with $12 cocktails and dirt cheap $6 for pints of beer. If you reach dinner before 8pm, you’ll get a decent meal and a bargain for your buck. Most of the Collector’s meals average at $12, but if you want to spoil yourself with a tempting plate of lamb cutlets or salmon steak it’ll cost you $20. I recommend going for the Wednesday night $5 pizza special, it’s filling as cheap pizzas go but definitely worth it compared to the equivalent price of a city train ticket.

The Collector Hotel DJs generally plays RnB and lively dance anthem mashups, but also caters to the crowd's preferences with timeless favourite songs. Unfortunately, as it is placed in the back, the dance floor and music is admittedly not the compelling reason to return the Collector. It’s not even the many places offered for alfresco dining and drinking in the front garden. Nor is it the casual and friendly demeanour of staff and security. It’s in fact the modest and soothing ambience of the place with its dimly lit lights. It's the fact that, unlike its competition, it’s a rare environment that offers cosy customer comfort that Sydneysiders hardly find. It's the fact that Collector, as its name suggests, is a collection of nifty facilities that would indulge anyone’s idea of the night out experience.

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