The Observatory is very old fashioned in its style and decor, and it's a touch tired (chipped paint, dinged up furniture etc). It could use a face-lift. But the service at the concierge desk (esp Simon!) was so fantastic that we were very happy with the stay. The gym and pool were great, but we were very disappointed to find that there werent any massage appts available for any of the four mornings we were there - ?
I loved the location on a quiet street a few blocks from the Rocks - a little less central than other hotels but I liked being away from all the other tourists, and it certainly isn't far from things.