Just down the road from Randwick, Coogee Beach has stretches of golden sand, beautiful blue waters and trendy cafés, bars and restaurants.
There is a shift in awareness happening right now, can you feel it? Australia is the third-fasted growing vegan market in the world, after the United Arab Emirates and China.
We have the pleasure of introducing Jennifer – affectionately known as “Boo Boo” – one of our hardworking Housekeeping Team Members.
Boo Boo came to Australia in the 90s and, after high school, went on to study bookkeeping and massage. Her true passion is making people happy, which is why she has an exceptional track record in many different styles of accommodation. We know how lucky we are to have her on our Team.
Boo Boo recommends the delectable pastries at Twenty Two Grams “I love the croissants for breakfast and sometimes I bring one for the boss!”
Coffee Order ☕: Flat white with 3 sugars please
Another shining star from our Guest Services team is Nana. Nana is from Indonesia, growing up in Java and Bali before moving to Sydney with her husband for a new adventure.
Nana has been passionate about hospitality since High School and studied Hotel Management. She trained in Singapore and worked in an exclusive 5 star resort in Bali before moving to Sydney. She says that the best thing about working for Sydney Lodges is the “amazing team and Management”
Outside of work, Nana enjoys hunting down the newest foodie spots, shopping, watching movies and exploring the many many beaches of Sydney.
Nana recommends the Chicken Pad See Ew from Chao Praya ”It is the best and they have a well-priced lunch special!”
Coffee Order ☕ : Latte with 2 sugars
Camillo studied Computer Science at University and loves building computers. He’s definitely a whizz kid! He loves his time at Sydney Lodges, because he likes to be given a challenge and fix it! “I like to get everything fixed and I like to do it well!” He is always friendly and ready to help with any job that he’s asked to do, “yes no problem”!
When he’s not at work, he likes to work in his garden and plant new flowers and trees plus he is an avid reader. He also speaks 3 languages Filipino,Taglalog and his English is pretty darn excellent!
Camilo’s go to meal in Randwick is the pizza with prosciutto at Maybe Frank. “It’s incredible!”
Coffee Order ☕ : A large Cappuccino
Meet the lovely Hilda, who works with our Housekeeping Team in Randwick. Hilda studied Business Administration and worked in the Industrial Sector before moving to Australia from the Philippines in 2003.
Hilda loves meeting and greeting customers and says that one of the best parts of working with Sydney Lodges is being part of such a great team.
Outside of work, Hilda likes to keep up with all the latest movies and loves shopping, whether it is at the shopping centre or online. Our little fashionista knows where to find a good bargain, so be sure to ask her for shopping tips!
Hilda loves to start her day with a coffee and pastry from Baked by Twenty Two Grams located conveniently opposite the L2 Randwick tram stop “Try the custard-topped danish, it is soooooo yummy!”
Coffee Order ☕ : flat white with 1, extra hot!
Romsel is a Senior Front Office Agent in Randwick. She is originally from Cambodia but has been living in Sydney for the last 8 years.
With over 18 years of experience working in the Hotel Industry, Romsel previously worked in an international luxury hotel in Krong Siem Reap, a resort town in northwestern Cambodia and the gateway to the ruins of Angkor, the seat of the ancient Khmer kingdom.
Romsel enjoys being at the front desk as she likes talking with guests, sharing their stories, joys and worries, especially the hospital patients who come and stay for the proximity to the Randwick Hospital.
She speaks English but also French, Thaï and of course, Cambodia’s official language: Khmer.
When she is not at the front desk, she raises her two daughters in the inner-eastern suburbs of Sydney.
In Randwick, she always recommends Noodle Inn to guests who enjoy Asian flavours and in particular their Noodle Soup.
Coffee Order ☕ : Moccha.
Zaneta, was born in Australia but moved to Macedonia with her parents at 17. She graduated from the University of St Cyril and Methodius in Skopje with a degree in English Language and Literature and then worked as an ESL teacher for 20 years before moving back to Australia.
She speaks three languages Macedonian, Serbian and Bulgarian but would love to learn a couple more, she says, beaming that big smile of hers, “…the more languages you know the richer you are!”
Once back in Australia, she moved away from teaching and studied Hospitality, but always kept up with her love for teaching by becoming a private tutor for extended accelerated students in Maths and English.
Zaneta has been with Sydney Lodges in our Randwick Front Office for the past 10 months and we are much richer for her joining the team. “I enjoy my job because I love meeting new people and the great team I work with – it’s a lot of fun”.
When not at work, she loves spending time with her daughter and son. She enjoys cooking and reading a good book whenever she gets a free moment.
Her favourite place to eat out in Randwick is Mammas and Papas on Perouse Road. “Who doesn’t love Italian cuisine?!”
Coffee Order ☕ : “The only coffee that I like is the one that I make at home an ice frappe, but I love to order a freshly squeezed orange juice or a smoothie when visiting any of our local cafes in Randwick!”
Paul from our Housekeeping Team came to Australia in 2024 to pursue his studies and explore better career opportunities.
He says: “It’s always been a dream to live and grow in a new environment that challenges me both personally and professionally.”
Back home in the Philippines, Paul used to run a small business which taught him a lot about dealing with people, managing time, and staying composed under pressure. Paul has always been passionate about cars and is currently studying Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology.
When he’s not working, Paul likes to explore the city, play basketball, edit videos, make music, and learn new skills online helping him stay creative and inspired His go to restaurant in Randwick is Thai Riffic.“I love the beed Pad See Ew, it’s satisfying and full of flavour! ”
Coffee Order ☕ : Iced Long Black when it’s hot, Flat White when it’s cold
Ivan loves to learn and has Degrees in both Graphic Design and Nursing; and a Certificate in Carpentry – Amazing.
Ivan has been with Sydney Lodges for several years and loves the constant challenge as every day is different in the Maintenance department.
When not at work, Ivan likes to spend time working out and enjoys taking his dog to Coogee Beach. He says he’s a “Demogorgon”
Ivan always has a one-liner up his sleeve and puts everyone in a good mood. Today it is: “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough”.
When asked what languages he speaks; he usually says “Souvlakian, the lamb one!” apart from Slovakian he also speaks Czech, Russian, German and of course English.
Eating Out : Ivan recommends Out of the Blue on Clovelly Road for the best burgers or fish and chips in the East – he says “if you know, you know” If you don’t believe Ivan, just go and have a look at the queue of locals there all day every day…
Plus another local favourite of his is the “Cloey Hotel” or Clovelly Hotel, great place for a local beer or Sunday Lunch – you’ll find it on your coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi.
Coffee Order ☕ : Long black with 1 sugar
