Urban Newtown hotel responds after Lara Worthington complaints

The Newtown hotel where Lara Worthington’s mum Sharon Bingle is under quarantine says it rarely receives complaints about cleanliness, after the model described the accomodation as “unacceptable”. A staff member at The Urban Newtown hotel told Confidential that the industrial design is part of the appeal and that the boutique hotel is now being operated by the Royal Prince Alfred hospital. “We do get some complaints, every hotel does but it’s never a big one or anything about the cleaning being bad or anything like that,” a staff member said. “The property is old and has an industrial style. All the cleaning is now being done by RPA. The hotel is completely closed for six months, so we’re not involved in that now.” A spokesman from Sydney Local Health District confirmed that The Urban Newtown is being run by NSW Health. “NSW Health is providing the accommodation at the Urban Newtown free of charge. Services available include WiFi, TV, cleaning and laundry services,” he said. “Meals are also provided free of charge through NSW Health. Arrangements are also in place for people to order Uber Eats at their own expense. “Sydney Local Health District understands this is a challenging time for people, and we are working hard to make the accommodation as comfortable as possible. “The District has needed to ensure the rooms can be cleaned in accordance with NSW Health infection control guidelines. This has required the removal of soft furnishing items like decorator cushions, wall decor and padded headboards in order to provide a safe environment. “Care is being provided to people staying in the accommodation 24 hours a day, seven days a week by Registered Nurses and Assistants in Nursing from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. “COVID-19 positive patients are being cared for through RPA’s new virtual hospital, rpavirtual, to ensure they receive appropriate care. If any patient becomes unwell, they are transported to hospital immediately.” The Urban Newtown is among many hotels across Sydney being used to accommodate travellers returning from overseas, as part a 14-day quarantine program funded by the state government to help fight the coronavirus pandemic. Worthington, whose mum Sharon Bingle is staying at the Newtown hotel, was blasted by fans on Monday for complaining about the accommodation. The skincare entrepreneur described the living conditions at The Urban Newtown, where King-size rooms cost upwards of $179 per night, as “unacceptable” in a furious tweet. MORE SYDCON “I don’t think this looks like a 5 star accommodation to me. The next 14 days here for my 63 year old mum who is showing heavy symptoms. This is unacceptable,” Worthington tweeted alongside photos of the room. Sharon Bingle arrived at Sydney Airport from overseas on Monday and was immediately sent into quarantine for 14 days under new government measures to help combat the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. She complained about the food and overall cleanliness on social media before pleading for help from the government. “I have arrived at Urban Newtown this morning expected to stay here for 14 days would you #scottmorrisonwhereareyou this is unexceptionable,” she wrote on Instagram. “My bed for the nest 14 days I should be in hospital I’m not well where am I is this Australia my home.” Bingle shared video footage of her bedding and meals, captioning one photo, “My dinner NO THANKYOU”. She also shared a snap of dirty towels and wrote, “These are my towels that I am expected to use WTF.” Another troubling photo showed Bingle looking distressed while wearing a face mask and she captioned the image, “Help! S. O. S”. Worthington’s tweet did not sit well with her Twitter followers, who slammed her post as “tone-deaf”. “Congrats, this is today’s most tone-deaf tweet about the pandemic,” one user tweeted. Another follower wrote: “This is close to the most obnoxious thing I’ve ever read throughout this pandemic.” “Be thankful she had a roof over her head. No time to be precious Bingle,” a third person tweeted. Worthington lives in a $10.9 million home in Los Angeles with her actor husband Sam Worthington and their two sons Rocket and Racer. The couple are expecting their third child.