Novotel Sydney Darling Square
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Summary of reviewsNovotel Sydney Darling Square enjoys a prime location between Darling Square and Darling Quarter, making it an ideal choice for travelers keen to explore Sydney’s vibrant offerings. Its proximity to the International Convention Centre (ICC), Chinatown and public transportation hub, ensures both convenience and ease of access to many of Sydney’s iconic spots such as the Opera House, Darling Harbour and Paddy's Market. The variety of nearby restaurants, cafes and vibrant nightlife adds to the attraction, making it a favorite among both business and leisure travelers.
Guests frequently commend the hotel's breakfast for its quality and variety, featuring delightful options like smoked salmon, chia seed pudding and fresh detox juices. The friendly and attentive staff enhance the breakfast experience, though some criticize it for being overpriced with limited vegan or dairy-free options.
The surrounding area compensates for the mixed reviews of the hotel’s in-house dining options. Nearby restaurants offer a diverse range of cuisines with guests specifically appreciating the value and quality of local eateries. While the in-house dining has room for improvement, the ample choice of nearby dining ensures guests don’t go hungry.
Reviews of the rooms are predominantly positive with guests appreciating the cleanliness, comfort and modern amenities. The comfortable beds, clean bathrooms with spacious showers and modern decor stand out. Minor issues like occasional noise or maintenance problems are relatively rare but don't detract significantly from the overall satisfaction.
The hotel's cleanliness standards receive high marks with rooms, facilities and public areas being consistently well-maintained. Staff are often praised for their friendliness, attentiveness and professionalism. Specific individuals, such as Tristan and Maximo, are mentioned for their exceptional service, contributing to a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
The Wi-Fi service generally meets guest expectations, providing strong and reliable connectivity. Some guests, however, report occasional issues with slow or unreliable connections.
For family stays, Novotel Sydney Darling Square is highly recommended. The hotel offers spacious family rooms and dedicated kids' play areas, coupled with attentive staff that accommodate family needs effectively. Its central location further ensures easy access to family-friendly activities.
The gym, albeit small, is serviceable for basic workouts. The indoor heated pool is a notable amenity, praised for its cleanliness and child-friendly features, despite some comments about the need for updates and improved seating.
For those interested in nightlife, the hotel's location is hard to beat. The surrounding area bustling with restaurants, clubs and pubs provides an exciting nightlife experience, although the vibrant environment can sometimes lead to noise at night.
Overall, Novotel Sydney Darling Square stands out for its exceptional location, high cleanliness standards, comfortable rooms and friendly staff, making it a reliable and enjoyable choice for a variety of travelers looking to stay in the heart of Sydney.
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Guests frequently commend the hotel's breakfast for its quality and variety, featuring delightful options like smoked salmon, chia seed pudding and fresh detox juices. The friendly and attentive staff enhance the breakfast experience, though some criticize it for being overpriced with limited vegan or dairy-free options.
The surrounding area compensates for the mixed reviews of the hotel’s in-house dining options. Nearby restaurants offer a diverse range of cuisines with guests specifically appreciating the value and quality of local eateries. While the in-house dining has room for improvement, the ample choice of nearby dining ensures guests don’t go hungry.
Reviews of the rooms are predominantly positive with guests appreciating the cleanliness, comfort and modern amenities. The comfortable beds, clean bathrooms with spacious showers and modern decor stand out. Minor issues like occasional noise or maintenance problems are relatively rare but don't detract significantly from the overall satisfaction.
The hotel's cleanliness standards receive high marks with rooms, facilities and public areas being consistently well-maintained. Staff are often praised for their friendliness, attentiveness and professionalism. Specific individuals, such as Tristan and Maximo, are mentioned for their exceptional service, contributing to a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
The Wi-Fi service generally meets guest expectations, providing strong and reliable connectivity. Some guests, however, report occasional issues with slow or unreliable connections.
For family stays, Novotel Sydney Darling Square is highly recommended. The hotel offers spacious family rooms and dedicated kids' play areas, coupled with attentive staff that accommodate family needs effectively. Its central location further ensures easy access to family-friendly activities.
The gym, albeit small, is serviceable for basic workouts. The indoor heated pool is a notable amenity, praised for its cleanliness and child-friendly features, despite some comments about the need for updates and improved seating.
For those interested in nightlife, the hotel's location is hard to beat. The surrounding area bustling with restaurants, clubs and pubs provides an exciting nightlife experience, although the vibrant environment can sometimes lead to noise at night.
Overall, Novotel Sydney Darling Square stands out for its exceptional location, high cleanliness standards, comfortable rooms and friendly staff, making it a reliable and enjoyable choice for a variety of travelers looking to stay in the heart of Sydney.
Family Friendly Hotel
This hotel offers a Kids Club during school holidays with a safe play environment and fun-filled activities like XBOX, PlayStation, board games, coloring in books, Jenga blocks, and puzzles. It also features a popcorn machine with a special kid's menu.
Business Hotel
Located in Darling Square, this hotel serves as an ideal venue for events and offers a range of services and facilities designed to ensure smooth event operations.
Hotel with Indoor Pool
Novotel Sydney Darling Square features an indoor pool, making it a suitable option for year-round swimming. The hotel is also highlighted as being family-friendly, appealing to guests with children.
Hotel with Heated Pool
Offers an indoor pool, providing a comfortable swimming environment regardless of the weather. Its location in Darling Square adds to its appeal.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Heated Pool Indoor Pool
Hotel with Gym
5-Star Hotel
Guest Reviews
Nestled between Darling Square and Darling Quarter, Novotel Sydney Darling Square offers an ideal location for travelers keen on exploring Sydney's vibrant offerings. The hotel is just 100 meters from the International Convention Centre (ICC) and Chinatown, making it incredibly convenient for both business and leisure visitors. The area brims with a variety of restaurants, cafes and vibrant nightlife, ensuring guests are always within a short walk of dining and entertainment options.
Public transportation is easily accessible with tram and light rail stations close by, facilitating quick trips to destinations like the Opera House, fish market and other iconic spots. The proximity to Darling Harbour, Paddy's Market and the Chinese Garden of Friendship adds to the hotel's appeal, as these attractions are just a leisurely stroll away.
The surrounding area offers a diverse range of cuisines and shopping experiences, ensuring that guests always have something new to explore. The hotel’s central position also makes it an excellent choice for those attending events or concerts at nearby theaters and exhibition centers.
The combination of its prime location, modern amenities and clean, comfortable rooms has made Novotel Sydney Darling Square a favorite among visitors, who consistently praise its convenience and superb positioning in the heart of the city. Whether it's a family vacation, a business trip or a cultural getaway, the hotel's location caters to a variety of needs, making it a reliable choice for a memorable stay in Sydney.
Guests at the Novotel Sydney Darling Square had mixed feelings about the breakfast offerings. On the positive side, many praised the breakfast as beautiful, excellent, scrumptious and delicious, highlighting a good variety of food including some Asian-style options and delightful inclusions like smoked salmon, chia seed pudding and fresh detox juices. Barista-made coffee also received several mentions, contributing to the enjoyable breakfast experience.
Several guests appreciated the buffet for its range and quality, particularly noting the friendly and helpful staff who attended to their breakfast needs. Some guests found the breakfast to be one of the best they had experienced with plenty of options to choose from.
However, there were notable criticisms. Some guests found the breakfast to be disappointing, describing it as overpriced, soupy and basic. Issues like runny scrambled eggs, tough bacon and food being cold or not fresh were mentioned. A few guests felt the breakfast lacked variety and became monotonous during longer stays. Complaints also included limited dairy-free or vegan options and a lack of enough people being catered for at the buffet.
Overall, while many guests enjoyed a satisfying breakfast experience, others felt there was room for improvement, particularly concerning variety, temperature and value for money.
The dining experience at Novotel Sydney Darling Square has received mixed reviews from guests. On a positive note, there are numerous cafés, eateries and restaurants within walking distance, offering a variety of cuisine options, making it easy to find fantastic meals nearby. Guests specifically praised the nearby Chinese restaurant for its value, as well as the overall quality of food in the vicinity, which includes great seafood and chicken dishes offered via room service.
However, there were several areas of concern. Some guests found the in-house dining and room service to be lacking with limited options and sometimes poor service, such as unresponsive phone lines. The absence of a restaurant for dinner and the lack of a la carte breakfast options were also noted as shortcomings. Additionally, the communal hallways dining experience needs improvement.
Overall, while the hotel's dining options may not fully meet the expectations associated with a renowned brand, the abundance of nearby restaurants more than compensates, ensuring that guests have access to a wide range of great dining choices.
The rooms at Novotel Sydney Darling Square have garnered positive feedback for their cleanliness, comfort and modern amenities. Many guests appreciated the comfortable and plush beds, as well as the spacious and well-appointed rooms featuring modern decor and stylish designs. The bathrooms, often highlighted for being clean and well-maintained, occasionally feature spacious showers and rainfall showerheads.
Despite some reports of smaller room sizes and occasional cleanliness issues, the overall consensus points to well-kept and functional accommodations. Power outlets and USB ports were noted to be ample and digital features like the Do Not Disturb pads added convenience. Views from some rooms, including city and garden vistas, were warmly received.
Minor issues such as outdated sections of the room, occasional noise and minor maintenance problems like bathroom flooding and non-functional amenities were mentioned, but these were relatively isolated compared to the positive remarks.
Guests also valued the hotel's proximity to local attractions and transport, making their stay practical and enjoyable. The lack of minibar and limited amenities in some instances did not overshadow the general satisfaction with the room standards, indicating a generally positive stay experience.
Novotel Sydney Darling Square consistently receives high praise for its beds. The majority of guests find the beds very comfortable, often noting that they had a good night's sleep. Many reviews highlight the plushness and supportiveness of the mattresses, as well as the softness and fullness of the pillows. The bedding is often described as lovely with the overall setup conducive to restful sleep.
A few reviews mention issues like one of the single bed's mattresses dipping to one side, bed size discrepancies and noise from the bed. Some guests found the pillows too hard or mentioned that specific beds, such as sofa beds or spare beds, were not as comfy. However, these comments are in the minority compared to the overwhelming number of positive reviews.
Ultimately, those staying at Novotel Sydney Darling Square can largely expect a comfortable and cozy sleeping experience, making it a favorable choice for travelers prioritizing a good night’s sleep.
Novotel Sydney Darling Square has garnered attention for its impressive cleanliness standards. Consistently praised by guests, the rooms are described as very clean, tidy and well-maintained. Visitors frequently highlight the modern and contemporary design of the interiors, contributing to a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere. The indoor pool, lobby and other facilities also reflect high standards of cleanliness, making the overall stay experience positive.
Staff are commended for being friendly and helpful, enhancing the welcoming environment. The rooms are not only clean but also spacious, well-equipped and comfortable, meeting guests' expectations for both leisure and work stays, particularly for events at the nearby International Convention Centre.
However, some feedback indicates occasional lapses in housekeeping with reports of dust, uncleaned carpets and instances where bed linen was not properly maintained. Despite such isolated incidents, the general consensus underscores that Novotel Sydney Darling Square maintains a high standard of cleanliness, making it a reliable choice for travelers seeking both comfort and convenience in a prime location.
The staff at Novotel Sydney Darling Square have garnered an impressive reputation for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Review after review highlights that the team is welcoming, attentive and efficient. Many guests noted the exceptional nature of the service, mentioning instances where staff went above and beyond, such as early check-ins and prompt responses to issues.
Particular praise was given to specific individuals, indicating personalized service; for example, Tristan and Maximo were frequently commended for their high level of care and attention. The reception and front desk staff drew specific acclaim for their professionalism, smooth check-in processes and overall accommodating nature.
While the predominant sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, some reviews noted occasional lapses, such as staff appearing overworked or disinterested and slow responses to certain requests. Nevertheless, the overall impression remains that the hotel staff are courteous, polite and committed to enhancing the guests' stay.
In essence, the Novotel Sydney Darling Square stands out not just for its location and amenities but notably for the warm, engaging and supportive nature of its staff who play a pivotal role in making guests feel valued and cared for.
The Wi-Fi experience at Novotel Sydney Darling Square receives a range of feedback from guests. On a positive note, many guests comment on the strong, quick and reliable wifi service, noting its excellent speed which supports activities such as streaming Netflix and connecting to Chrome Cast on TVs. The inclusion of free Wi-Fi is a notable convenience and several guests mention good connectivity that enhances their stay.
However, some reviews highlight issues with the Wi-Fi, describing it as slow, unreliable or insufficient for work purposes. A few guests also mention the lack of assistance available for resolving these problems. While many find the internet satisfactory for general use, others feel it needs improvement to meet all guest expectations.
Overall, the Wi-Fi at Novotel Sydney Darling Square offers a generally positive experience with some inconsistencies that may need addressing for a flawless experience.
Novotel Sydney Darling Square features a gym that has garnered mixed feedback from guests. While several reviews highlight the small size of the gym, describing it as tiny or almost non-existent, it still manages to provide a comfortable vibe. Some guests found the gym to be decent and fully equipped, mentioning that it was good and that they made use of the gym services during their stay. However, there were comments suggesting the need for better and more varied gym equipment. Despite its limitations, the gym serves its purpose for basic workouts.
Located in the vibrant heart of Sydney, Novotel Sydney Darling Square offers a mixed experience when it comes to its pool facilities. Guests have acknowledged the heated indoor pool as a significant perk, highlighting it as a relaxing and well-maintained feature of the hotel. Many have described the pool as nice and clean, making it a pleasant spot for a dip. The pool also includes enticing play areas tailored for children, which is a thoughtful addition for families.
However, some visitors have noted that the pool area and environment could benefit from an update as it felt a little old and underwhelming at times. The seating around the pool has also been mentioned as uncomfortable and issues like sparse towel availability and general maintenance problems were pointed out. Despite being small and lacking an outdoor option, the indoor pool remains a valued amenity for guests seeking a convenient and restful swim during their stay.
Novotel Sydney Darling Square stands out as an excellent choice for families, offering a variety of amenities that cater to both parents and children. With its distinctly family-friendly atmosphere, the hotel provides good family rooms and a dedicated space for kids, including a play area and a well-received kids club. This makes it an ideal option for young children, ensuring they are entertained and comfortable throughout their stay. The staff contribute significantly to this positive experience by being extremely helpful and attentive, fulfilling requests promptly and accommodating family needs effectively.
The location of the hotel is another significant advantage, positioned conveniently for families wanting to explore nearby activities, including the vibrant Vivid Sydney event. Families visiting the area will find numerous activities that are easily accessible.
Although some reviews mention crowded conditions and minor issues such as a request for towel replacement or a family booking mislead, the overwhelming consensus points to the hotel's suitability for families. The general sense of welcome and the hotel’s efforts to create a child-friendly environment make it a fantastic option for those traveling with kids.
Located in a prime spot for those who enjoy vibrant nightlife, Novotel Sydney Darling Square is surrounded by numerous restaurants, clubs and pubs. Guests can find plenty to do at night with lively entertainment options in easy walking distance from the hotel. The central location makes it convenient to explore the nearby harbourside restaurants and experience the bustling local nightlife. Whether visiting during special events like Vivid Sydney or any other weekend, the hotel's proximity to various nightlife venues ensures a thrilling stay. Be aware that the lively environment can sometimes lead to noise at night, but for those seeking an energetic atmosphere with a plethora of dining and entertainment options, Novotel Sydney Darling Square is an ideal choice.
Novotel Sydney Darling Square offers a solid four-star experience with its high-quality accommodations and central location. Guests appreciate the medium rates that deliver a taste of luxury without breaking the bank. The hotel's layout and amenities generally meet the expectations of a four-star rating, providing a comfortable and pleasant stay. Most reviews convey satisfaction with the hotel's offerings, highlighting it as a commendable option within its class. However, a few guests felt certain aspects could be improved to fully align with their four-star expectations. Overall, Novotel Sydney Darling Square is considered a great choice for those seeking reliable four-star facilities and services.
Nestled in a prime location, Novotel Sydney Darling Square stands out as an excellent choice for business travelers. Its proximity to key business areas and the International Convention Centre (ICC) makes it a convenient hub for those attending conferences or engaging in work-related activities. Guests have frequently noted the hotel's clean and spacious facilities, ideal for conducting business smoothly.
The hotel offers great business amenities and a clear, business-friendly layout with courteous and efficient staff who are adept at catering to business needs. For those who require a quiet environment for phone calls or focused work, the very quiet rooms are a significant advantage.
The convenience extends beyond the business amenities; the location is very near to commercial areas and conference halls, making it easy to transition between work and leisure. Staff's ability to explain the business layout sufficiently enhances the efficiency of a business stay.
Although there was a mention of a charge leading to a decision not to return for some, the general sentiment highlights the hotel's superb suitability for business travelers. It's clear that the Novotel Sydney Darling Square offers a conducive and well-supported environment for business stays.
The heated pool at Novotel Sydney Darling Square generally receives high praise from guests. Descriptions such as very good, great, excellent and perfect frequently feature in the reviews. Guests appreciate the well-maintained pool area and many highlight the pool as a significant plus during their stay. Several guests specifically enjoyed the warmth of the pool, referring to it as nice and warm. However, there are a few comments indicating inconsistency with some guests mentioning that the pool wasn't heated or wasn't warm enough at times. Overall, the heated indoor pool is a notable amenity that enhances the guest experience at this hotel.
Novotel Sydney Darling Square offers an upscale experience for those seeking luxury accommodations. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's prime location, which is complemented by a high-class appearance that is evident even from the street. The rooms are described as luxurious, contributing to the overall luxurious atmosphere. The high-end feel of the hotel is apparent with excellent service frequently noted as a standout feature. Though some aspects, such as a rusted kettle, indicate room for improvement, the general consensus is that the hotel maintains a standard of luxury that meets or exceeds expectations.
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Location
Public transportation is easily accessible with tram and light rail stations close by, facilitating quick trips to destinations like the Opera House, fish market and other iconic spots. The proximity to Darling Harbour, Paddy's Market and the Chinese Garden of Friendship adds to the hotel's appeal, as these attractions are just a leisurely stroll away.
The surrounding area offers a diverse range of cuisines and shopping experiences, ensuring that guests always have something new to explore. The hotel’s central position also makes it an excellent choice for those attending events or concerts at nearby theaters and exhibition centers.
The combination of its prime location, modern amenities and clean, comfortable rooms has made Novotel Sydney Darling Square a favorite among visitors, who consistently praise its convenience and superb positioning in the heart of the city. Whether it's a family vacation, a business trip or a cultural getaway, the hotel's location caters to a variety of needs, making it a reliable choice for a memorable stay in Sydney.
Breakfast
Several guests appreciated the buffet for its range and quality, particularly noting the friendly and helpful staff who attended to their breakfast needs. Some guests found the breakfast to be one of the best they had experienced with plenty of options to choose from.
However, there were notable criticisms. Some guests found the breakfast to be disappointing, describing it as overpriced, soupy and basic. Issues like runny scrambled eggs, tough bacon and food being cold or not fresh were mentioned. A few guests felt the breakfast lacked variety and became monotonous during longer stays. Complaints also included limited dairy-free or vegan options and a lack of enough people being catered for at the buffet.
Overall, while many guests enjoyed a satisfying breakfast experience, others felt there was room for improvement, particularly concerning variety, temperature and value for money.
Dinner
However, there were several areas of concern. Some guests found the in-house dining and room service to be lacking with limited options and sometimes poor service, such as unresponsive phone lines. The absence of a restaurant for dinner and the lack of a la carte breakfast options were also noted as shortcomings. Additionally, the communal hallways dining experience needs improvement.
Overall, while the hotel's dining options may not fully meet the expectations associated with a renowned brand, the abundance of nearby restaurants more than compensates, ensuring that guests have access to a wide range of great dining choices.
Rooms
Despite some reports of smaller room sizes and occasional cleanliness issues, the overall consensus points to well-kept and functional accommodations. Power outlets and USB ports were noted to be ample and digital features like the Do Not Disturb pads added convenience. Views from some rooms, including city and garden vistas, were warmly received.
Minor issues such as outdated sections of the room, occasional noise and minor maintenance problems like bathroom flooding and non-functional amenities were mentioned, but these were relatively isolated compared to the positive remarks.
Guests also valued the hotel's proximity to local attractions and transport, making their stay practical and enjoyable. The lack of minibar and limited amenities in some instances did not overshadow the general satisfaction with the room standards, indicating a generally positive stay experience.
Beds
A few reviews mention issues like one of the single bed's mattresses dipping to one side, bed size discrepancies and noise from the bed. Some guests found the pillows too hard or mentioned that specific beds, such as sofa beds or spare beds, were not as comfy. However, these comments are in the minority compared to the overwhelming number of positive reviews.
Ultimately, those staying at Novotel Sydney Darling Square can largely expect a comfortable and cozy sleeping experience, making it a favorable choice for travelers prioritizing a good night’s sleep.
Cleanliness
Staff are commended for being friendly and helpful, enhancing the welcoming environment. The rooms are not only clean but also spacious, well-equipped and comfortable, meeting guests' expectations for both leisure and work stays, particularly for events at the nearby International Convention Centre.
However, some feedback indicates occasional lapses in housekeeping with reports of dust, uncleaned carpets and instances where bed linen was not properly maintained. Despite such isolated incidents, the general consensus underscores that Novotel Sydney Darling Square maintains a high standard of cleanliness, making it a reliable choice for travelers seeking both comfort and convenience in a prime location.
Staff
Particular praise was given to specific individuals, indicating personalized service; for example, Tristan and Maximo were frequently commended for their high level of care and attention. The reception and front desk staff drew specific acclaim for their professionalism, smooth check-in processes and overall accommodating nature.
While the predominant sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, some reviews noted occasional lapses, such as staff appearing overworked or disinterested and slow responses to certain requests. Nevertheless, the overall impression remains that the hotel staff are courteous, polite and committed to enhancing the guests' stay.
In essence, the Novotel Sydney Darling Square stands out not just for its location and amenities but notably for the warm, engaging and supportive nature of its staff who play a pivotal role in making guests feel valued and cared for.
Wi-Fi
However, some reviews highlight issues with the Wi-Fi, describing it as slow, unreliable or insufficient for work purposes. A few guests also mention the lack of assistance available for resolving these problems. While many find the internet satisfactory for general use, others feel it needs improvement to meet all guest expectations.
Overall, the Wi-Fi at Novotel Sydney Darling Square offers a generally positive experience with some inconsistencies that may need addressing for a flawless experience.
Gym
Pool
However, some visitors have noted that the pool area and environment could benefit from an update as it felt a little old and underwhelming at times. The seating around the pool has also been mentioned as uncomfortable and issues like sparse towel availability and general maintenance problems were pointed out. Despite being small and lacking an outdoor option, the indoor pool remains a valued amenity for guests seeking a convenient and restful swim during their stay.
Family
The location of the hotel is another significant advantage, positioned conveniently for families wanting to explore nearby activities, including the vibrant Vivid Sydney event. Families visiting the area will find numerous activities that are easily accessible.
Although some reviews mention crowded conditions and minor issues such as a request for towel replacement or a family booking mislead, the overwhelming consensus points to the hotel's suitability for families. The general sense of welcome and the hotel’s efforts to create a child-friendly environment make it a fantastic option for those traveling with kids.
Nightlife
4 Star
Business
The hotel offers great business amenities and a clear, business-friendly layout with courteous and efficient staff who are adept at catering to business needs. For those who require a quiet environment for phone calls or focused work, the very quiet rooms are a significant advantage.
The convenience extends beyond the business amenities; the location is very near to commercial areas and conference halls, making it easy to transition between work and leisure. Staff's ability to explain the business layout sufficiently enhances the efficiency of a business stay.
Although there was a mention of a charge leading to a decision not to return for some, the general sentiment highlights the hotel's superb suitability for business travelers. It's clear that the Novotel Sydney Darling Square offers a conducive and well-supported environment for business stays.
Heated Pool
Luxury
Yes, Novotel Sydney Darling Square has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Novotel Sydney Darling Square.
No, Novotel Sydney Darling Square doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Novotel Sydney Darling Square.
Yes, Novotel Sydney Darling Square has a gym.
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