The building is old but it has been renovated to offer a modern look and feel. Staff were really kind all the time and I really loved Damon, the activities coordinator who made the hostel activities funnier than they would have been with other people in charge. Two big kitchens with a lot of storage. My room was a male-only 6 room and almost all guests that I shared the room with were educated people from all over the world. I even made a South Korean friend there. Washroom from level 8 was very clean. Pool was very refreshing, however I used it only once. Washing machines and dryers were functioning very well and they were easy to pay and use. I have to make it clear that it’s not a backpacker hostel but a tourist hostel and for that reason you’ll see less backpackers and Working Holiday visa holders and more families and real middle-class tourists. Location is very convenient with a tram station just outside and Central train station very near. I would come back again.

Only one microwave oven in one of the kitchens. Paid breakfast is a little expensive and although it has more variety than in other hostels, I didn’t like it at all, plus the coffee machine was a little difficult to use. Some guests didn’t wash their dishes properly and I often found dirty dishes, mugs and pots that I had to wash again.

*Excellent location - train, tram light rail & bus across the road. Giving easy direct access to and from the airport, local, regional, and interstate destinations * Easy walk to shops, Sydney Harbour Bridge Opera house and ferries. * Our room was very spacious and comfortable *Hotel quality bedding and linens were comfortable (although I used my silk pillowcase) * Staff changed my room and assisted me as available. * Staff very professional & provides 24/7 reception, which was important for me * in-house or outside social events every night of the week * Huge locker for every bed (although you need your own lock) with a shelf for laptop and hole to safely charge your electronics. * Excellent security to rooms and wc/ bathrooms and throughout * Free unlimited filtered water available on 1st floor * AIR conditioning throughout and sett at a comfortable temperature 24/7 * Huge window to allow in light during the day and heavy drapes to draw at night for darkness * Privacy curtains for every bunk bed - v much appreciated * Power point & usb chargers with shelf for every bed with additional power points around the room * Breakfast available (at additional cost) * Clean throughout and bins emptied daily * Bathroom shower cubicles each had 3x hooks and a separate area to keep clothes/towels dry in a small dressing area within the cubicle. * Hair-dryer available upon request * Free storage areas for luggage with power points to charge your electronics * Reasonably priced compared to competitors * It is evident this is a serious business operation very professionally run.

* Water pressure in shower was a bit low * Security key stopped working on check out day PRIOR to check out time

I arrived at Sydney Central station, and so the location of the YHA was excellent from that point of view. It was also very easy to take the light railway from just outside the front door to Circular Quay and other destinations, so I was very happy with the convenience of that. My room was clean and well furnished/equipped. It was great to have an en suite shower/WC. The room was clean. I also liked the fact that I had a choice of taking breakfast in the dining room at a small fee or going down to the In Cafe on the ground floor where there was an excellent breakfast menu.

I found it a nuisance to have to use my room key to use the lift, but I understand that this is for security reasons.

I just wanted to give Richard at reception a shout out for his amazing hospitality and help. I was in need of medical care during my stay and he was so calm, professional and kind and I will never be able to thank him enough. The kitchen/ common area is the entire first floor which is great, lots of places to sit, and there cook. There is a small pool (good for a lil paddle, not a swimming pool) and a nice open area on the roof which I enjoyed hanging out in on days I didn't feel like doing much. I was in a female only 6 bed dorm and felt it was very spacious and private. The beds weren't very squeaky. If you are sensitive to noise then I would recommend good ear plugs as you are right in the center of town and should expect some horns, train noises and sirens. Lower floors might be able to hear music from neighboring bars, but on the 5th floor I didn't hear anything. The location was great. Very close to Paddy's market (3 mins) and China town (Friday night markets). 20 min walk to Darling harbour. And the tram is directly outside that will take you to circular quay (Harbour bridge and Opera House) My only point is that the bathrooms could get a bit dirty, and would recommend sandals for the shower (duh), but also maybe a second towel to make surfaces dry for your things xx Overall had a very pleasant stay and will be back !

Clean, comfortable, and safe. Really friendly staff, who organised a lot of activities for the whole hostel (for free!). I joined the hostel Bondi walk which I really enjoyed and where I met some lovely people. I had previously stayed at the YHA in Melbourne which wasn't clean or comfortable so I was hoping for better but preparing for just as bad. But when I turned up to the YHA in Sydney I was happily surprised. Everything was great, super clean, and had much more updated facilities, including comfortable rooms with curtains on the bed for privacy. I would definitely recommend for anyone wanting to stay in a hostel in Sydney.

Nothing!

A beautiful building in a central location very close to the central railway station which was perfect for me as I had an early morning flight the following day. The staff were extremely accommodating and friendly. The toilets and showers were spotless. The luggage storage was fantastic- there was a small charge but they were extremely secure and devices could be charged in them. The beds were comfortable with privacy screens. I’d definitely stay again. As an older single solo I felt comfortable and safe.

I only stayed 1 night - there was nothing I didn’t like.

The location is fantastic! Across the street from central station and a tram stop directly in front of the door? Perfection for people without cars

The sheets were very thin and we can’t sleep well without some weight on us.

Honestly the property is kept clean and it’s in a great location, staff a friendly and guests are also nice to talk to

The bathrooms are a little outdated but maintained well and the hallways could use a new coat of paint (it just made the inside seem really dark) We also noticed the internal latch doesn’t work, however when we spoke to the staff they were very friendly and explained that the latches are outdated and it relies on the key card system which only the assigned guests or staff can access the room which was reliving, they were very clear and explained it well Myself and my friend stayed in a private room with ensuite and noticed it gets quiet cold at night (end of April) in the room and we had to rug up with extra jumpers under the blankets, we couldn’t find a thermostat if there was one (unsure if there was heating in the room)

We had a wonderful time here; we booked a private room, which was spacious, with a nice en-suite bathroom, and very quiet. The location is right at the central train station and a five-minute walk from Chinatown; a "light rail" (tram) station is directly in front of the door (with, amongst other things, a direct connection to the Sydney harbour). The hostel organises free walking tours and other events. The breakfast is kind of frugal (white bread, small packages of jam, and Lipton tea bags), but it is nice to have the option to have a breakfast on-site (which many youth hostels do not offer), and if one wants a better choice, there is a wonderful café next door. The staff was friendly, very competent and helpful.

From an environmental point of view, there is too much disposable plastic and single-use small-portion packaging used for breakfast. With two slices of toast and some tea, we already accumulated a large pile of plastic waste, and none of it seems to even be recycled.

The staff were amazing. I had trouble the first night being on a top bunk as I have a bung knee and a staff member went to a lot of trouble and with luck got me into to a room with a lower bunk available. Thank you. Breakfast included was really good value and a nice selection. Rooms have really good sized lockers and power point and USB charging at each bunk. Great upgrades since last time. So glad you are still here.

The bunks are great and solid now compared to how flimsy old ones were in past travelling but are pretty narrow at the top to get in and a lot of space between rungs for people with knee issues but that's just me.