This place, as you'd expect, is an incredibly popular choice with budget travellers, and is easily the best of Bondi's hostels. The staff here are as clued-up as you'd expect from a YHA joint, and there are excellent communal areas to enjoy, such as a big kitchen with industrial-… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Tucked away off busy Castlereagh St, this delightful 1920s building has a sandstone facade and a plush interior that recalls a swankier time. Rooms are very comfortable and lovingly maintained, plus there's a grand old-fashioned dining room where very good meals are served. And g… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

One of the friendliest and most down-to-earth hostels we've ever visited, and run by two gregarious brothers who know 'the Shire' inside-out. Facilities are simple and well maintained, with a cheery vibe from staff and travellers alike. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This hotel is in a large, beautiful old house with a peculiar sculpture out the front (you can't miss it). Its location is excellent - close to the city on Sydney's charming, leafy and tranquil north shore - with the added lure of being able to hop on a ferry and be in Circular Q… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The Hilton is the most famous, anticipated and fancy facelift Sydney has seen in a long time - even the stats don't quite capture the feeling that something radical has happened to this particular (and barely recognisable) face of luxury accommodation - 30 months of work and a bi… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Quite a find in Darlinghurst, the Altamont features smart-looking, modern rooms with en suites and an easy-going, convivial vibe. Well-priced, nicely designed rooms feature some stark modern details or custom-made Indonesian furniture, breaking up any uniformity in this restored … Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Attractive, recently renovated rooms heal over-travelled bones at this almost-hip boutique hotel, nicely located right near Hyde Park. All 38 modern rooms have kitchenette, telephone, safe and Internet connection. A three-bedroom apartment is also available. Parking and breakfast… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This hip, stylish 16-room place is still trading on its remodelling from a few years ago, thanks to designers du jour Burley Katon Halliday, who went for a blindingly white look for the most part. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The service at this central hotel is extremely helpful, and really shines if you're the kind of guest who brings a list of tricky needs - and if you're a regular, you can expect a complimentary bottle of wine. Now there's a way to ensure repeat business. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This part of town is slowly but surely getting a bit of a clean-up and nowhere embodies this better than the Pensione Hotel - a tasteful reworking of a stately George St building - and with prices guaranteed to make it popular. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This is a straight-up-and-down bargain deal. Don't expect any fripperies or flounces - you're getting a good square room (that sleeps up to four) with fridge, TV, air-con and bathroom and about as much character as a cardboard box - but it does the trick. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Situated in an area often referred to as 'Paddinghurst', this well-managed 64-room motel has simple but smart (wheelchair-accessible) rooms and a charming courtyard area that's aiming for the near-ubiquitous Tuscan-style aesthetic. It's popular with gay travellers, making booking… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Backpackers flock to this large, modern and almost arty hostel right near Central Station (and on top of what might well be Sydney's busiest intersection), where still-spiffy spaces (after a few years of wear and tear) await them (the seven floors each have a theme and colour), a… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This child-friendly YWCA has an enviable position, with Hyde Park across the road, and the city centre and Oxford St only a short walk away. The standard is high, with simple but spotless well-furnished rooms, some well-appointed business rooms and some very comfortable, secure d… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The friendly nutters at Asylum offer dorm beds or private rooms ranging from prison cells (at the cheaper end) to a harbour view pad with a kitchenette. The craziness continues with free wi-fi, free light breakfasts and free meal vouchers for the nearby Old Fitzroy pub. It's all … Full Lonely Planet Review ›

It you're more impressed by Che Guevara than Paris Hilton, Newtown's your place and this cosy brick-and-tile hostel should be your first choice. Excellent communal facilities open on to a lush central courtyard with a small solar-heated pool. Internet access is free and the frien… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Eva's is a class act. This cheerful, brightly painted corner block on a quiet backstreet is kept perfectly spick and span. There's a big sociable kitchen/dining area downstairs and a great rooftop garden. Breakfast and internet access (broadband or wi-fi) are free, as are non-bac… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Sprawled over neighbouring Victorian houses (capacity 150), Glebe Village resembles nothing more than a collection of slightly grungy student flats. Frank-the-Tank types, less hung up on comfort than good times, should find themselves quite at home. There's a mix of shared bathro… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

One of numerous Victoria St hostels, this one has a large central courtyard and an active social programme including pub tours five nights a week, free Friday BBQ and Sunday pancakes. All rooms have TVs and fridges, and the pricier ones have en suites. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Heaven is a swish, spacious apartment where people clean up after you. Even more so if there are harbour views, as there are in the slightly pricier rooms in this new low-rise development just off King Street Wharf. All have full kitchen and laundry facilities and balconies. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Being as one of the main pastimes in Surry Hills is eating out, you may find the well-stocked kitchenette of your slick, modern apartment doesn't get a lot of use - the Medina building alone is home to three exalted eateries. The leafy poolside, gym and sauna are plenty popular o… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

A little more character is provided at this small guesthouse on the Pacific Highway. The cheaper rooms don't have en suites, but there is a communal kitchen and grassy lawn. Traffic noise is intrusive, coming from both the air and ground. Breakfast and airport pickups are offered… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This long-running hostel meanders through two wonderful historic mansions, offering 176 beds, friendly staff, two kitchens and great outdoor spaces. It's a mazelike place where rooms have high ceilings, fridges and shared bathrooms, although there is one double with an en suite. … Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Commanding the opposite tip of the horseshoe of Circular Quay to the Opera House, the Park Hyatt boasts the best location in Sydney. The graciously low-rise building matches the opulence of its position with sandstone, marble and contemporary design including a particularly groov… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The elegant neutral tones may not quite make a home away from home (unless you live in a catalogue), but these spacious apartments sure are comfortable. Those on longer trips will fully appreciate the joy of having a full kitchen and laundry at your disposal. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Unlike the rest of 'Double Pay', the friendly Savoy doesn't seem to have increased its prices in years. The only thing with a whiff of pretension about it is the name. The rooms are pleasant and tidy. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The Cadillac of Sydney hostels, this huge heritage-listed building offers five hundred beds, artfully decorated spaces, a game room, nightly movies, all the services you'd expect (including a travel agency) and even an ATM in the lobby. And don't forget the rooftop swimming pool!… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Located in the main tourist drag of The Rocks, this charming 29-room hotel offers creaky floors, modest flowery rooms (the cheapest sharing bathrooms), pleasant lounge areas and a sunny roof garden. There's an intimate, rambling feel to the turreted building (1887) and plenty of … Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Another old-style hostel on the main backpacker strip; the prices don't come lower than this for your basic bunk bed in a clean four-person dorm. Bathrooms are shared except for in the pricier doubles. You can email Mum from a free internet terminal. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

The Medina crew have got the vibe right with these smart and funky midrange hotels. Expect clean, sparkling rooms, bright colours and not a shred of stuffiness. Full Lonely Planet Review ›