5 Stars Sydney City & Airport Retreat

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about this place? The name says “5 Stars” but it’s actually rated 4 stars – which honestly works in your favor because you walk in expecting one thing and get pleasantly surprised. I mean, with a 9.4 rating, they’re clearly doing something right at 5 Stars Sydney City & Airport Retreat on Niblick Street.

The location is pretty clever, actually. Most people think you have to choose between being close to the airport OR close to the city, but this spot sort of splits the difference in a way that makes sense. You’re in Arncliffe – not exactly a tourist hotspot, but that’s the point. It’s quiet enough that you can actually sleep (no sirens at 2am like you’d get in the CBD), but you can still hop on a train and be in Central Station in about 20 minutes. The airport? Even easier – maybe 15 minutes by car, and honestly, that’s a game-changer if you’ve got an early flight. I’ve stayed at those flashy city hotels where you’re stressed about travel time to catch your departure, but here you can actually relax.

What really gets me is the attention to practical stuff that other places miss. The rooms have that lived-in comfort – not sterile like a business hotel, but not trying too hard to be boutique either. The beds are properly firm (thank god), and there’s enough space to actually open your suitcase without playing furniture Tetris. The wifi works consistently, which sounds basic but you’d be surprised how many places mess this up. Check-in was smooth – no long lines or pretentious front desk attitude, just efficient people who seem to know what they’re doing. Parking is straightforward too, which anyone who’s driven in Sydney will appreciate.

The neighborhood itself is pretty authentic Sydney suburban – you’ve got local cafes where the coffee is actually good, not touristy spots but places where people from the area grab their morning flat white. There’s a decent Thai place around the corner that locals seem to frequent, and honestly, sometimes that’s more valuable than being walking distance from the Opera House. The retreat manages to feel like a proper rest stop without being stuck in the middle of nowhere. You can hear planes occasionally, but it’s not constant or particularly bothersome – more like a gentle reminder that you’re well-connected to everywhere else.

Here’s the thing – this isn’t where you’d stay if you want to stumble out your door onto Circular Quay, but if you’re looking for somewhere that actually feels restful while keeping you connected to both the city and your travel plans, it hits that sweet spot. The 9.4 rating makes sense when you realize they’re not trying to be everything to everyone, just really good at what they do.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $145. One-Bedroom House with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Restful and close to airport. – Melissa from Australia – 2 January 2025 (9/10)

  Convenience
  
  What could be improved: Hard to park

• Exceptional – Papa from Australia – 20 December 2024 (10/10)

  Everything I will be recommending this place to everyone.
  
  What could be improved: The location nowhere to park

• Exceptional – Sam from United States – 12 December 2024 (10/10)

  Susy is the sweetest – a true gem of a person.
  
  What could be improved: You need to step over a pretty big step to get into the shower, and the same step makes sitting on the toilet awkward, so those with mobility issues might have trouble using the bathroom. Also, might be just me, but there were some noises coming from upstairs late at night, making sleeping a challenge. But these are understandable. The real crime is the Jamie Oliver cookbook entitled "Jamie's Italy" and frying pan combo, especially owning them when you're an Italian! Just kidding, of course.

• Exceptional – Mahmoud from United Arab Emirates – 9 November 2024 (10/10)

  Susy's family. They are so nice and welcoming family
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, everything was amazing.

• Good location for sightseeing in Sydney. – Tineke from Netherlands – 28 October 2024 (9/10)

  Spacious. Close to bus and train station. Close to shopping centre. Nearby walking or cycling. Owners are very friendly and helpful.

• Exceptional – Alina from Australia – 20 August 2024 (10/10)

  I simply loved the studio apartment. It's hard to describe, but it is delightfully quirky, lots of unique character, and much nicer than staying in a hotel. Super clean, neat, tidy, everything in perfect nick. Did I say, "comfy"? It's the kind of place in which you just want to curl up and watch Netflix for hours.
  
  The hosts are warm and friendly, helpful and accommodating. I would definitely go back and recommend to friends and family.
  
  Location is a quiet, suburban neighborhood. I didn't explore, but you might want to have a car if you have to shop or go out. Plenty of free, on-street parking.
  
  What could be improved: The weather…

• Overall was a good stay. – Les from Australia – 8 April 2024 (8/10)

  The property was great.
  Street parking ok.
  The bathroom not very serviceable.
  Needs thick glass where there is none between bedroom and lounge.
  
  What could be improved: Great kitchen very serviceable plenty of room.

• Great location, from the suberbs to the city with ease – Jenny from United Kingdom – 17 April 2025 (8/10)

  Great location for visiting Sydney.
  The owners were very friendly & gave us advice on getting around/where to park etc.
  Everything was clean & comfy with easy access in & out the self contained property.

• Perfekt für die Ankunft in Sydney. – Katrin from Germany – 24 March 2025 (9/10)

  Super nah am Flughafen und in wenigen Gehminuten findet man auch leckere Restaurants.

• Exceptional – Hanan from New Zealand – 26 April 2025 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities