790 on George Backpackers

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest with you – 790 on George isn’t going to win any design awards, but there’s something refreshingly straightforward about this place that actually works. Walking up George Street from Central Station, you can’t miss it (it’s literally right there on one of Sydney’s main drags), and the whole vibe is… well, it’s proper backpacker territory. You know what I mean? The kind of place where you’ll hear three different languages in the elevator and someone’s always got a story about their Uluru trip. The building itself has that slightly worn-in feel that comes with hosting thousands of travelers over the years, but honestly, that’s part of its charm. It’s not pretending to be something it’s not.

What I really appreciate about this spot is how it sits right in the thick of things without being touristy-annoying. Haymarket’s got this great mix going on – you’ve got Chinatown literally around the corner (seriously, some of the best yum cha you’ll find is a two-minute walk), Darling Harbour’s close enough for those sunset strolls, and the CBD proper is right there when you need it. The staff seem to get that most people staying here are either just rolling into Sydney or using it as a base to actually explore, so they’re pretty clued in about transport and what’s worth doing. I mean, you’re basically equidistant from the harbor and the grittier, more interesting parts of the city – which is actually perfect if you want to see both sides of Sydney. The rooms are… well, they’re backpacker rooms, you know? Clean enough, functional, and you’re probably not going to be spending much time in them anyway. But here’s the thing – the common areas actually get used, there’s usually someone around to chat with, and the whole place has this easy-going energy that makes it feel less like a hotel and more like a temporary community.

The 7.6 rating makes total sense to me because this place delivers exactly what it promises, no more, no less. It’s not trying to be flashy or Instagram-perfect – it’s just a solid, reasonably priced base in one of the most expensive cities in the world. You’ll probably hear some street noise (it’s George Street, after all), and don’t expect luxury finishes, but the location alone makes it worth considering. Plus, there’s something to be said for staying somewhere that feels authentically Sydney rather than generically international. If you’re the type who values being in the heart of things over having fancy amenities, and you want to actually meet other travelers rather than hide in your room, this could be your spot. Just don’t expect miracles – expect a decent bed, a decent shower, and to be within walking distance of pretty much everything that matters in central Sydney.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $87. Twin Room with Shared Bathroom for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $98. Twin Room with Shared Bathroom with 2 bunk beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $111. Double Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 double bed and 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $34. Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room with 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 1
• Estimated price from: $34. Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 1
• Estimated price from: $34. Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room with 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 1
• Estimated price from: $34. Bed in 6-Bed Male Dormitory Room with 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 1
• Estimated price from: $37. Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room with 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 1
• Estimated price from: $37. Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room with 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 1

Reviews

• Very good hostel – Andrea from Italy – 24 June 2025 (9/10)

  The position was perfect, next to all kinds of public transport and to the station. The staff was very nice too.
  
  What could be improved: If I have to find flaws, I would say that there were no plugs next to my bed and maybe that one bathroom for each floor is a bit stretched.

• Good – Shahi from Australia – 17 June 2025 (7/10)

  Location it was near the train station

• Good – Mere from Australia – 18 May 2025 (7/10)

  Location was excellent

• Very pleased with our stay at 790 on George. – Samuel from United Kingdom – 27 April 2025 (9/10)

  Loved my stay here. First time visiting Australia. Got off the aeroplane and made our way to 790 on George. Very pleased. Good value for money. My friend and I stayed in a private room. I think it was roughly 6 rooms to a toilet area. On my floor there was a urinal, toilet and two showers. Usually I could get one or on the rare occassion I had to wait a few minutes or go downstairs. There was a social lounge but on the few times we went in, it was frequently by people on their phones who did not even look up to nod. There was the kitchen which we found as well as eating, people were more open to chatting.
  Striked up some good conversations about travelling whilst having a coffee and breakfast.
  Staff were friendly. It was in such a good location. A stone's throw away from the tram, shops and the market close by and not very far from parks and green space. Loved this.
  
  What could be improved: The breakfast. Please invest in an extra table to put breakfast on. When it gets busy at breakfast, a few people do not understand the concept of speed and spend 10 minutes buttering their toast. An extra table or two would allow a bit more real estate to spread out so the spreaders can spread and then others can get their breakfast cereals and there is still room to move around.
  
  The windows. It would be great if you could give the windows a clean. There were days that were bright but we woke up thinking it was overcast. Also, it would be great if you could invest in openable windows. There were days when we would have loved to let some fresh air into the room.

• Super clean the Bathroom get cleaned a few times a day – Lisa from Switzerland – 22 April 2025 (9/10)

  The staff excellent , Kate was very kind when i arrived and find me a peaceful room and i needed a ambulance the day i checked out had a nerve squeezed in my back and all the staff are so helpful , i am so grateful to all of them
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• excellent – Daryl from Australia – 9 April 2025 (9/10)

  Free breakfast! – thanks – DF
  
  What could be improved: My room pass didnt work the first time. I had to get another one.

• Loved the proximity to the station as I arrived late st night – Susan from Australia – 7 April 2025 (8/10)

  Location to station perfect
  
  What could be improved: Mould on the bread

• Superb – Harper from United States – 6 April 2025 (9/10)

  Really close to major bus and train station! Kitchen is in the basement but is pretty good

• I would go back – Irene from Spain – 4 April 2025 (9/10)

  The facilities were cleaned and spacious. Great location!

• Great experience – Arce from Chile – 21 March 2025 (9/10)

  Clean and excellent location. The staff is really helpful and nice.
  
  What could be improved: Very slow elevator and the luggage store is in the kitchen

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities