Aiden by Best Western Darling Harbour

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at a lot of hotels in Sydney, and honestly? The Aiden by Best Western on Murray Street really caught me off guard – in the best way possible. You know how Pyrmont used to be this weird industrial pocket that nobody really talked about? Well, it’s completely transformed, and this place sits right in the sweet spot of it all. You’re literally a two-minute walk from Darling Harbour (I mean, you can see the water from some rooms), but you’re not drowning in the tourist chaos that comes with staying right on the harbour itself.

The thing that struck me first was how they’ve managed to make a Best Western feel… well, not like a Best Western. The lobby has this sort of industrial-chic vibe that actually works – exposed brick, modern furniture that doesn’t look like it came from a hotel catalog. Check-in was refreshingly smooth, and the staff seemed genuinely local rather than that generic hospitality robot thing you get at some places. My room was on the seventh floor, and honestly, I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was considering you’re in the heart of the city. The sound insulation is actually decent – something I definitely didn’t expect given the location near the light rail line.

What really sold me on this place though was the practical stuff that matters when you’re actually living there for a few days. The kitchenette isn’t just for show – it’s got proper appliances, and there’s a Woolworths literally around the corner on Harris Street if you want to grab groceries. The gym is small but functional (I mean, it’s not a resort, but it’ll do), and the rooftop area gives you those Sydney harbour glimpses without paying harbour-view prices. Parking’s available but you’ll pay for it – though honestly, you don’t really need a car from here. The light rail stops right at Convention Centre, which is maybe a three-minute walk, and it’ll get you to Central Station or out to the fish markets without any hassle. Walking to Circular Quay takes about fifteen minutes if you’re not in a rush, and you’ll pass through some of the prettiest parts of the city. The 8.8 rating makes sense once you’ve been there – it’s one of those places that just gets the details right without making a big deal about it.

Rooms

• Small Queen Room – Non-Smoking with 1 queen bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Twin Room with Street View – Non-Smoking with 2 twin beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Superior King Room with Balcony – Non-Smoking with 1 king bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Queen Room with Street View – Non-Smoking with 1 queen bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Superior King Room – Non-Smoking with 1 king bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Small Queen Room with Mural View – Non-Smoking with 1 queen bed for 1 adult
• Queen Room with City View – Non-Smoking with 1 queen bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Queen Room with Mobility Accessible Roll-In Shower with 1 queen bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Small Queen Room with Balcony – Non-Smoking with 1 queen bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Best value – Jason from France (9/10)

  Best value for money hotel in Sydney I could find. I was travelling solo so happy to take one of the small rooms (clearly identified on site and in reviews). Had a small hotel feel with lots of nice touches from water on tap to artist in residence. Nice food and drink options downstairs. Staff was professional and personable.

• I expected a little more space and an extra bed as the image displayed an extra bed. – Bahiya from Australia (8/10)

  The bathroom was spacious

• Perfect location and good quality for your money! Would recommend for individuals or couples. – Rita from New Zealand (9/10)

  Breakfast was good, not a buffet style though which I didn’t realise. Location was perfect. Definitely on the smaller cosier side for room sizes. But beautiful views of the city and large balcony’s.

• Comfortable stay in a great location! – Shannon from Australia (8/10)

  Shower was amazing, bed very comfortable, breakfast quick, delicious and reasonably priced.

• A great night away with comfort of home – Amanda from Australia (9/10)

  Location – handy for our plans
  Comfortable bed
  Cleanliness of room
  Bathroom supplies – very nice

• Exceptional – Stephanie from Australia (9/10)

  Location was perfect and the staff were very helpful!

• Great spot for value and convenience. – Anthony from Australia (8/10)

  Breakfast options were great and good value. Coffee was excellent – Location was really good for a quick walk to Darling Harbour, Theatre and food options. Train station just nearby if you wanted to go further.

• Quick trip with family for some fun – Emma from Australia (9/10)

  Great location! Friendly and helpful staff and comfortable, clean room

• Compact but comfortable. – Caroline from Australia (9/10)

  Location was excellent, just a quick walk across the bridge to Darling Harbour, or 5mins to the Lyric Theatre. Bed was comfortable, city view excellent.

• Excellent – Liam from Australia (9/10)

  Everything

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities