CBD Harbour Retreat – Lovely 2BR Home

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in a lot of places around Sydney CBD, but this little spot on Shelley Street really caught me off guard – and I mean that in the best way possible. You know how most city accommodations feel like they’re trying too hard to be either fancy hotels or quirky Airbnbs? Well, CBD Harbour Retreat actually nails that sweet spot where you feel like you’re crashing at a friend’s place, except your friend has impeccable taste and lives in one of Sydney’s most walkable neighborhoods.

The thing about Shelley Street is that it’s tucked away enough that you’re not dealing with the George Street chaos, but honestly, you’re still a three-minute walk from Wynyard Station – which, let’s be real, is gold when you’re trying to get anywhere in this city. I mean, you can literally roll out of bed and grab coffee from that excellent little place around the corner (the barista there makes a flat white that’ll ruin you for other coffee), then wander down to Circular Quay without breaking a sweat. The two bedrooms are actually generous by Sydney standards – not those shoebox situations you sometimes get where you’re bumping into furniture every time you turn around. The main bedroom gets this lovely morning light that somehow makes you feel optimistic about tackling the city, and the second bedroom is perfect if you’re traveling with friends or need a proper workspace away from the main living area.

What really gets me about this place is the attention to those little details that most travelers don’t think about until they’re missing them. The kitchen actually has sharp knives and decent cookware – revolutionary, I know, but you’d be surprised how many places give you dull butter knives and expect you to prep vegetables. The shower pressure is solid (crucial after walking around Sydney’s hills all day), and there’s enough closet space that you’re not living out of your suitcase like some kind of nomad. The living area feels lived-in rather than staged, which makes it easy to actually relax instead of feeling like you’re going to break something expensive. Plus, the whole setup stays surprisingly quiet considering you’re right in the heart of everything – though you’ll still catch the occasional city hum, which honestly just reminds you that you’re in one of the world’s great cities. The 9.1 rating makes perfect sense when you experience how seamlessly everything works together. It’s not trying to be the flashiest place on the block, but it delivers on all the stuff that actually matters when you’re exploring Sydney and need a proper home base to come back to.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $434. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• I love the place because its all near to the landmarks destination! – Whitfield from Philippines – 10 February 2025 (10/10)

  Everything is good!
  
  What could be improved: None

• Perfect. Will be back! – Chloe from Australia – 13 November 2024 (10/10)

  The place was beautiful and very central.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing! Yes, there’s a bit of street noise when the door is open, but when it’s shut you can’t hear anything.

• Enjoyable, very friendly host and easy to communicate with would totally recommend! And would definitely be back here ag – Ayah from Australia – 25 October 2024 (10/10)

  Was very very clean and was very lovely to stay in, also the location was amazing right behind was the darling harbour which was perfect
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Close to all facilities. Love that electric bikes are easy accessible – Claire from Australia – 14 September 2024 (10/10)

  Owners were fantastic and welcoming. Accomodating when my flight was delayed.

• Exceptional – Chiduc from Vietnam – 6 September 2024 (10/10)

  perfect location. Good facilities. Nice host
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Eva from Australia – 4 April 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment was immaculately clean with tasteful furnishings. Details throughout ensured a comfortable stay, with full amenities supplied. The location couldn't have been better, being only 1 min walk away to the Darling Harbour. During our stay, the host remained quite responsive and helpful, which impressed us too. Overall, this has been my best experience on Booking.com to date, and we would definitely stay again.

• Spacious, well located apartment with easy access to public transport. – Felipe from Australia – 20 February 2024 (8/10)

  Host was friendly and it was easy to pick up the keys. The apartment is very well located and the aparment is spacious.
  
  What could be improved: The shower can be upgraded to provide some extra comfort.

• Amazing location to check out Sydney. Basic amenities but fine when you’re out all day. – Ang from Australia – 13 January 2025 (8/10)

  Great location, right near Darling Harbour and walk to the city centre. Tidy apartment.
  
  What could be improved: Road noise from freeway – was ok when doors closed but can still hear it. 2nd bedroom very small and creaky bunks but did the job.

• Excellent location, had everything you need. So central and right near the harbour. – Charlene from Australia – 30 April 2024 (8/10)

  Fantastic but noisy, both traffic with the main road alongside and there was loud music from a club or restaurant nearby.
  
  What could be improved: Noisy at night

• Vibrant city stay more than “retreat” – Jan from Hong Kong – 17 August 2024 (6/10)

  Great location and nice decor.
  
  What could be improved: Too noisy from nearby road and loud music on weekend.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities