City Budget Hotel

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to City Budget Hotel on Oxford Street, I wasn’t expecting much. The entrance is pretty understated, tucked between some shops in Darlinghurst, and you know what? That actually works in its favor. You’re right in the thick of things without staying in some massive tourist trap that screams “I’m visiting Sydney!” to everyone within a five-block radius.

The thing about this place is that it punches way above its weight for what you’re paying. I mean, you’re literally a two-minute walk from Hyde Park Barracks and maybe ten minutes on foot to Circular Quay if you’re feeling ambitious. But here’s what the booking sites don’t tell you – Oxford Street can get pretty lively (read: loud) on weekends, especially Thursday through Saturday nights. The rooms facing the street definitely pick up some noise from the bars and foot traffic, though it usually dies down by 2 AM. If you’re a light sleeper, just ask for a room facing the back when you check in. The staff actually knows about this and they’re pretty good about accommodating if they can.

What really surprised me was how clean everything was. The lobby’s nothing fancy – sort of modern-budget-hotel-meets-slightly-dated-furniture – but the rooms are spotless and the beds are actually comfortable. I’ve stayed in way more expensive places in Sydney where the mattress felt like it was stuffed with newspapers, so this was a pleasant surprise. The bathrooms are small but functional, and honestly, the water pressure is better than my apartment back home. There’s no room service or anything like that, but there’s a decent café downstairs that does coffee and pastries in the morning, and you’re surrounded by some genuinely good restaurants within walking distance. Crown Street’s just around the corner and has this amazing Thai place that locals actually eat at – not just tourists.

Here’s the practical stuff that matters: there’s no parking at the hotel itself, but there’s street parking if you’re lucky, and a couple of paid lots within a few blocks. The train station at Museum is maybe a seven-minute walk, which makes getting around the city pretty straightforward. Check-in was smooth – no weird hidden fees or surprise charges, which seems to be rare these days. The WiFi actually works throughout the building, not just in the lobby like some places I’ve stayed.

The neighborhood itself is fantastic if you want to experience Sydney beyond the obvious tourist spots. Darlinghurst has this great mix of locals and visitors, good coffee shops, vintage stores, and you’re close enough to walk to the Royal Botanic Gardens when you need a break from the city energy. It’s also much easier to get to Bondi or Coogee from here than if you stayed in the CBD proper.

Bottom line – if you’re looking for a place that’s clean, well-located, and won’t drain your travel budget, City Budget Hotel delivers exactly what it promises. It’s not trying to be something it’s not, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $217. Deluxe Family Room with 3 double beds for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $224. Premium Deluxe With Balcony with 1 double bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $228. Standard Room With Window with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $245. Terrace Room With Harbour Bridge View with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $236. Standard Family Room with 2 double beds for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Location and comfort was good – Allison from Australia – 13 July 2025 (9/10)

  Staff was friendly and helpful

• great stay will be back! – Paul from Australia – 12 May 2025 (9/10)

  Room was great, sensational balcony with awesome view.
  
  What could be improved: No lift, but the stairs are good for me.

• Very good – Michael from United States – 1 May 2025 (8/10)

  Good location ,

• Nice stay, noisy but nice. – Jessica from Australia – 26 April 2025 (7/10)

  Location was great. Freshly renovated. Friendly and responsive staff. Did have a bridge view from our room!
  
  What could be improved: Street noise. Was really loud of a night especially with a family.

• Very good – Kristy from Australia – 24 April 2025 (8/10)

  The location
  
  What could be improved: how hard it was to find as the sign wasn’t very big.

• Superb Location and Friendly Staff – Kerry from Australia – 11 March 2025 (9/10)

  Fantastic location on Oxford Street! The family room was spacious and has everything you need for a short stay. The room and bathroom facilities were very clean and a bonus was the locitaine shower amenities.
  
  Very friendly and hospitable staff.
  
  Easy check in and great communication.
  
  I will stay again 💕
  
  What could be improved: Limited tea and coffee facilities with no plates, cutlery or microwave, but there are plenty of food options on your doorstep that can easily cover those needs.

• Great for a quick stay close to the action. – Jane from Australia – 27 February 2025 (8/10)

  Location. Large room. View, coloured glass in the windows. Seemed newly renovated. Good sheets, towels etc
  
  What could be improved: A lot of stairs. Nothing to hang a towel on. Not enough room for toiletries in bathroom. No hair conditioner.

• pleasant stay. will come back again if price is right – Hai from Singapore – 24 February 2025 (7/10)

  we got a room with open terrace that would be cool for a party, on the 3rd floor- could see the harbour in the distance. Quiet neighbourhood. Clean and comfortable. 2 beds (a double and a single).
  
  What could be improved: Whole of Oxford street was under renovation, so walking on pavement was difficult and there was also sound of drilling while the workmen were around. Not much food options, unless you walk to Liverpool St.
  No lift- dragging 20kg suitcase up 3 floors is a sweat!

• Great location for a short trip! – Kiternas from Australia – 24 February 2025 (8/10)

  The location of the hotel was great, the staff were friendly, and the room was clean.
  
  What could be improved: The bed was comfy but the pillows were super uncomfortable.

• Overall excellent value for money! Would recommend. – Samantha from Australia – 11 February 2025 (9/10)

  Spacious, clean, great location.
  
  What could be improved: No proper key to room so safety was jeopardised. It was also a bit noisy at times.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities