Darlo Bar Darlinghurst

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first walked past Darlo Bar on Liverpool Street, I almost dismissed it as just another pub. But here’s the thing about Darlinghurst: some of the best gems hide in plain sight, and this place is actually a solid little boutique hotel tucked above what locals know as a pretty decent watering hole.

The location is honestly perfect if you want to be in the thick of Sydney’s creative quarter without paying Kings Cross prices. You’re literally a two-minute walk from the main Oxford Street strip, but far enough from the Taylor Square chaos that you can actually sleep at night. I mean, there’s some street noise from Liverpool Street – it’s not dead quiet – but nothing like what you’d get closer to the clubs. The rooms have that industrial-chic thing going on that works really well in an old Darlinghurst building. Think exposed brick, decent-sized windows, and furnishings that feel more “local designer” than “chain hotel catalog.” The beds are actually comfortable, which honestly surprised me for a 3-star place. You know what I appreciated? They didn’t try to cram a tiny desk into every room – instead there’s this nice little seating area where you can actually spread out.

What really makes this place work is how it feels like staying in the neighborhood rather than just visiting it. The bar downstairs gets busy with locals, especially on weekends, but it’s the good kind of busy – creative types, people who live around here, not just tourists doing pub crawls. If you’re into people-watching (and let’s face it, Darlinghurst is prime territory for that), you can grab a drink and just soak it all in. The staff actually know the area too, which is rarer than it should be. When I asked about getting to Paddington Markets, the guy at reception didn’t just point me toward a taxi – he told me about the back streets route that avoids the Oxford Street crowds. Parking is… well, it’s Darlinghurst, so street parking is a nightmare, but there’s a decent council car park about three blocks away on Bourke Street if you’re driving. Most people just Uber around anyway.

The breakfast situation is pretty low-key – there’s no big hotel buffet, but honestly, you’re surrounded by some of Sydney’s best cafes. There’s this little place called Reuben Hills just around the corner that does incredible coffee, and Bills (yeah, the famous one) is basically next door. That’s kind of the beauty of staying here – you’re not paying for amenities you won’t use when the real Sydney experience is right outside your door. For the price point and the location, especially if you want to explore East Sydney properly, this place just makes sense. It’s not fancy, but it’s genuine, and in a city where authenticity gets bulldozed for luxury developments, that actually means something.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $129. Double Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Charming budget stay. – David from United States – 19 March 2025 (9/10)

  It was nicely decorated and well taken care of. The bar downstairs was inviting. The staff was kind and helpful.
  
  What could be improved: It was very difficult to lock and unlock the door. I had to lift the door up with all my strength to get the lock to engage.

• Lovely rooms, centrally located though a bit noisy – Saskia from Switzerland – 6 February 2025 (8/10)

  Clean spacious rooms close to the Center and well connected to public transport. Shared bathrooms were clean and convenient- never had to wait!
  
  What could be improved: Bar noise was substantial but I knew that when booking

• Superb – Adnan from Germany – 27 January 2025 (9/10)

  The location: Near kings cross and Oxford st

• Very good – James from Australia – 15 January 2025 (8/10)

  Nice place, very clean rooms and shared bathrooms and toilets. Pub is great and not noisy from the rooms
  
  What could be improved: Wifi connection is pretty poor and it has been for some time. It drops in and out all the time and often just doesn't work.

• Very good – Anna from United Kingdom – 16 December 2024 (8/10)

  Great little room – clean, comfy, peaceful. Excellent location – right in the heart of Darlinghurst, and fun to be above the bar. Staff were really friendly and warm. As a solo female traveller I felt very at ease and safe. Note the bathrooms are shared

• great – Sue from Australia – 1 December 2024 (8/10)

  Location, ease and value for money
  
  What could be improved: I would have liked a box of tissues in the room and bathmat

• If you’re looking for a non-pretentious, clean, well-priced, no-frills place stay here. – Peter from United States – 29 November 2024 (9/10)

  Great neighborhood. Close to CBD and local Vibey neighborhoods

• Superb – Darren from New Zealand – 26 November 2024 (9/10)

  Nice spot in Darlinghurst. Not too far from Kings Cross for train but far enough to be away from Kings Cross IYKYK
  
  What could be improved: It's above a bar so can be noisy until midnight.
  The shower heads were average and the water kept going from hot to cold.

• Very pleasant and quiet – Julie from Australia – 18 November 2024 (8/10)

  Staff were very helpful showing us to our room and facilities rather than just giving us the key.
  
  What could be improved: Shared shower situation was ok but shower area is small and change area gets wet.

• Hidden gem in Darlinghurst! – Ivy from United States – 21 October 2024 (9/10)

  Close to public transportation. The staff were great. The food was delicious. We stayed 2 nights before our cruise and returned to stay another before our flight home.
  
  What could be improved: The only thing we didn't have was the remote to the television, but we didn't need it.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities