High Cross Randwick by Sydney Lodges

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about High Cross Randwick? Walking up to this place on Cuthill Street, I honestly wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star spot tucked away in this quiet residential pocket of Randwick. But there’s something genuinely charming about how Sydney Lodges has transformed what feels like it could’ve been just another budget accommodation into something that actually works for travelers who want to experience Sydney beyond the touristy harbourside bubble.

The location is pretty brilliant if you think about it – I mean, you’re literally a five-minute walk from the Royal Randwick Racecourse (which gets absolutely mental during racing season, fair warning), and the whole area has this authentic Sydney suburban vibe that most visitors never get to see. What I really appreciated was how easy it was to hop on the light rail from nearby Randwick Junction – you can be at Central Station in about 20 minutes, which beats dealing with city traffic and parking nightmares. The staff seemed to genuinely get this too; they weren’t just reciting directions but actually explaining which carriages to avoid during peak hours and where to grab decent coffee on Belmore Road before heading into the city.

The rooms themselves are clean and functional without trying to be something they’re not – honestly refreshing after staying in places that promise luxury and deliver worn-out furniture with fancy throws draped over everything. Here, what you see is what you get, and the 8.1 rating makes total sense because they’ve nailed the basics. The beds are actually comfortable (I’m picky about this), the WiFi works consistently, and there’s proper sound insulation, which matters because Cuthill Street can get surprisingly busy during school drop-off times. I loved that they had decent hooks and shelf space in the bathrooms – sounds minor, but you notice these things when you’re living out of a suitcase. The whole place has this quiet efficiency about it; check-in was smooth, housekeeping was unobtrusive, and there’s something to be said for accommodation that doesn’t try to upsell you every five minutes. If you’re planning to explore the eastern suburbs properly – the beaches, the markets, those great little cafes along Coogee Bay Road – this is honestly a smart base. It’s not going to wow your Instagram followers, but it’ll give you a proper night’s sleep and easy access to the Sydney most tourists rush past on their way to Bondi.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $137. Budget Double Room with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $145. Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $149. Standard Double or Twin Room with 2 single beds and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $149. King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Affordable comfortable and well located – Captndave from Australia – 31 March 2025 (9/10)

  Always stay here. Easy access to trams to city. Surrounded buy food options and 2km walk to coogee Beach.

• Very good – Enid from Australia – 7 March 2025 (8/10)

  What could be improved: Extremely tiny room at a not so tiny price

• Very good – Rhonda from Australia – 10 February 2025 (8/10)

  The bed was very comfy, the room was just what we needed and the accommodation was very close to where we needed to be
  
  What could be improved: We did find it a bit noisy at night, but timber floors tend to do that though.

• Good value and a clean and comfortable stay. Perfect for a solo traveller. – Kylie from Australia – 8 February 2025 (9/10)

  Clean and comfortable. Central and easy.
  
  What could be improved: Tiny bathroom. Would be a little cramped with a couple but suited my needs.

• Very comfortable stay, laundry facilities were very convenient and location was very good. Staff were very helpful and f – Ciara from Ireland – 30 January 2025 (7/10)

  Great location, close to public transport and shopping areas.
  
  What could be improved: Bedrooms were very small

• Excellent place to stay very reasonable price for our purpose – Andrew from Australia – 23 December 2024 (9/10)

  Great location close to hospital & public transport also price was great.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Good – Dong from Australia – 5 December 2024 (7/10)

  Clean
  
  What could be improved: The wall is not soundproof

• Value for money and excellent location – Rosey59 from Australia – 2 December 2024 (8/10)

  Location was a big reason for our booking with the light rail only a few minutes walk away. We were greeted by a very friendly young lady at reception and were very happy with our room as it was all we needed for our overnight stay. Excellent location and the proximity to many various hotels, restaurants and public transport. The nearby light rail will have you at Central Station in less than 20 minutes
  
  What could be improved: Nothing; it was all we needed.

• Comfortable room, close to light rale. – Wendy from Australia – 1 December 2024 (9/10)

  The property was in a good location, close to a conference I was attending. The room was large enough for my needs and the bed was super compfy. The reception hours are reduced but there are easy self check-in options available outside of these times.
  
  What could be improved: No complaints

• Very pleasant, location is very convenient to the hospital, cafes, shops – Deidre from Australia – 5 November 2024 (9/10)

  Location to the hospital, shops, cafes
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities