Mad Monkey Potts Point

Hotel Description

So I’ve stayed at Mad Monkey Potts Point a few times now, and honestly? It’s one of those places that just gets it right. You know what I mean – it’s not trying to be fancy, but it’s got this energy that makes you want to actually hang out in the common areas instead of hiding in your room. The building itself is this converted heritage place on Orwell Street, and when you walk in, there’s immediately this buzz of people planning their next adventure or swapping stories about where they’ve been.

The location is actually perfect if you want to be close to everything without paying Kings Cross prices (though let’s be real, you’re basically in Kings Cross anyway). I mean, you can walk to the botanical gardens in like fifteen minutes, and there’s this amazing Lebanese place called Abdul’s just around the corner that’s open until stupid late – which is clutch when you’re dealing with jet lag or coming back from a night out. The train station is close enough that you don’t need to think about it, but far enough that you’re not dealing with the constant noise and chaos. What I really appreciate is how the staff actually knows the neighborhood – they’ll tell you about the Sunday markets at Kings Cross or point you toward the good coffee on Macleay Street, not just hand you a tourist brochure.

The rooms are clean and functional, nothing revolutionary but everything works. The beds are actually comfortable (I’m picky about this), and the bathrooms are small but well-designed. You’ll hear some street noise – it’s Sydney, not a monastery – but it’s never kept me awake. The common kitchen gets busy during dinner time, which can be a bit chaotic, but it’s also where you end up meeting people. There’s this rooftop area that’s perfect for a beer after walking around the city all day, and honestly, the view isn’t terrible either. I’ve noticed they keep the place really clean, which isn’t always a given with backpacker spots. The Wi-Fi actually works throughout the building, which is more than I can say for some much pricier places I’ve stayed.

What really sets Mad Monkey apart is the vibe – it attracts people who are actually doing things, not just passing through. You’ll meet travelers who are working their way around Australia, locals who moved to Sydney for work, maybe some international students. It’s that sweet spot where you can have a conversation without feeling like you’re at a party hostel, but there’s still enough energy that you don’t feel isolated. The front desk staff has always been helpful when I’ve needed recommendations or had questions about getting around, and they seem to genuinely enjoy working there. For the price point and the location, it’s hard to beat if you want to be in the middle of everything Sydney has to offer without breaking the bank.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $34. Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room with 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 1
• Estimated price from: $35. Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 1
• Estimated price from: $36. Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 1
• Estimated price from: $37. Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with 1 single bed for Max persons: 1

Reviews

• Amazing food every night – Ella from Australia – 23 January 2025 (9/10)

  Made me feel right at home

• Superb – Jennifer from United Kingdom – 1 December 2024 (9/10)

  Really enjoyed my stay here, the free dinner was great and facilities were always being kept clean by staff. Kitchen was well equipped -especially for a hostel. Beds were comfortable, though there is no a/c in the rooms so could be a little stuffy but fans did end up being provided. Staff were friendly, especially Josh on reception who went out of his way to help us.
  
  What could be improved: WiFi was unreliable

• Friendly staff and inviting atmosphere – Eve from Australia – 10 September 2024 (9/10)

  The location is great and perfect for public transportation around the rest of the city, the Hostel is very customer focused with free dinners every night and events every evening too. I am also impressed by the upkeep of the hostel, with them cleaning every room each day and keep the kitchen clean for the customers.
  
  What could be improved: My experience was really good here only thing is a few cockroaches but that unavoidable for almost every hostel.

• Superb – Paul from New Zealand – 26 July 2024 (9/10)

  Great value with free dinners and activities every night
  
  What could be improved: Can feel abit crowded and could have more foodstorage

• very good vibe in the hostel. Super kind and helpful reception staff. Budget friendly. – Engel from Australia – 9 July 2024 (8/10)

  Reception staff was beyond helpful and kind.
  
  What could be improved: Water pressure of showers.

• Very good – Martha from Germany – 26 June 2024 (8/10)

  The hostel is good. It is very social and you can find a connection here very quickly if you travel alone. Activities are done every evening, such as quiz shows or movie nights. The rooms are rather smaller, but cosy. There are also sinks in the four rooms. There is something cooked to eat every evening and the kitchen is well equipped.

• Really good. – Maëlia from Australia – 3 May 2024 (8/10)

  Lots of discounts or potential free meals.

• 🥰🥰 – Eric from Australia – 18 March 2024 (9/10)

  Really social Hostel – easy to make friends. Events and free dinner everyday 🤩
  
  What could be improved: 🤷‍♂️

• The best place to enjoy your time in Sydney as a backpackers ! – Vives from New Caledonia – 15 March 2024 (9/10)

  Love people working there, free food ans good mood !

• Nice affordable place to stay. – Yuqi from China – 8 March 2024 (9/10)

  The staff here is really nice. My roommates are all nice.
  
  What could be improved: The laundry machines are a little bit outdated.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities