Modern 1-Bedroom Retreat

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at a lot of places around Sydney, and this little spot on Nelson Street honestly surprised me. You know what I mean when you walk into a place and it just feels… right? That’s what happened here. The Modern 1-Bedroom Retreat sits on this quiet residential street in Annandale – well, as quiet as you can get when you’re basically sandwiched between the city and all the action in Leichhardt. I mean, you’re literally a ten-minute walk from Norton Street with all those Italian cafes and restaurants, but the street itself feels like you’re staying in an actual neighborhood instead of some tourist bubble.

The apartment itself is exactly what it says on the tin – modern, clean, and actually functional. I appreciated that they didn’t go overboard with the minimalist thing that makes you feel like you can’t touch anything. The bed’s comfortable (seriously, I’m picky about mattresses), and there’s proper blackout curtains which saved my life since I was dealing with jet lag. The kitchen’s small but has everything you’d actually use – not just a random assortment of gadgets nobody needs. I ended up cooking breakfast most mornings because, honestly, why not? There’s a decent Woolworths about five minutes away, and the local fruit shop on Johnston Street has better produce anyway. The bathroom’s nothing fancy, but the water pressure’s solid and it stays hot – you’d be surprised how many places mess that up.

Here’s the thing though – location-wise, you’re in this sweet spot where you can walk to Glebe in about fifteen minutes if you want that whole market-and-bookshop vibe, or catch the bus from Parramatta Road (which runs right at the end of the street) straight into the city. The 370 bus becomes your best friend, trust me. Parking’s actually not terrible if you’re driving – it’s permit parking during the day but free at night and weekends, which worked perfectly for me. The only real downside is that Parramatta Road can get a bit noisy during peak hours, but once you’re inside with the windows closed, it’s fine. I’m a light sleeper and it didn’t bother me after the first night.

What really got me was how the place felt lived-in rather than sterile. There were actual books on the shelf, proper coffee in the kitchen, and the kind of lighting that doesn’t make you look like you’re in a hospital. The check-in was smooth – they sent clear instructions ahead of time, and the key lockbox thing worked perfectly. No awkward waiting around or hunting for a concierge. The whole experience just felt… easy, I guess? Like staying at a friend’s place who has their life together. For the price point and that 8.7 rating, it makes sense – you’re getting genuine comfort without paying for marble bathrooms you don’t need. If you want to feel like you’re actually in Sydney rather than just visiting it, this is your spot.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $206. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Inner West convenience – Duncan from Australia – 8 October 2024 (8/10)

  Neat well laid out studio apartment
  
  What could be improved: Surprising quiet.
  Great location close to public transport.

• Very good – Christine from New Zealand – 20 June 2025 (8/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Cold, toilet seat broken, TV talk back annoying.

• Exceptional – Laura from France – 15 December 2024 (10/10)

  L’appartement est parfaitement bien équipé, très confortable, la terrasse est grande et agréable pour manger ou se poser dans le fauteuil, le lit est confortable également et il y a tout ce dont vous avez besoin ! Les photos ne rendent pas justice à la belle hauteur sous plafond du salon et à la grande baie vitrée, c’est encore mieux qu’en photo.
  Le quartier est sympa avec plein de cafés et restaurants, et le bus passe juste devant. Bref, on a adoré passer une semaine ici et on le recommande chaudement!
  
  What could be improved: Rien

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities