Royal Exhibition Hotel

Royal Exhibition Hotel Overview

You know what struck me first about the Royal Exhibition Hotel? It’s actually got character – and I mean that in the best way possible. Walking up Chalmers Street, you’ll spot it pretty easily among the mix of converted warehouses and trendy cafes that make Surry Hills what it is. The building itself has this sort of understated charm that doesn’t try too hard, which honestly feels refreshing after seeing so many cookie-cutter places around Sydney.

The location is genuinely solid without being flashy about it. You’re basically a ten-minute walk from Central Station (handy if you’re coming from the airport), and Crown Street’s restaurant strip is right there when you want decent coffee or a proper meal. I actually found myself grabbing breakfast at the little place around the corner on Devonshire Street most mornings – the hotel’s continental spread is fine, but nothing to write home about. What I really appreciated was how quiet it stays at night, despite being in the middle of everything. The rooms facing the street pick up some traffic noise during the day, but it settles down nicely after 9 PM.

The staff here seem to actually know the neighborhood, which makes a difference when you’re asking for directions or restaurant recommendations. They pointed me toward this excellent Vietnamese place on Cleveland Street that I never would’ve found otherwise. The rooms themselves are clean and comfortable enough – nothing fancy, but the beds are decent and the bathrooms are recently updated. Air conditioning works well (crucial for Sydney summers), and there’s enough space to spread out your stuff without feeling cramped. I mean, you’re not getting marble countertops or anything, but for a 3.5-star place, it delivers what you’d expect. The Wi-Fi is solid throughout the building, and check-in was smooth both times I’ve stayed there. Parking can be a bit tricky – there’s no on-site lot, but street parking isn’t impossible if you’re patient, and there’s a decent parking garage about three blocks away on Elizabeth Street if you need guaranteed spots.

Royal Exhibition Hotel Accommodations

Reviews of Royal Exhibition Hotel

• Very good – Stephen from Australia – 12 July 2025 (8/10)

  Convenience
  
  What could be improved: The noise after hours

• Great Value Aussie Hotel Accommodation in Covenient Location – Mark from Australia – 11 July 2025 (9/10)

  Conveniently located next to Central Railway in nice area. Hotel is a classic Australian Pub with lovely renovated rooms with historic charm. My room was very large. Staff friendly & provide attentive service.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really, a little traffic noise outside but it didn’t bother me – it’s a city afterall!

• Good for short term, one night – Meyer from Australia – 9 July 2025 (7/10)

  Location is great , nice and clean big room.
  
  What could be improved: Very noisy, just in front of trains railway.
  I heard the Tram every 20 min all night long.

• Overall good experience. – Lance from Australia – 7 July 2025 (9/10)

  great location as we could walk to every thing.
  
  What could be improved: We stayed in room 17, all the paint from the ceiling was falling off and coming away, needs attention

• Except for Light Rail noise stay was great – Thomas from Australia – 6 July 2025 (8/10)

  Room and facilities good
  
  What could be improved: The room was noisy with Light Rail until about 1.00am

• The room was exactly what we required. – Will from Australia – 30 June 2025 (9/10)

  Location was excellent being so close to Central Station.

• Central Sydney Hotel – Justine from Australia – 29 June 2025 (8/10)

  Great central location and clean hotel

• handy location at a good price – Susan from Australia – 23 June 2025 (8/10)

  Good location for those using train. Handy to have reasonably priced pub food at same hotel. would definitely stay again.
  
  What could be improved: Room next to light rail turning point and also beside timed pedestrian crossing so was noisy. If I had realised would have used ear plugs

• Clean and good value – Ben from Australia – 17 June 2025 (8/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Room location next to tram at night

• Good pub stay – Chris from Australia – 17 June 2025 (8/10)

  Comfy bed and great staff
  
  What could be improved: Shower was poorly designed

Surroundings

Facilities