Rydges Australia Square

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Rydges Australia Square? The lobby actually feels like a hotel lobby, not some corporate waiting room – which is saying something for a place right in the thick of Sydney’s business district. I mean, you walk in from Pitt Street and there’s this immediate sense that you’ve stepped away from the CBD madness, even though you’re literally surrounded by it.

The location is honestly pretty brilliant if you think about it. Sure, you’re not waterfront, but you’re a solid five-minute walk to Circular Quay – and I actually prefer that because you avoid the tourist crowds until you want them. The hotel sits right between the financial district and the harbor, so you can grab your morning coffee and watch all the suit-clad locals rushing to their offices, then stroll down to catch the ferry to Manly whenever you feel like it. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about being on Pitt Street – you’ve got that direct line south toward Chinatown and north toward the Opera House. The Wynyard Station entrance is basically around the corner, which saved me multiple times when I was running late for dinner reservations in other parts of the city.

What really won me over was how the staff seemed to get that most guests are either business travelers who need efficiency or tourists who need actual helpful directions (not just “it’s walkable” – like, specifically which way to turn when you exit). The rooms are proper hotel rooms – nothing groundbreaking, but the beds are actually comfortable and the blackout curtains work, which matters more than you’d think when you’re dealing with Sydney’s early sunrise. I was on a higher floor facing west, and honestly, watching the sun set over the city sprawl while sipping wine from the bottle I’d picked up at the Woolworths down the street became my favorite part of each day. The air conditioning runs a bit loud, but it’s one of those white noise situations that actually helps you sleep once you adjust. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward – none of that overly chatty “how was your flight” small talk when you’re obviously jet-lagged and just want your room key. They seem to understand that business travelers and tired tourists have different needs, and they read the room well.

The whole place has this understated vibe that I found relaxing after dealing with some of Sydney’s more… enthusiastic hospitality elsewhere. It’s not trying to be the flashiest hotel in the city, but it delivers on what actually matters – decent rooms, solid service, and a location that puts you right where you need to be without the premium you’d pay for harbor views. For what it is – a well-run 4-star in the heart of everything – it really does the job well.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $234. Superior Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $234. Queen Room – Disability Access with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $239. Deluxe Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $244. Premium Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $249. Premium King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• nice clean hotel close to Circular Quay – Andy from Australia – 13 July 2025 (8/10)

  Nice size room, comfortable bed. Nice that breakfast was included in rate.
  Checked in early which was helpful.
  
  What could be improved: no pricing for the mini bar

• Pleasant stay in a convenient location – Heather from Australia – 7 July 2025 (9/10)

  The room was a little smaller than expected. The location was excellent and not far from Circular Quay or the Captain Cook Cruises. We didn't have breakfast at the hotel therefore unable to comment
  
  What could be improved: Just a little more room to put suitcases etc

• Would definitely recommend this venue. – Barbara from Australia – 30 June 2025 (9/10)

  It was very clean and comfortable
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Very good – Jillian from Australia – 23 June 2025 (8/10)

  Room clean and well socked in terms of tea, coffee etc. Bed very comfortable. Staff very pleasant.
  
  What could be improved: There was a terrible shrieking noise when using taps and cistern which I reported and block-out blind was not working. Hopefully fixed by now!!!
  The water hammer shriek also came from another room during the night and woke me.

• Superb – Herbert from Australia – 23 June 2025 (9/10)

  The room was very quiet and very comfortable and clean. Perfect for a short work trip.

• Superb – Susan from Australia – 15 June 2025 (9/10)

  Location to everything
  Cleanliness and facilities

• Short stay , only a little time spent at the hotel – Sharron from Australia – 15 June 2025 (8/10)

  Location is great
  
  What could be improved: Electronic check-in did not work

• Superb – David from Australia – 11 June 2025 (9/10)

  Comfortable bed, great position in city, and the breakfast was excellent.
  
  What could be improved: When my partner first arrived in our allotted room it had a bad smell. She requested another room and was given one..

• Fantastic – Sally from United Kingdom – 7 June 2025 (9/10)

  Good location, nice clean room.

• Superb – Diana from New Zealand – 6 June 2025 (9/10)

  I like the location as it is very near to the train station, shops, Westfield Mall, Sydney Tower Eye and walking distance to touristy places like Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, The Rocks etc. I like the size of the room and you can leave your luggage beforw check in time as they have storage room.
  
  What could be improved: The shower is not giving enough cold water so hard to mix the cold and hot water.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities