Summer House Sydney City – formerly Sydney Backpackers

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first heard “Summer House Sydney City” was the rebranded version of Sydney Backpackers, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But walking into this place on Wilmot Street, you can tell they’ve actually put some serious thought into the transformation. It’s not just a fresh coat of paint and new signage, you know? The whole vibe has shifted from that slightly chaotic backpacker energy to something more… well, grown-up, I guess. Still friendly and relaxed, but with better beds and way cleaner bathrooms.

The location is honestly pretty brilliant – Wilmot Street is one of those CBD streets that locals use as a shortcut but tourists rarely stumble onto by accident. You’re literally a three-minute walk from Wynyard Station (which connects you to basically everywhere), and King Street Wharf is right there if you want decent restaurants without the Circular Quay tourist prices. I mean, you can walk to the Opera House in about fifteen minutes, but more importantly, you’re close to those little laneway bars that make Sydney’s nightlife actually interesting. The staff seems to get this – they’ll point you toward Bulletin Place or Grandma’s Bar instead of just telling you to head to The Rocks like every other hotel.

What really surprised me was how they’ve managed to keep that community feel without the chaos. The common areas actually work now – there’s this kitchen space where people hang out in the evenings, and I noticed guests from different rooms chatting over coffee in the mornings. The soundproofing is decent too, which… let’s just say wasn’t always the case in the old days. You might hear the occasional tram on George Street, but honestly, that’s just Sydney being Sydney. The rooms themselves are clean and functional – nothing fancy, but the beds are comfortable and there’s enough space to spread out your stuff without feeling cramped. Air conditioning works properly (crucial for those sticky February nights), and the Wi-Fi is solid throughout the building.

Here’s the thing that really sold me on this place – they’ve found that sweet spot between budget-friendly and actually pleasant to stay in. You’re not getting marble bathrooms or concierge service, but you’re also not wondering if those sheets were actually washed. The 4-star rating feels about right, and honestly, for this location and price point, it’s pretty solid value. Plus, the front desk staff actually knows the neighborhood – ask them about the best coffee on your way to work, or where to grab groceries, and you’ll get real answers, not just brochure recommendations.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $40. Bed in 12-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 1
• Estimated price from: $53. Bed in 16-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 single bed for Max persons: 1
• Estimated price from: $63. Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 1
• Estimated price from: $66. Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 1
• Estimated price from: $69. Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 1

Reviews

• Felt like home! – Gaetan from Belgium – 11 July 2025 (8/10)

  The location of the property was amazing! The hostel offered everything that was needed for a comfy city break and staff were very friendly and always available
  
  What could be improved: /

• Awsome place to stay in Sydney – Leon from Australia – 8 July 2025 (9/10)

  Stayed here again for a while and still really like it! Awsome people and staff, comfy beds with curtains and giant storage boxes, modern equipmend and in a perfect location in Sydney. Super easy to go anywhere, by foot or bus. 👍
  And Liam is an absolute legend 🤝
  
  What could be improved: The shower curtains attack you, if you don't prevent it 👀

• One of the best hostels I've been in 💪 – Leon from Germany – 8 July 2025 (9/10)

  The location is absolutely amazing and the entire hostel is quite modern and well equiped. Roof top is super unique and a nice place to hang out. And the people and are super social, open and make this place feel like a home 🙂
  
  What could be improved: Only complaint is that they use curtains in the showers instead of glass or something hahaha

• Very cool, everybody are very cool – Léa from France – 5 July 2025 (9/10)

  The location
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, all it’s cool

• 50 Shades of Bed Sheets – Jareth from United Kingdom – 3 July 2025 (9/10)

  The beds are clean, sturdy and quiet, storage is secure. Lots of nice people to meet and daily events to partake in.
  
  What could be improved: Fridges are decent, but it can be difficult to find a spot.

• Superb – Caitlyn from United States – 20 June 2025 (9/10)

  I loved how welcoming the staff was and the location is great. Additionally the rooms were amazing, i loved the curtains, wireless charger for airpods/ iphone, comfortable bed, and storage area underneath the bed! Would recommend for sure!
  
  What could be improved: Unfortunately I forgot to label my bag of food in the fridge and the staff took it out and put it near reception. At this point my food had been out to the fridge for at least 3 hours and it had spoiled 🙁

• Highly recommended place and the reception staff was very friendly – Andrés from Australia – 15 June 2025 (9/10)

  The cleaning was very good and I loved that the beds had a curtain that gave better privacy and also that there were individual electrical outlets to charge the cell phone.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Superb – Gerino from Australia – 12 June 2025 (9/10)

  Great location. All the beds have curtains and plugs, which gives you more privacy. Also, you have a cage to storage all your stuff. The staff super friendly and helpful. I would definitely go again!

• Superb – Eliane from Portugal – 8 June 2025 (9/10)

  Everything except one detail.
  
  What could be improved: They asked you 20$ deposit for the key (fair enough) but you can only pay with card. Not fair to pay the extra charges if is just a deposit!

• Superb – Nguyễn from Vietnam – 18 May 2025 (9/10)

  the room is super clean & comfort

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities