The North Shore Hotel

Hotel Description

So here’s the thing about The North Shore Hotel – it’s one of those places that actually gets North Sydney right. I mean, you’re literally on Miller Street, which honestly is perfect if you know the area. You can walk to the train station in maybe three minutes (I timed it), and you’re basically around the corner from all those little cafes that the CBD crowd hasn’t discovered yet.

The hotel itself? Look, it’s a solid 3-star that doesn’t try to be something it’s not. When I first walked in, I was expecting that slightly tired feel you get with some Sydney hotels, but it was actually pretty well-maintained. The lobby has this sort of understated vibe – clean lines, decent lighting, nothing fancy but you know what, it works. Check-in was surprisingly smooth, though I’d avoid arriving during the 6 PM rush when all the business travelers are queuing up. The staff seemed to actually know the neighborhood, which is rarer than you’d think. When I asked about getting to Circular Quay, the guy behind the desk didn’t just say “take the train” – he mentioned the specific platform and warned me about the evening crowds.

The rooms are honestly what you’d expect for the price point, but here’s what I appreciated: proper blackout curtains (Miller Street can get a bit noisy with the morning traffic), decent water pressure, and – this might sound weird – but the air conditioning actually worked quietly. I’ve stayed in $200-a-night places where the AC sounds like a jet engine. The view depends on which side you’re on, but even the street-facing rooms aren’t bad because you’re looking toward the harbor direction. You won’t see water, but you get that North Sydney residential feel with all the jacarandas lining the streets.

What really sold me on this place was the location knowledge factor. It’s walking distance to that amazing Vietnamese place on Pacific Highway (locals know the one), and you’re close enough to Milsons Point that you can stroll over to Luna Park if you’re feeling nostalgic. The harbor views from the train station are actually better than from most expensive hotels anyway. Parking was – well, it’s North Sydney, so it’s not cheap, but they have a deal with a nearby garage that’s actually reasonable by Sydney standards.

The 7.6 rating makes sense to me. It’s not going to blow your mind, but it does everything competently and the location is genuinely useful. I mean, you’re 15 minutes from the CBD by train, but you’re staying in what feels like a real neighborhood instead of tourist central. The breakfast situation is pretty basic, but honestly, with all the cafes around, you’d be crazy not to explore. There’s this little spot two blocks down that does proper flat whites and actually decent avocado toast without the $18 price tag.

Bottom line – if you want to stay somewhere that feels connected to actual Sydney life rather than the tourist bubble, and you don’t need marble bathrooms and concierge service, The North Shore Hotel is a pretty smart choice. Just book a room away from Miller Street if you’re a light sleeper.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $135. Standard Room for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $140. Standard Room with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $147. Superior Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $162. Deluxe King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $162. Deluxe Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $169. Family Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $176. Family Suite with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Footy and Vivid getaway – Nathan from Australia – 8 June 2025 (8/10)

  Clean room, comfortable bed. Close to North Sydney oval, pubs and cafes as well as the Metro station to shoot into the city. It was the perfect location for our day at the football and a night out in the city for Vivid.
  
  What could be improved: Ensuite was a little tired and could do with a freshen up.

• Good value for money, Convenient location, comfy beds and easy checking in process – Vicki from Australia – 2 June 2025 (8/10)

  Convenient location, comfy beds and easy checking in process with friendly staff

• Hassle free – Vijayvardhan from Australia – 22 April 2025 (9/10)

  All facilities were good. Value for money.
  
  What could be improved: No free Carpark… :(.

• Cosy room in a great location for food and drinks and public transport – Ddereeper from Australia – 11 April 2025 (8/10)

  The room I had was very roomy, cosy and comfortable, despite being there as I had lost my father, the great room and the gentleman at reception ensured I had a base to decompress after daily hospital visits.
  
  What could be improved: The bathroom was dated, which isn't a problem if it is functional and clean. However the shower had seen better days and requires some repair work.

• Generally an enjoyable stay with easy access to great pub food. Shame the hotel doesn’t have breakfast facilities anymo – Ellen from Australia – 29 March 2025 (7/10)

  Centrally located. We had an appointment at Royal North Shore Hospital and this allowed us an easy drive on the day.
  
  What could be improved: Very noisy neighbours. Not at the hotel but at the property next door.

• Superb – Rebecca from Australia – 20 March 2025 (9/10)

  Staff were very friendly and helpful.
  Room was comfortable and clean
  
  What could be improved: The room had a slight odour (couldn't pick what it was) but it wasn't so noticeable after a while and opening the window slightly to bring some fresh air in.
  Apart from that, it was perfect for my single night stay.

• very suitable for a short stay – Colin from Australia – 3 February 2025 (8/10)

  Location, Helpful Staff, Semi secure off street parking available, great air conditioner
  
  What could be improved: Minor issue. The poor old bathroom Tap (Wobbly – unsecured) and vanity (Poorly fitting drawers) had seen better days.

• Lovely little room in a beautiful location. – Samantha from Australia – 7 January 2025 (7/10)

  Bed and towels were changed every day, was easy to find and access. Lovely location and close to public transport. We were able to arrive early and leave our bags safely in the room before we checked in.
  
  What could be improved: There was a dead cockroach on the floor of our room for the duration of our stay and did not get moved despite daily housekeeping. Check-in ended up being a full hour later than we were previously informed, and we were only told this on arrival.

• Very good – Patrick from Australia – 2 December 2024 (8/10)

  comfy bed, quiet location, close to facilities

• Very good – Judith from Australia – 17 November 2024 (8/10)

  Location and access to a variety of public transport.
  Quietness. Pretty garden to sit in. Adequate facilities.
  Reasonable price for rooms. Staff were approachable. Fresh air in rooms.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities