The York by Swiss-Belhotel

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about The York? It’s one of those places that actually feels like it belongs in the CBD without trying too hard to be flashy about it. I mean, you’re literally on York Street – which, if you know Sydney at all, puts you right in the thick of things but not in that overwhelming Pitt Street Mall chaos. The building itself has this sort of understated elegance that Swiss-Belhotel does pretty well, honestly.

The thing about staying here is you’re genuinely walking distance from everything that matters. Town Hall station is maybe three minutes away (I timed it because I’m weird like that), and you can actually walk to Circular Quay in about ten minutes if you don’t mind a bit of a stroll. What I really appreciated was how quiet it stays at night – I was expecting typical city hotel noise, but York Street doesn’t get the same late-night foot traffic as some of the other CBD streets. The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid 4-star place: clean, comfortable, with that crisp hotel linen that somehow always feels better than what you have at home. The staff seemed to actually know the neighborhood too, which is rarer than you’d think – they pointed me toward a little coffee spot on Clarence Street that I never would have found otherwise.

Here’s the thing though – and I’m being honest here because nobody talks about this stuff – the elevators can be a bit slow during peak check-in times, and if you’re someone who needs to be connected 24/7, the wifi is decent but not spectacular. But honestly? For the location and the price point, it’s hard to complain. The 7.9 rating feels about right – it’s not going to blow your mind, but it’s going to do exactly what you need it to do without any nasty surprises. I actually ended up extending my stay an extra night because I realized how much I’d gotten used to just popping out for a quick walk to the harbor or ducking into the Queen Victoria Building when it started raining. There’s something to be said for a hotel that just… works, you know? No drama, no weird quirks, just a solid base for exploring Sydney. Plus, and this might sound silly, but I loved that I could give people “York Street” as my address – it’s one of those streets that even taxi drivers know immediately.

Rooms

• One Bedroom Suite with 1 full bed for 3 adults, 1 child
• Two Bedroom Suite with 2 × 1 full bed for 5 adults, 1 child
• SwissSuper Suite Two Bedroom with 1 full bed and 1 twin bed for 5 adults, 1 child
• Studio Apartment with 1 full bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Three Bedroom Suite with 2 twin beds and 2 × 1 full bed for 6 adults, 1 child
• SwissSuper Suite Three Bedroom with 2 twin beds, 1 king bed and 1 queen bed for 6 adults
• Penthouse Swiss -SuperSuite with 2 × 1 queen bed and 2 twin beds for 6 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Exceptional – Stella from Solomon Islands (8/10)

  The staff are always helpful. Spacious and convenient. Located within walking distance of places of interest and public transport. Will definitely stay here again.

• Wonderful – Mandi from Australia (9/10)

  Great to keep our group together

• Wonderful – Ben from Australia (9/10)

  spa was nice and hot and clean easy to access in my wheelchair

• Comfortable, clean, central – Leanne from Australia (9/10)

  Very clean rooms

• Recommend to single female traveller for location security. – Cliff from Australia (9/10)

  Size of Studio Suite, location to rail and light rail. Sheeting crisp and clean, always a delight!

• Spacious, comfortable room – Daisy-may from Australia (9/10)

  Spacious, great amenities (full kitchen, lounge area, bathroom had a full sized bath). Very comfortable with many things you could need.

• So far all good. – Tejas from Australia (7/10)

  Staff and service.

• Good stay – Tara-anne from South Africa (9/10)

  Lovely place very central

• Comfortable apartment in great location – Angela from United Kingdom (8/10)

  The hotel has a great location – a few steps from Wynyard station and a short walk to Circular Quay. Safe area and as much of it is office buildings, not so many people around in the evening
  I had been upgraded to a a 1 bedroom apartment which was fabulous. The furnishings were bright and cheery and the carpet was so soft and luxurious underfoot. It did all seem to have been recently refurbished .
  Kitchen is very well equipped – full size fridge freezer, dishwasher and oven, plus a washer/dryer in the bathroom. More than enough cutlery, crockery and pots/pans are provided. In addition to microwave, kettle and toaster. You could cook proper meals in the apartment. There's a mini bar and snacks that wasn't overly expensive, and tea/coffee is provided free.
  Large TVs in living area and bedrooom, plus a DVD player and stereo. Phones in living area and bedroom
  Full dining table and plenty of wardrobe space.
  Bath and shower with plenty of hot water and a separate toilet.
  Good housekeeping with everywhere immaculate
  Helpful reception staff.
  Balcony with table and chairs

• Location is the best asset. – Denise from Australia (7/10)

  Location

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities