Wake Up! Sydney Central

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Wake Up! Sydney Central? It’s actually not trying to be some stuffy business hotel despite that prime Pitt Street location. I mean, you’re literally in the heart of everything here – Central Station is right there (hence the name, I guess), and you can walk to Darling Harbour in about ten minutes without breaking a sweat.

The lobby has this sort of modern-meets-industrial vibe that works better than it sounds on paper. There’s exposed brick mixed with sleek furniture, and honestly, it feels more like a trendy café than a hotel entrance. Check-in was smooth when I stayed – no pretentious attitude from the staff, just genuine helpfulness. The rooms are what I’d call “smart small” rather than cramped. They’ve clearly thought about how people actually use hotel spaces, with plenty of power outlets (thank god) and decent lighting that doesn’t make you look like a zombie in the bathroom mirror. The beds are properly comfortable too, not those rock-hard mattresses some places think count as “firm support.”

Here’s the thing about the location that booking sites don’t really capture – you’re positioned perfectly for both the tourist stuff and the actual Sydney experience. Sure, you can hit the Opera House and Harbour Bridge easily, but you’re also walking distance to some genuinely great hole-in-the-wall spots along George Street and into Chinatown. The Thai place around the corner on Hay Street? Absolutely worth the mild food coma. Parking is… well, it’s Sydney CBD, so expect to pay through the nose if you’re driving, but honestly, you won’t need a car from here. The trains, buses, and light rail all converge at Central, so you can get anywhere without the headache of navigating Sydney traffic. I stayed during a busy conference week and the area gets pretty hectic during rush hour, but the hotel itself stays relatively quiet – decent soundproofing, which is crucial when you’re this close to the action. The rooftop area is actually a nice surprise for unwinding after a day of meetings or sightseeing, with proper views over the city (not just the brick wall of the building next door like some places).

What really sold me on this place is that it feels like they get what travelers actually want – fast WiFi, good coffee in the lobby, and staff who can give you real recommendations beyond the obvious tourist traps. It’s got that five-star polish without the stuffiness, and the 8.3 rating makes sense when you experience it firsthand. Perfect for business trips where you need to be connected but also great if you’re exploring Sydney and want to come back to somewhere that feels more like a local’s crash pad than a generic hotel room.

Rooms

• Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for 1 adult
• Double Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 full bed for 2 adults
• Twin Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for 2 adults
• Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for 1 adult
• Bed in 10-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for 1 adult
• Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for 1 adult
• Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for 1 adult
• Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for 1 adult
• Double Room with Private Bathroom with 1 full bed for 2 adults
• Triple Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 twin bed and 1 full bed for 3 adults

Reviews

• Exceptional – Kieron from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Everything can only be downhill from here up the east coast

• Decent – William from El Salvador (7/10)

  I like the location and that overall it seems like a very organized hostel

• Good choice for solo traveller in Sydney – Xing from China (7/10)

  Great location, walkable distance to all sort of public transport

• Would definitely stay here again on a week day-weekends too expensive – Kate from Australia (8/10)

  Arrived tired and the staff went out of their way to relax me offering a free drink and a place to leave my bags. Also the bed was comfortable

• Great hostel for location and socializing – Renee from New Zealand (9/10)

  The location was great being by the train station and lightrail that takes you right to the waterfront. Staff were great, events on every night, facilities were clean and the kitchen was big. 10/10 stay and would highly recommend.

• Very Good – Laurens from Netherlands (8/10)

  Awesome staff, nice activities, great location

• convenient spot right in thee centra , and very close to central station – Douglas from New Zealand (8/10)

  convenient spot right in thee centra , and very close to central station

• I had a great stay, thanks very much 😊 – Dilys from New Zealand (9/10)

  Amazing location, good facilities, and really helpful staff.

• Excellent, would stay again – Birt from Australia (8/10)

  A great central location, super friendly staff, rooms are so quiet, great stay

• I really suggest this place, IT is one of the best hostess I have visited in Australia and oversea. – Laura from Italy (9/10)

  Excellent position. A lot of activities (excursions, parties etc.). Cleaned rooms and very friendly and helpful staff.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities