YHA Sydney Central

Hotel Description

You know what surprised me most about YHA Sydney Central? It’s actually in this perfect little pocket right on Rawson Place where you can literally roll out of bed and be at Central Station in about two minutes. I mean, seriously – I timed it one morning when I was running late for a train to the Blue Mountains. The location is honestly brilliant because you’re tucked away from the main George Street chaos but still close enough to walk to Circular Quay or Darling Harbour without breaking a sweat.

The building itself has this interesting mix of old Sydney architecture with modern hostel vibes – you’ll notice the original sandstone details when you walk in, but then everything inside feels fresh and well-maintained. What really struck me was how quiet it actually gets at night, considering you’re literally in the heart of the CBD. Sure, you’ll hear the occasional train announcement from Central (the windows face that direction), but it’s more of a gentle urban lullaby than anything disruptive. The staff genuinely seem to know their stuff too – when I mentioned I was looking for decent coffee that wasn’t touristy, the guy at reception immediately pointed me toward this little place on Liverpool Street that I never would’ve found otherwise.

Here’s what I really appreciate about this place: it doesn’t try to be something it’s not. The common areas have that lived-in feel where you can actually imagine hanging out, not like those sterile hotel lobbies designed for Instagram. I spent a solid hour one evening just chatting with other travelers in the kitchen area – there’s something about the setup that naturally encourages conversation. The rooms are clean and functional (I stayed in a private room on the third floor), and honestly, the beds are way more comfortable than you’d expect from a hostel. Storage is thoughtfully done too – enough space for a proper suitcase, not just a backpack. One small thing that shows they pay attention to details: the shower pressure is actually decent, which, let me tell you, is not a given in Sydney accommodation. The whole five-star rating makes sense when you consider you’re getting solid comfort and service without the pretentious atmosphere of some of the fancier places around Circular Quay. If you’re planning to explore Sydney properly – and I mean really explore, not just hit the tourist spots – this is the kind of base that lets you do that without constantly worrying about getting back to some remote suburb.

Rooms

• Queen Room with Ensuite with 1 full bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Bed in 4-Bed Male Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for 1 adult
• Bed in 6-Bed Male Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for 1 adult
• Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for 1 adult
• Bed in 4-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
• Entire 4 Share Room with Shared Bathroom with 4 bunk beds for 4 adults
• Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for 1 adult
• Bed in 5-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for 1 adult
• Twin Room with Shared Bathroom with 2 twin beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Queen Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 full bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Queen Plus Four with Ensuite with 1 full bed and 2 bunk beds for 6 adults, 4 children
• King Room with Ensuite with 1 queen bed for 2 adults
• Twin Room with Ensuite with 2 twin beds for 2 adults

Reviews

• Excellent – Ciara from Ireland (8/10)

  Big space good facilities, really good pool and roof top, close to everything

• Very Good – Zakarias from Hungary (8/10)

  Clean, Modern, Bunkbeds with courtains

• Good – Guevarra from Australia (8/10)

  Location

• Still a good hostel – Judi from Australia (7/10)

  I love the bed curtains. It gives some privacy. New bathrooms are lovely. Could use more hooks as basin area becomes wet over the day. Great you got rid of those stained poufs.

• Convenient and comfortable enough. – Mrtambo from Australia (8/10)

  Location is ideal, right next door to Central Station and Light Rail. Room was comfortable enough. Shower was recently renovated and very clean.

• Clean room, great value and location – Bailey from Australia (8/10)

  Room was super clean

• Good – Jaskio from Australia (7/10)

  Good

• A convenient, clean and safe place to stay for a visit to Sydney. – Karen from United Kingdom (8/10)

  A beautiful building in a central location very close to the central railway station which was perfect for me as I had an early morning flight the following day. The staff were extremely accommodating and friendly. The toilets and showers were spotless. The luggage storage was fantastic- there was a small charge but they were extremely secure and devices could be charged in them.
  The beds were comfortable with privacy screens. I’d definitely stay again.
  As an older single solo I felt comfortable and safe.

• Comfortable with good location – Iva from United Kingdom (7/10)

  I was in a double bed room, shared bathroom. The bed was super comfy!! Very quick check in and check out times, and location was great for me as I like walking around; but there is also a metro just outside when I needed it. Would consider coming back.

• Very Good – John from Australia (8/10)

  The location is fantastic. The staff were friendly and helpful. The room was well set out.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities