9 budget stays in Sydney that are surprisingly stylish

For inner-city cool: Adge Hotel and Residences 

In the hip neighbourhood of Surry Hills, Adge Hotel and Residences is a riot of vibrant colour and bold patterns. Just a moment’s walk from iconic LGBTQIA+ precinct Oxford Street, the hotel offers a range of affordable and spacious accommodation from twin and triple rooms to sprawling loft residences – perfect for groups or families. Filled with large-scale murals designed by Australian tattoo artist Adrian Hing and styled with bright and funky furnishings and psychedelic carpets, the hotel oozes playfulness. In the lobby you’ll find Brazilian restaurant Bronte Belo, and Italian cafe Golosa, but Surry Hills is also known for its diverse drinking and dining scene, so hit the pavement with an empty belly. Pick up a pastry at famous AP Bakery, book a table at ever popular Pellegrino 2000 or have a drink at margarita haven Tio’s Cerveceria.  

Price range: $$ 

Adge Hotel + Residences, Surry Hills - Credit: ADGE

For a Northern Beaches escape: Q Station 

It doesn't get much more unique than sleeping at a former quarantine station on Sydney Harbour. The 30-hectare site now known as Q Station sees visitors tour, dine and stay there. There's a wide range of affordable accommodation across the heritage-listed site in Manly, including Terraces in the old Hospital Precinct and Suites with views of Sydney Harbour. During your stay, delve deeper into the station’s history on a spooky after-dark tour; explore the surrounding Sydney Harbour National Park, a haven for more than 150 bird species, native water rats and NSW’s only mainland colony of penguins; dine at one of the four onsite eateries; or take the free shuttle bus to Manly Wharf for dining, shopping or a day at Manly Beach.  

Price range: $$ 

Q Station, Manly - Credit: Q Station

For seclusion just outside the city: Discovery Parks - Lane Cove 

When it comes to budget accommodation, camping is often top of mind. Just a short drive north of the CBD, Discovery Parks - Lane Cove is nestled among 400 hectares of bushland within Lane Cove National Park, home to native wildlife and historic sites. Camping not your thing? The park also offers glamping in a plush safari tent as well as cabins, including a shipping container converted into a sleek two-bedroom cabin. Hire a rowboat from the Lane Cove Boatshed and paddle along nearby Lane Cove River or chill out at the holiday park’s pool and playground. There are also barbecues, a laundry and kids’ facilities.  

Price range: $$ 

Discovery Parks - Lane Cove - Credit: Discovery Parks

For heritage in The Rocks: YHA Sydney Harbour 

Is this one of Sydney’s best-kept budget secrets? Nestled in The Rocks, YHA Sydney Harbour offers affordable accommodation without having to share a bunk (unless you want to, of course – and in that case, check out the modern co-living rooms). If you’d prefer your own ensuite, the private rooms are an incredible steal. They are simple in style but comfy and well-equipped, with some offering views of the Sydney Opera House. If you don’t nab one of these sought-after rooms, head to the rooftop for a cocktail with the iconic white sails and Sydney Harbour Bridge as your backdrop. The Rocks is known for its pub culture, with an historic hotel on what seems to be every corner, including Sydney's oldest, Fortune of War, and charming sandstone Lord Nelson Brewery.  

Price range: $ 

YHA Sydney Harbour, Sydney City - Credit: YHA Australia

For exploring the CBD: Song Hotel Sydney 

Song Hotel Sydney is conveniently located near Hyde Park, with easy access to shopping at Pitt Street Mall and iconic Sydney Tower. Its Micro Rooms are compact but kitted out the with essentials, plus complimentary buffet breakfasts are included with all room bookings. If space is important, upgrade to a Deluxe or Balcony room, or an Accessible room suitable for wheelchair users. Families of five will be delighted to know the Deluxe Family room can comfortably sleep the entire crew. When it comes to fuelling up, choose your direction: east to Darlinghurst for intimate laneway bars such as Love, Tilly Devine, or west to Haymarket for Asian eats such as Mamak, an Indian Malay eatery often with a queue outside. Both neighbourhoods are a short walk from the hotel.

Price range: $$$ 

Song Hotel Sydney, Sydney

For fun airport stays: Moxy Sydney Airport 

Early morning flights and long connections out of Sydney airport are made less arduous with a stay at Moxy Sydney Airport. Just minutes from the runway, this art-filled hotel features bold murals by Sydney artist Elliott Routledge, funky neon installations and abstract art that honours Mascot’s history. The airport hotel has a host of different room types that suit solo travellers, couples and families travelling with kids, such as The Moxy Family Bunkhouse, which sleeps four people via a queen bed and bunks. As well as a handy laundry room and complimentary airport shuttle, this hotel has a restaurant and bar, gym and game room.  

Price range: $$ 

Moxy Hotel Sydney Airport, Mascot - Credit: Trav Media Australia

For inner-west culture: The Urban Newtown 

In Newtown’s culture-rich, bohemian streets, The Urban Newtown offers fantastic budget accommodation. It’s a block from Sydney’s oldest live theatre The Enmore and is surrounded by stand-out thrift shopping and multicultural dining, such as nearby Japanese bakery Azuki; the award-winning Firepop; and Cairo Takeaway, serving delicious Egyptian street food. Back at The Urban, families and groups will feel at home in the Family Studio or 2 Bedroom Apartment with a large Terrace overlooking Newtown. There’s a dog-friendly suite too, plus there are kitchens in all rooms, laundry facilities, underground parking and flexible check-in and check-out times.  

Price range: $$ 

The Urban Newtown, Newtown - Georgina Project Pty Ltd

For eastern beaches: Little Drifter Bondi 

Fall into the rhythm of Bondi’s laid-back lifestyle at Little Drifter Bondi, a hip hostel located a couple of blocks from Australia’s most famous beach, where you can learn to surf or follow the cliff-hugging Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. Choose from a shared room that can sleep up to six, equipped with privacy curtains and lockable storage, or a private abode with a queen bed and ensuite. Mingle with other backpackers in the communal kitchen or drift into town for an array of restaurants and bars, such as Bondi mainstay Raw Bar, or some of Sydney’s best ramen at Chaco Ramen Bondi. The hostel also hosts fun regular events, such as afternoon yoga on the beach, and paint and sip at local brewery Curly Lewis.  

Price range: $ 

Little Drifter Bondi - Credit: Leisure Accommodation Collective

For Sydney Olympic Park access: ibis Hotel Sydney Olympic Park 

Surrounded by parklands, ibis Hotel Sydney Olympic Park offers some of the most affordable accommodation in Sydney Olympic Park, the hub for Sydney’s big-ticket events, concerts and festivals. Whether you're attending the NRL Grand Final, Sydney Royal Easter Show or a big-name performer in concert, get in quick to secure a stay at this budget hotel with comfortable, modern rooms, including an accessible option for wheelchair users. There are two restaurants within the hotel, parking and it’s a short walk to Accor Stadium and Qudos Bank Arena.  

Price range: $$ 

On the balcony at ibis Hotel Sydney Olympic Park - Credit: ibis Hotel Sydney Olympic Park

Key: 

$ = Less than $50 per person, per night. 

$$ = Less than $100 per person, per night. 

$$$ = Less than $150 per person, per night.