There are definitely better places to stay in Sydney

While we have websites like Priceline or Orbitz in the States to help us navigate hotel shopping, in Australia Wotif seems to be the best tool. While looking for a place to stay in Sydney, Wotif suggested to spend a few nights in the City Resort Hotel in Sydney. To denote that this was a “deal that must not be missed,” they put flames on the bottom of the price box. While Wotif may believe the $65-a-night for a private room is a great deal for Sydney, my stay in City Resort Hotel wasn't that impressive. 

The City Resort Hotel in Sydney may offer a great location, but there isn't much else positive that can be said. Located directly in the King’s Cross area, City Resort puts backpackers in location to get to all the sights of the city. Chinatown is only a small walk away, Bondi Beach is a $2.50, 30-minute bus ride away, the Botanical Gardens are at your feet, and the Sydney Opera House is only 30 minutes through the gardens. This is all great, but sleeping on the street in this area can also offer you the same location.

What made City Resort Hotel less than pleasant was the lack of cleanliness and bizarrely odd staff and residents. The rooms were completely disgusting, and while my private room was a bit better than the dorm, it did not have its own toilet. The shared bathrooms were constantly wet, the water in the tap wouldn't fully turn off, and the bathroom funk seemed to be ubiquitous.

While this may be normal for some hostels, the dirty establishment was backed by the slightly off staff and guests. Sure, you can meet some weird people while backpacking, but it seemed as if most the people within the hostel’s walls were slightly strung out. It wasn't as though they were necessarily hopped up each time I interacted with them, but the hostel did feel like a refuge for people coming off of a bender that lasted for more than a few days.

Although the location is great and the rooftop offers some amazing views, City Resort Hostel may be a place you should skip. Sydney is a vibrant city, so better budget accommodation shouldn't be hard to find.

Photo courtesy of Late Rooms