In our review, we found this Surry Hills hotel to be a handy spot for Sydney explorers. You’ll be a hop and a skip from Central Station, making it a breeze to reach the Opera House and Cricket Ground.
The rooms are spruced up with modern touches, and there’s a bistro, cocktail bar, and two-story beer garden right at your doorstep. Most folks rave about the peaceful rooms and friendly faces at the front desk.
Now, let’s keep it real – the rooms might feel a tad snug if you’re used to sprawling suites, and street noise could be an issue for light sleepers.
But if you’re a budget-conscious traveler who wants to be in the thick of things, this place hits the sweet spot. It’s perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or small groups who plan to spend more time exploring Sydney than lounging in their room.
Plus, with great public transport links, you can easily zip around the city without breaking the bank on taxis.
About Your Stay
- Conveniently located near Central Railway Station and popular attractions like Darling Harbour and Chinatown, making it an ideal base for exploring Sydney.
- Offers comfortable and modern rooms with amenities like flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and private bathrooms.
- On-site dining options include a casual bistro, a cocktail bar, and a 2-level beer garden, providing a variety of dining and drinking experiences.
- Generally well-reviewed by guests, with praise for the clean accommodations, friendly service, and excellent public transportation access.
- Accepts credit card payments only and has a damage deposit requirement, so guests should review the policies before booking.
Hotel Overview
The Royal Exhibition Hotel is located at 86 Chalmers Street in Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia.
It has a 7.6/10 rating based on 1,447 reviews, with an excellent 9.1/10 location score due to its proximity to Central Railway Station and nearby attractions like Darling Harbour and Chinatown.
The hotel is an 8-minute train ride from the Sydney Opera House and a 10-minute bus ride from the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Guests can expect renovated rooms with modern amenities, a cocktail bar, bistro, and 2-level beer garden on-site.
Convenient Location
Situated merely an 8-minute train ride from the iconic Sydney Opera House and a 10-minute bus journey to the renowned Sydney Cricket Ground, the Royal Exhibition Hotel boasts an unbeatable location for sightseers and sports enthusiasts alike.
The hotel’s strategic positioning offers guests easy access to:
- Central Railway Station, just a short walk away
- Darling Harbour, a popular waterfront precinct
- Vibrant Chinatown, brimming with culinary delights
- Countless dining, shopping, and entertainment options
With its prime location and excellent public transport connections, the Royal Exhibition Hotel provides guests with the perfect base to explore the very best of Sydney.
Rooms and Amenities
Renovated guest rooms at the Royal Exhibition Hotel feature double-glazed windows that ensure a peaceful night’s sleep. Each room includes a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, safety deposit box, and tea/coffee making facilities.
The private bathrooms are equipped with a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s array of on-site amenities, including a cocktail bar, bistro, and 2-level beer garden.
The hotel also provides free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and an elevator. Families and non-smokers have dedicated room options.
The Royal Exhibition Hotel’s in-house restaurant, the Royal Exhibition Hotel Bistro, serves Australian cuisine with daily specials available.
Dining Options
Guests staying at the Royal Exhibition Hotel can enjoy a variety of dining options on-site.
The hotel’s Royal Exhibition Hotel Bistro serves Australian cuisine, with daily specials available. The bistro offers:
- A casual dining atmosphere.
- A menu featuring local produce and seasonal ingredients.
- An extensive selection of beverages, including a selection of wines and beers.
- Convenient opening hours to accommodate guests’ schedules.
Along With the bistro, the hotel also features a cocktail bar and a 2-level beer garden, providing guests with additional dining and drinking options during their stay.
Guest Experiences
Guests at the Royal Exhibition Hotel have generally expressed positive feedback about their experiences. Many guests appreciated the clean and comfortable accommodations, excellent location for public transport, friendly staff, and good food.
| Positive Feedback | Common Praise |
|---|---|
| Guests appreciated the clean and comfortable accommodations, excellent location for public transport, friendly staff, and good food. | Quiet rooms, convenient access to transport (trains, light rail, buses), and proximity to various dining options. |
As one guest commented, "Repeat stay… very convenient to transport," while another noted, "Great food and friendly staff." The Royal Exhibition Hotel provides a pleasant and convenient stay for its visitors.
Check-in and Policies
The Royal Exhibition Hotel has a standard check-in time from 2:00 PM, with check-out expected by 10:00 AM.
The cancellation policy varies by accommodation type, and a refundable damage deposit of AUD 200 is required at check-in.
The minimum age for check-in is 18, and children of all ages are welcome, though those 13 and above are charged as adults.
Pets aren’t allowed at the hotel.
Eligible guests may receive discounts through the Genius program.
Payment is accepted by credit card only, as cash isn’t accepted.
When booking more than 2 rooms, different policies and additional fees may apply, and special requests are subject to availability and potential extra charges.
Booking and Discounts
Booking the Royal Exhibition Hotel can provide eligible guests with discounts through the Genius program.
The hotel accepts credit card payments, but doesn’t accept cash.
When booking more than 2 rooms, different policies and additional fees may apply.
Special requests are subject to availability and may incur extra charges.
It’s important to review the hotel’s cancellation policy, as this varies by accommodation type.
Guests will also need to provide a refundable damage deposit of AUD 200 at check-in.
Final Thoughts
The Royal Exhibition Hotel appears to offer a solid accommodation option for travelers visiting Sydney.
Some key takeaways:
- Convenient location near major transportation hubs and attractions.
- Clean, comfortable rooms with modern amenities.
- On-site dining options and a lively bar/bistro atmosphere.
- Generally positive guest reviews highlighting the hotel’s strengths.
While it may not be the most luxurious or high-end choice, the Royal Exhibition Hotel seems to provide a reliable and affordable stay for those seeking a well-situated base to explore Sydney.
Considering its favorable ratings and convenient features, it could be a suitable pick for many visitors.
Questions About Your Stay
Does the Hotel Offer Airport Shuttle Services?
The hotel does not appear to offer an airport shuttle service according to the information provided. The overview focuses on the hotel’s amenities, location, and policies, but does not mention any airport transportation options.
Can Guests Pay Using Mobile Wallets or Cryptocurrency?
Based on the information provided, the hotel does not mention accepting mobile wallets or cryptocurrency as payment methods. Guests can only pay by credit card, as the hotel does not accept cash payments.
Is There a Fitness Center or Gym on the Premises?
The hotel does not have a fitness center or gym on-site. Guests looking to exercise during their stay will need to make alternative arrangements, such as visiting a nearby gym or exploring the local area on foot.
What Is the Maximum Capacity for Private Events or Functions?
The maximum capacity for private events or functions is not explicitly stated in the information provided. However, as the hotel has facilities like a bistro, bar, and 2-level beer garden, it likely can accommodate small to medium-sized gatherings.
Can Guests Request Early Check-In or Late Check-Out?
Guests can request early check-in or late check-out, but these are subject to availability and may incur additional fees. The standard check-in is from 2:00 PM and check-out is until 10:00 AM.
Booking Your Stay
We scoped out this well-situated spot in the heart of Sydney’s trendy Surry Hills neighborhood. The Royal Exhibition Hotel ticks all the boxes for savvy travelers: modern, comfy rooms, on-site dining, and a lively atmosphere that’ll give you a taste of local life.
After a long day of sightseeing or business meetings, you’ll appreciate the convenient location. It’s a perfect launchpad for exploring Sydney’s top attractions or attending nearby events.
Bottom line: Whether you’re here for work or play, this practical choice offers a cozy home base in one of Sydney’s most vibrant areas.
Ready to book? Hit the button below to check rates on Booking.com. We use and recommend this site for its competitive prices and reliable service. Happy travels!