Crystalbrook Albion

I went in expecting a nice room and came out with two new favorite people. Chelsea and Arran work the front desk with the specific energy of friends who have decided your problem is now a group project. Nothing turns into an ordeal, nobody switches into the scripted-hotel-voice, and they'll tell you straight if an idea is bad — which after enough hotels is the actual luxury. The rest of the staff are cut from the same cloth. I never once saw the cleaning team — elite work, honestly, they move like ghosts — but at some point they noticed I needed something, and went and told the front desk about it. I still don't know who to thank. A competing highlight was the design and layout of the room - every light is on a dimmer, one main switch lets you control them at once, no extra stand-by lights where they didn't need to be, black-out curtains that covered the entire window; all design decisions that I want to shake someone's hand for. Pastries and coffee in the morning, gorg in how they're laid out and delicious. Towels in the shared bathroom. Tea at any hour(and not in a bag, loose leaf, fine tea). A rooftop for escaping. AC that means it. The building is an old convent and looks it in the good way. It's down a laneway, so you get the entire city on foot and don't hear any of it through the window. Best hotel I've stayed in for the money, anywhere. Japan is better but Japan is disqualified for being Japan.

A hotel we would 100% recommend if you’re visiting Sydney! It’s located in a super chic neighbourhood, and the building itself is an old convent full of history, with a beautiful former church right next door. The hotel has so much character, with gorgeous common areas and beautifully designed rooms. Ours was on the smaller side, but it was still very comfortable, and I’m sure there are larger rooms available. The whole team was absolutely lovely and made us feel so welcome. Make sure you check out the rooftop, and I’d definitely recommend taking the stairs down afterwards. Along the way, you’ll find framed stories telling the real history of the building and the people who once lived there — such a special detail that really brings the place to life. A beautiful, character-filled stay in Sydney. We’d happily come back and would recommend it 100%!

Nice little hotel. Wasn't sure what to expect. I did book a compact room, and it was indeed compact. Any movement in the room and it triggers what I think is the exhaust fan as the bathroom is somewhat open to the room. Room so small that there's no chair. Location of the room means it was quite noisy right next to the communal breakfast/ bar area, and main thoroughfare. Up a small alley and behind a heavy duty security gate. 5 minute walk to central station. Was nice, and attention to detail was great, but unfortunately was not for me.

My wife and I loved staying here in Surry hills in one of our many staycations we indulge in. This time it was our 31st wedding anniversary. We love being transported back to Sydney’s old world with all its art and stories. We even wondered who were the nuns that occupied our room over 100 years ago. The front desk crew, the complimentary breakfast and superb coffee, and the art deco design made this old world bring extra life to our stay. I highly recommend the Albion and we can wait to get back there again.