Sydney Central Backpackers

We liked the late check in option and enjoyed the flexibility of arrival times permitted. Also this is literally the only place I've ever seen that sells a can of coke for $1.50.

I want to preface this review by saying I initially didnt want to sook because we only paid $63, but upon rethinking the experience overall there are definitely some big talking points that should be addressed. First off, we were shocked to find that not only were we expected to make our own bed after arriving in the "deluxe room" at 11pm, but we were provided with dirty linen to do so with. There were holes in the floor not only in our room but the halls, kitchen and bathrooms as well. There was nothing 'deluxe' about the room- walls were so thin we could hear someone snoring in the next room over and fornicating in the room behind us. As if this wasn't enough, the only ventilation was to have the windows wide open in the middle of a Sydney winter to get the smell of marijuana out. As if this wasn't insulting enough, we paid by credit card via booking.com prior to arrival and TWO STAFF over the course of our 8 hour stay tried to tell us we hadn't paid and needed to pay the full sum of the room again. When we showed our booking confirmation, they backed off, but defended themselves by saying "it isnt in the system but whatever we'll take your word for it" as if they were doing us a favour by deciding to stop trying to rip us off. Also, watch out for the literal shanty town of junkies just to the left of the building who case peoples cars for valuables. Back to our continental breakfast we were keen on- when we got up to enjoy it at 7.30, it wasn't there as stated on the adverts. One more thing- we had a single pillow between us and no blankets to sleep under, just a thin sheet. In winter. This place would be great if we'd known to bring literally everything we owned so we could feel some semblance of homely comfort in advance. I have stayed in many a backpackers hostel in my time and this was by far the dodgiest.