Nomads Sydney - Hostel is an ideal spot for any visitor to the city. The location is unbeatable--within walking distance of trams, ferries, and trains, as well as Chinatown, countless eateries, the aquarium, botanical gardens, parks, and the iconic Opera House.
The staff are mostly travelers working in exchange for accommodation, but they are friendly and knowledgeable. The hostel organizes numerous activities and excursions each week, which are announced via an app you'll need to download, as well as through the intercom.
This is a keyless hostel, meaning access to your room is controlled through the app, which also serves as a communication hub for the front desk and other important updates. Wifi is strong throughtout.
The kitchen is spacious and well-equipped with everything you need--pots, pans, stovetops, microwaves, toasters, blenders, and utensils. There are three large refrigerators for food storage and ample shelf space for pantry items. The hostel has a clear labeling system for belongings, and the fridge is cleaned every Wednesday. Free filtered water is available at the front desk.
The bathrooms are basic and not always thoroughly cleaned. At times, toilet paper ran out, but a quick message through the app to the front desk ensured it was replaced.
The biggest downside is the dorm-style setup. Beds lack privacy screens, are squeaky, and the linens can be hit-or-miss--I noticed some with stains, though mine were clean. I stayed in the all-female dorm, which was quieter with fewer snorers than the mixed rooms. The beds had storage underneath. The female dorms are on the 4th floor, which is ideal, as lower floors are likely noisier due to the club/bar attached to the building. The ac is strong and runs throughout the day. A great perk of the female dorms is a long vanity area with free-to-use hair dryers and straighteners, making it easy to get ready.
Overall, while it's not the most luxurious stay, it served its purpose as an affordable and well-located accommodation in Sydney. read more