Centrally located, affordable and friendly, and a free hot breakfast to boot – the Song Hotel is an easy choice the next time you’re looking for a hotel in central Sydney. But the thing that makes this budget four-star stay really special – aside from the unique themed rooms – is that it’s a booking you can feel good about.
The Song Hotel is Australia's first and only profit-for-purpose hotel, where proceeds are reinvested and contribute to the work of the YWCA Australia. This means that 25 cents out of every dollar the hotel earns goes towards providing housing and assistance for at-risk women and children in the community.
Why stay at the Song Hotel in Sydney?
Located just off Oxford Street (literally, we had a clear view of The Burdekin’s rainbow facade), rooms at the Song Hotel start at $200 per night. This place has all the basics you’ll need, whether you’re in Sydney for work, a family trip, or a weekend away with friends for a special event.
For the most part, the hotel’s tastefully simple decor can be described as “no frills”. Save for some colourful flourishes like the odd disco ball, or the rainbow progress pride flag design that appears in the window box (these are nods to the neighbourhood’s queer history, and cute signifiers that this business is a safe space for LGBTQ+ community).
You’ll also find the hotel’s most unique feature on the fourth floor: a hall dedicated to ‘Singing the Praises of Inspirational Women’. From the likes of Tina Arena to Deborah Mailman and Bindi Irwin and Lee-Lin Chin, you’ll find illustrative portraits of eight notable Aussie women (“who have blazed a trail in music, journalism, conservation, activism and acting”) adorning the doors of themed rooms, each styled with contributions from local artists, designers and homeware brands. (This twee brand of ‘girl power’ feminism might feel a little dated, but the message is a well-intentioned extension of the great work of the YWCA, which the hotel’s profits directly support, so we can boogie with it.)
You might choose to book in for an empowering stay in the ‘We Paved the Way Room', which celebrates Australia’s feminist history and 500 female-identified and gender-non-binary Australians who have paved the way. The room features a vintage feminist book stack, a rocking chair to read them in, and heritage YWCA art.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a room that screams “gay rights” louder than the rainbow crossing up the road and just off Taylor Square, you’ll find that in ‘The Sally Rugg LGBTIQ Pride Room’. Rugg rose to national prominence for her role in the fight for marriage equality, and this room is a tribute to that win – featuring glitzy ‘Love is Love’ wall art, ‘YES’ heart cushions, and rainbow flag and trans pride flag wall graphics.
What are the rooms like at the Song Hotel Sydney?
Away from the uniquely themed rooms on the fourth floor, the other rooms at the Song Hotel are also neat, clean and comfortable, with at least one framed artwork to add a touch of style. If your room doesn’t have a balcony and/or a view of Oxford Street, then you’ll likely have a view of the tranquil, rainforest-like garden hidden between the two building towers that make up the hotel.
The Song Hotel boasts 11 different room types, with options suitable for families, groups, couples and solo travellers, and accessible rooms on every floor. We stayed in a Queen Balcony Room, and found it to be generously spacious, with plenty of room to hang clothes and tuck suitcases out of the way.
To put it plainly: there are much more “luxurious” hotels to stay at in Sydney, if that’s what you’re after. But the Song Hotel is more than a step above your average “budget hotel”.
The bathroom facilities are decent, and the lighting around the basin mirror is perfect for doing your makeup (which is something that you can’t always count on at hotels). In addition to the botanical-infused soap, lotion, shampoo and conditioner (all of which feel decently nourishing on the body and hair), the bathroom also features a hair dryer as well as a hair straightener (a nice touch, and a blessing for managing your carry-on luggage!). The cheaper room options include many of the same facilities, just without the balcony and with slightly less space to spread out.
All the rooms also feature a smart TV, an iron and ironing board, a small safe where you can lock up your valuables, a bar fridge, kettle, and the basics for tea and coffee. Note that the rooms do not include a microwave or other kitchenette facilities – so if you’re determined to stay somewhere to cook your own meals this hotel might not be what you’re after. However, room service does come in handy.
What facilities does the Song Hotel offer?
If you’re looking for bells and whistles like an on-site gym, pool or spa, this is not the hotel for you. However, the Song Hotel does cover the basics and do them well.
If you need to do laundry, there are guest facilities you can use for a small fee; and the hotel also offers discounts on nearby secure parking and luggage storage. There is also a conference room with capacity to host up to 38 people for meetings and events, and Song Kitchen is also able to host private dinners and functions.
What is the breakfast and restaurant like at Song Hotel Sydney?
A great selling point for this hotel is the complimentary hot breakfast for all guests. (There’s no risk of getting caught forking out upwards of 40 bucks to fuel up for the day!) The help-yourself buffet has all of the standards – cereals, fruit, yogurt, juice, toasts and spreads, mini pastries, scrambled eggs, sausages, grilled tomatoes, etc. (Tip: if you really don’t want to miss out on bacon, you might want to make sure you get down there early.) There are also self-serve coffee and tea facilities, but if you’d prefer a barista-made caffeine hit (especially one made with plant-milk) then you can purchase one from the adjoining café.
Outside of the breakfast rush, Song Kitchen is dishing up a fresh, contemporary dining experience with a menu that prioritises sustainability and seasonal produce. The restaurant attracts Surry Hills locals and hotel guests alike, and you can also order restaurant-quality dishes straight to your room via room service – perfect for when you’re needing a gourmet pizza, a bowl of pasta, salad, or hot snacks.
Thirsty? The wine list is dedicated to local wineries from regions across NSW, and half of the list is reserved for women winemakers or estate owners. If you’re after a cocktail, look out for the ever-changing happy hour specials for themed tipples.
Where are the best places to eat, drink and party near Song Hotel?
At the Song Hotel, you’re also super close to the best restaurants in Surry Hills and the best bars in the neighbourhood. Looking for the best cafes in the area? You’re only a two-minute stroll from Joe Black, which has some very instagrammable beverage options, or a four-minute walk from the Commonwealth Street outpost of legendary bread-slingers of A.P. Bakery.
Just after a pub? You’re in luck, the oft-bustling Harry’s is just across the road. Looking for something more colourful? Follow the yellow brick road to Sydney’s best gay bars and nightclubs on Oxford Street. We recommend getting started with a sundowner (or drag brunch!) on the rooftop of The Burdekin, which we swear you can almost touch from the balconies on the street-facing side of the Song.
What is the service like at Song Hotel Sydney?
The staff at the Song Hotel are one of the friendliest teams you’ll come across in Sydney – and don’t just ask us, there’s a reason this hotel has earned a Travellers’ Choice award on Tripadvisor. The reception desk is staffed 24-hours a day – but if you’re not in the mood for people, there’s also a contactless check-in and check-out option.
What’s the area like around the Song Hotel?
With its classy cafés, five-star dining, thriving bar scene and culture hubs, Surry Hills is the trendy heart of the inner Eastern Suburbs – and it’s a far cry from the neighbourhood’s nefarious past. (Find out more in our locals’ guide to Surry Hills, over here.)
As mentioned, the Song Hotel is also right next to Sydney’s original “gaybourhood” – aka the Pink Mile of Oxford Street, where the world-famous Sydney Mardi Gras Parade (a massive celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride) happens every year.
Why you should you book a stay at the Song Hotel Sydney
Overall, the Song Hotel is a great option if you’re looking for a tasteful room in the middle of Sydney that won’t break the bank. At this friendly hotel, “no frills” doesn’t mean “no disco balls” – and better yet, you can feel good about supporting a profit-for-purpose business that provides essential services for vulnerable people through the YWCA. (Hot tip: book in advance if you’d like to score a room close to the start-line for events like the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade or the City to Surf.)
Address: 5-11 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney NSW 2000
Price per night: From $200 per night.
Closest transport link: Museum Station is a four minute walk from the hotel.
Book now: Over here.
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