Nomads Sydney - Hostel is in an unbeatable location—walking distance to trams, ferries, and trains, as well as Chinatown, eateries, the aquarium, botanical gardens, parks, and the Opera House.
The staff, mostly travelers working for their stay, are friendly and helpful. The hostel organizes weekly activities announced via an app and intercom. This keyless hostel requires the app to unlock rooms and communicate with the front desk.
The spacious kitchen is well-equipped with cookware, stovetops, microwaves, toasters, and blenders. There are three large refrigerators with a labeling system, cleaned weekly. Free filtered water is available at the front desk.
Bathrooms are basic and not always well-maintained, sometimes running out of toilet paper—though the app makes it easy to request replacements.
The dorm-style setup is the main drawback. Beds lack privacy screens, are squeaky, and some linens had stains (though mine were clean). I stayed in the all-female dorm, which was quieter and included a vanity with free hair dryers and straighteners. These rooms are on the 4th floor, avoiding noise from the attached bar.
While not luxurious, it’s an affordable, well-located stay that gets the job done.