The Great Southern Hotel

The Great Southern Hotel descritpion

The Great Southern Hotel sells fast on our site. Great Southern Hotel is in a historic 19th-century building in the heart of Sydney, just a 5-minute walk from Central Train Station. Air conditioning and cable TV are standard in all rooms. Located next to Chinatown, the hotel features a restaurant and a bar.
The Great Southern Hotel Sydney is just a 5-minute walk from the Capitol Theatre, and a 10-minute walk from the famous Queen Victoria Building. Darling Harbour is a 15-minute walk away.
All smoke free standard rooms have a refrigerator, tea/coffee maker and work desk. Each room has a bathroom with a hairdryer and guest toiletries.
The hotel has a 24-hour front desk desk and a guest laundry. The tour desk can provide sightseeing advice and help guests with travel arrangements.
Restaurant 1903 serves a varied breakfast buffet every morning. The privately owned Great Southern Bar offers a range of traditional "pub-style" dishes for lunch and dinner.
Sydney Central Business District is a great choice for travelers interested in Shopping, Food and Sightseeing.

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Facilities of The Great Southern Hotel

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar

Internet ：No internet access available.

Parking ：Public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed) and costs AUD 40 per day.

General ：Safe | Non-smoking Rooms | Elevator | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private) | Air Conditioning

Reviews for The Great Southern Hotel

Review 1：Great location with rail station one block away as is the bus depot and light rail almost on your back doorstop. Spotlessly clean room and eating places by the hundreds. Bank was close by overall a fabulous location.

Review 2：No complaints at all. Great position as well, so close to station.

Review 3：Impressed with everything.Staff very polite.Our room had plenty of room around the bed. Very clean. Easy access. Being able to have a meal topped it off at the restaurent.

Review 4：No free wifi in public areas, which in this day and age is ridiculous, plus paid-for wifi was exorbitant as a whopping AUD$22 per day.

Review 5：Staff member, Jason, handled a room-type booking error with haste and aplomb. The food in the restaurant was reasonably-priced and tasty.

Review 6：$2 for storing bag on check out day. More on principle than the cost

Review 7：Perfect location for using public transport to get around the city, especially more outlying parts. Rooms fine, fairly small. Good bar downstairs.

Review 8：we have stayed before it is quaint basic but comfortable. excellent location, short walk to Central station able to access city and Airport easily. staff very helpful

Review 9：The air condition too cold or too hot..the bathtub not too clean

Review 10：Excellent location...staff very friendly overall very good for the price!! Restaurant excellent!!

Review 11：could have been cleaner. Carpeted areas. Need to give directions on web site for Hotels underground parking, we called and had to wait 15minutes on the ph. while they advertised everything and anything, to get advice on how to get access to the hotel parking.

Review 12：location, staff were helpful.

Review 13：only 1 chair in a double room? Air conditioning too cold and not able to control it to cooler

Review 14：great location, and convenience of being able to obtain a drink, and food if required

Review 15：Windows were 2 meters from the floor, so all we had was a prisoners view of the sky.

Review 16：The bed was one of the most comfortable I've slept in in a hotel. Bathroom although basic was adequate. My wife and I never lose sight of the fact is all we are doing is sleeping and washing in a hotel, so we do not need the 5 star facilities...just the right price & comfortable

Review 17：courteous staff, comfortable room, well equipped with kettle/fridge etc. Bathroom basic but adequate for a short stay. Bar & restaurant had excellent menu choices and reasonable prices. Good location for trains to other parts of Sydney.

Review 18：Not enough food for breakfast, the selection was good but not enough cooked for the people who were there to eat it, they kept running out.

Review 19：Loved the location, cleanliness, facilities, beds were extremely comfortable.

Review 20：The breakfast was very ordinary, the coffee machine made undrinkable cappuccinos. The breakfast has gone downhill since our last visit.

Review 21：Location, comfy bed, clean, good shower:)

Review 22：Staff didn't answer phone.The mattresses were so soft they gave us back aches. Carpet sticky & disgusting. Staff reluctant to provide an extra blanket. Staff refused to provide a plate & told me to come down to the bar to get one myself. The meals menu was old, discoloured and very unappealing.

Review 23：Location. Openable window in the bathroom.Large windows.

Review 24：Lack of free WiFi, it should have been available as a standard facility. There was a charge to use the two computers in the lobby, which were old and slow. Nowhere to sit in the lobby - a few chairs and coffee tables would have been nice. There was no view, we looked out onto a brick wall. Didn't have breakfast as cheaper to eat in food hall opposite.

Review 25：Good location for Central station and Chinatown. Rooms basic but clean and comfortable. The daily cleaning service was very good. Staff friendly and helpful.

Review 26：Limited facilities - e.g. no free wifi or gym

Review 27：Very well located being near central railway station. Had a very quiet room. Very affordable and a great option when I have to head to Sydney for work often (at my own expense!)

Review 28：I had asked for a late checkout and was sent a confirmation email saying that it was okay, but then on the actual day, reception had called and asked us to checkout at 11 when I asked for 12. It was a little inconvenient seeing as I had already been charged for late checkout.

Review 29：Beautiful place and rooms was nice and welcoming

Review 30：Someone went through my bag whilst I was out. I have reported it but since nothing was stolen they weren't really interested. I still haven't heard from the manager

Review 31：Attitude, friendliness, sensibleness of staff. Cleanliness of premises .. and would be booked out every day if prices were a little lower! Easy walk (either 30 minutes or 2 hours!) up fascinating George Street to City Centre, Opera House and Darling Harbour. Location: Right near Central Station (Easy on/off 15-20 minute trip to/from airport) China Town, Spanish, Greek and Italian restaurants, and centre of city, harbour ferries, fish market, casino, etc, etc using light rail, major buses. One ticket can be bought to use all these .. and ferries .. at airport and Central Station.

Review 32：The breakfast while nice was expensive. The hotel has a 1903 restaurant but only serves bar food.

Review 33：The position re the train and bus stations for local travel. Helpfull staff.

Review 34：Wifi was incredibly expensive; reception staff could be a bit more welcoming...

Review 35：Great location, decent sized room and very quiet. Housekeeping staff very pleasant.

Review 36：We arrived on New Years Eve and the hotel had given us a lovely bottle of wine and 4 Ferrero Rocher chocolates. They also had upgraded our room. The bed was king size and pretty comfortable. The hotel is less than 10 minutes walk from the train station and only about 15 minutes walk from Darling Harbour.

Review 37：Service bad no help at all had to find our own trolley snd cart our luggage to our rooms asked for some ice told they don't have any to go down to shop and buy it

Review 38：it was convenient to where we wanted to go in the city

Review 39：The use of room card in lift can be very frustrating as you have to just get it right to work. Do you need a service on this problem?

Review 40：the close proximity to the rail station, & there is plenty of resonabley priced food outlets close & easy to find.

Review 41：No free wifi Umbrella not provided

Review 42：Near train station Decent breakfast Room clean and comfortable Fresh towels everyday and usable soap and shampoo

Review 43：I liked the proximity to the railway & to Paddy's market.Room was quite large, bed comfortable,tea making facilities & a reasonable price.Restaurant meal was more than adequate

Review 44：Walls too thin hear people partying at 4am Ridiculous wifi prices $22 for a day No quiet hours Staff don't communicate with cleaners well falsely claimed I had breakfast when I didn't - someone used my room number to add it to my bill

Review 45：Very clean hotel

Review 46：rooms pokey, not very clean something ground into the grout in the bathroom??, bedding manchester and quality of same left a lot to be desired considering the room rates and was very drab and dated. no exhaust fan in bathroom. paying 2dollars per case to store baggage even a lap top bag, while waiting for later flights was unacceptable, lifts very slow, no free WiFi in rooms, and pay for use internet in foyer with no privacy very slow concierge staff very unhelpful and smug when approached for help re a couple of queries

Review 47：position, food was exceptional in the restaurant and bar

Review 48：The fact that they wanted $22 per day for wifi! It was very busy and a bit further from the harbour than we thought in an area of students and Koreans.. The staff could have been more helpful.There were no green spaces nearby

Review 49：It was close to the station and the room was quiet.Breakfasts were good.

Review 50：Nothing. I can understand people saying it is dated which it is but clean and a great price so no complaints.

Review 51：Great price for clean hotel. Loved the original art deco style in this iconic hotel.

Review 52：Our pay movie stopped before end and we still had to pay $10.

Review 53：Position. Close to darling harbour, Chinatown & central station for easy exit to airport.

Review 54：Staff were very friendly & very efficient-fast check in & checkout due to competency of staff. The room was a good size and themattresses on the bed were the most comfortable I have ever slept on.Ideal location close to China Town & walking distance to Paddy'sMarkets. Easy to get to hotel via train. Hotel security was very good.Large tv, great tea & coffee making facilities and a fridge to keepour drinks in. Next day we were suppose to book out by 10am but as ourflight wasn't till 7pm we were permitted to stay till 1pm for extracost of only $10 per hour and then after 1 pm the hotel minded our casesfor small fee of $2 ea case & they were locked away in a securelocation. We appreciated that so much. Would always return to this hotelif we travel to Sydney in future,

Review 55：Pillows too hard Fridge was dirty and dripping water Hot water continually cutting out in shower but I was given new room....still a bit of an issue there...may need some maintenance. No room service meals.

Review 56：Staff are quite pleasant Breakfast buffet has improved since my last stay. Restaurant is good for evening meals. Supervisor changed my room after being told that my hot water was not working properly Comfortable, clean bed. Easy walk to Central Station.

Review 57：Was there 24 hours and not one friendly or welcoming smile. No mention anywhere on the booking site about a $50 depaosit. I had to play in full in good faith in advance 6 months ago. Surely the interest you make on that money should be enough to pacify your assumption I will be a dishonest guest.

Review 58：On my latest stay (I've stayed here once before) my room was not so comfortable as the room I had on my first stay. The bed was too soft and the shower temperature kept changing to quite cold which was very unpleasant. When I j told the staff member at reception he said that the plumbing was old and if someone In the adjoining room used their water it can affect the temperature in my room.......well that's not great!! If that happens then those rooms should be cheaper imo.

Review 59：The location is great and the staff are pleasant. The breakfast choice was nice too although I didn't choose the cooked breakfast, so can't comment

Review 60：The wifi connection was too expensive.

Review 61：We went to Sydney via the Canberra train to go on a Princess cruise. The location was excellent. We were also able to leave our bags at the hotel while we did some walking around the area.

Review 62：The hotel is very tired and in desperate need of refurbishment. The lift and floors also need a damn good clean ... That would help to make the place feel less worn out. The shower was the smallest in terms of area that I have ever come across.

Review 63：Very handy location particularly as we wanted to spend time in and around Chinatown. We were also able to walk into the CBD via the cinemas and other good shopping stops. The room rate was very reasonable in comparison to other nearby hotels.. We arrived about an hour early for our scheduled 2.00 pm check-in. This presented no problem. The room was ready for us and the check-in procedure was efficient and smooth.

Review 64：The hotel was too old and did not like the feel of it. Not sure if I would rate it 4 star more like 2 star. The only friendly staff was at reception other than that cleaning staff didnt greet even when we greeted first.

Review 65：The location was central.

Review 66：when speaking to staff on the phone they could sound happier when answering the phone. Bed could do with an upgrade, when I first got on it was a bit too bouncy

Review 67：Checked in a/c not working Reception said wait we are fixing it One hour later I was assigned another room , only to find a plumber busy in that room Finally we were given a room that was comfortable

Review 68：There is nothing we did not like as we tend to stay here when ever we go to the city.

Review 69：Ease of check in and proximity to all theatre and restaurants that we go to from time to time.

Review 70：parking is a nightmare to get to and ridiculously cramped. staff could be a bit obtuse and unhelpful. Breakfast was quite underwhelming. Cleaning staff used the same elevators as guests which is normally fine except they had gross smelling garbage bags and it was very offputting

Review 71：The hotel itself is in a good location and the rooms are very soundproofed

Review 72：For some reason our rooms temperature control and fan were both broken so it was a very hot night.

Review 73：The location is very convenient and within walking distance to most major places in the city as well as mere blocks away from central Station.

Review 74：Car parking was an extra expense we didn't expect. Room up grade was pointless. The spa didn't work, windows didn't open and the fan in the bedroom didn't work so we swam in perspiration all night. The view was of other rooftops, nothing special, however we weren't there for the view.

Review 75：Motel was central to the reason we visited Sydney. They up graded our room which we thought was lovely. Traffic noise was minimal however we where on the top floor. Room was clean, bathroom was reasonably clean. Bed was comfortable and the king size was roomy! Jug, tea and coffee where available.

Review 76：Soooo expensive!! EVERYTHING costs!! Too expensive to start with ($209). Then a credit card fee. A charge to look after my bag. A charge for wi-fi (which hotel doesn't have free wi-fi!?) Only 10am check-out (after that there is a charge) No mini bar. No rewards program. Towels were tiny and bathroom was old. This hotel is 3 star at best. $263 for a 3 star hotel? I'll be staying somewhere else next time.

Review 77：The location and the bar.

Review 78：Nothing really bad. Good hotel and a good price.

Review 79：Perfect location for both the Opera House and Darling Harbor. Easy access from Central Rail station as well. In the heart of CHina Town for great dinning options.

Review 80：I paid a cash deposit for the room. Upon checking out after the stay I had to organise baggage storage and their was a busy queue. The staff member serving me forgot to provide my cash deposit back and I had to return some time later to collect it.

Review 81：Great location, convenient breakfast option on the ground floor.

Review 82：- Very Poor Reception staff with obviously very poor training. - Rooms clean except for bathroom which was full of drain flies - Bed and Pillow extremely uncomfortable, pillows like laying on stone. -Our view was looking at the windows of the other rooms, so curtains had to stay closed. -the deal we had did not include servicing the room, which we thought was a standard service, however, it did not even include bringing a fresh towel or replenishing the tea/coffee. - This is an honest report from a couple who stayed here for the week-end and the only advice I can give to fellow travelers is to book early and avoid this hotel.

Review 83：The Location Only, this is the only good thing I can say about the hotel

Review 84：Rooms were clean and consistent with other hotels of this rating.It's close to the cbd and other major shops around and Paddy'sMarkets is just out the back - close to great restaurants and eateries,especially if you love Chinese being in Chinatown.

Review 85：The staff were ok but they could sure use a smile. The big let-down for the room was having to push the two single beds together when I booked a double. The cost of the room was expensive as it seems more of a budget hotel, and couldn't even give us a double bed. That was very disappointing. We also were charged $2 per bad to leave them there for an hour while we had breakfast. This is the first time a hotel has ever charged for this service.

Review 86：The location was good and the room was nice and clean.

Review 87：A little seedy - the room, bar (from which bistro meals are ordered) and clientel. Not good sound insulation either. I had a couple of rabbits next door - could hear their personal & bed shaking noises and bed at cira 11pm and again at 7am.

Review 88：The hotel was easy to locate, staff were helpful, and price ok.

Review 89：Room a bit small judging from online photos that seem to show otherwise. Absolutely no view (a concrete slab). Value for money was not fully realised based on these aspects.

Review 90：Location, excellent service, no waiting, early check in, breakfast service flawless.

Review 91：First time ever, I had someone in my room whilst I was out. The beds were pushed sideways for what reason is unknown. I reported the incident to the front desk to see if a reason had been filed by staff but nothing. Its a concern!!!

Review 92：I have been using this Hotel since the late sixties. The Location is ideal for my business.

Review 93：Room is really small , it is not hotel like 4 stars. I have been visited many hotels around the world for 15 years. I've never seen hotel 4 star like this hotel . This hotel like 2 stars

Review 94：There was nothing at all that we weren't happy with

Review 95：We liked the closeness to Central station the friendly staff the comfort in the room and the closeness to our concert we were going to

Review 96：The location was ideal for getting around Sydney and beyond without a car, being just a short walk from Central Station, and Darling Harbour ferry and restaurant area. My one meal in the bistro was tasty but inexpensive, and quick to arrive.

Review 97：that the bathrooms are old used by date , the shampoo and soaps are very minimal no conditioner or body wash, never enough sugar, or coffee in room, and that a $2 charge per bag to store after paying $119 per night is deemed gouging

Review 98：the location central to major venues

Review 99：The sound from air conditioning is quite loud and we can hear people from inside of our room.

Review 100：The place is nice. It is near to the famous Sydney Chinatown and central station.

Review 101：I went to your website and it says- Private parking is possible onsite(RESERVATION is not possible). And when I got there to ask yourreceptionist for parking , he said its booked out and I have to ringthe hotel earlier(morning) for reservation.(cause we checked in around8pm).so we drove around looking for parking which consumed our time.(Most parking area are full at that time) and that made us late forour event.

Review 102：Its clean. Keep it up

Review 103：Terrible pillows, no pool, no lounge in room which were overall quite tiny, small tv.

Review 104：Location to China town and markets was great, friendly staff, clean room and comfy bed.

Review 105：All pillows were like bricks I had an awful headache which required osteopath work on my neck when I got home, it is still sore to this day.

Review 106：Almost easy access to where we needed to go Your rail system in Sydney is fantastic Hotel meals and service was fantastic

Review 107：The bed head was bumping on the wall when i rolled over in bed

Review 108：Good air conditioning comfortable beds lots of channels on television staff Try and do anything for you pub downstairs great bar great food

Review 109：It is close to Central station and the Entertainment centre. The room was comfortable and clean with a nice hot shower. The bar and restaurant are both excellent. What more do you need?

Review 110：Nothing. Even price was fair. Husband was a bit big for the shower.

Review 111：This hotel is just two short blocks from Central Station. Is clean, has comfy beds and friendly, helpful staff. With a restaurant for breakfast and bar overflowing onto George Street for a nightcap. What more could you ask for?

Review 112：Would have liked a small table and chair set in room for both to sit at and enjoy .

Review 113：Staff always friendly. Rooms fresh clean and pleasant. Breakfast facilities in excellent presentation and clean at all times.

Review 114：The fact that went we decided to extend our stay we were unable to extend at the desk and got told to go to the internet terminal and book on line. There were obviously rooms available and they refused to book am existing long term client rather than hold a room for a potential internet booking.

Review 115：Great Location Good Rates

Review 116：We left a battery charger behind in our room ( 613 ). When we advised reception , we were told someone would confirm whether it was in lost property but this did not happen .

Review 117：Pleasant staff, clean and welllocated

Review 118：Fridge needed looked clean however it smelled a little awful when it was opened (I would NOT leave any food/drinks in there). Rooms are very dated however comfortable - if you just need a room/shower facilities then great pick

Review 119：Staff very friendly and efficient, great price, great location (close to central station) easy walking distance to chinatown/darling habour. Local pub has great drink prices (beer) and food is homely - definitely yum/good portions for price.

Review 120：Nothing to fault

Review 121：Friendly staff, clean room, close to bus/train stops. The meal at the pub downstairs was the best I had in Sydney, and even better value for money.

Review 122：$50 deposit overnight is irritating but understandable, breakfast is a tad expensive, I have experienced noisy neighbours on one occasion too. This is mostly nitpicking though.

Review 123：Fantastic location, absolutely the best there is if you're after the train the following morning. Very helpful staff, and nice restaurant. Clean room.

Review 124：No bad experience, just wish we had dinner there instead of the restaurant we went to.

Review 125：Our stay was great. Staff were excellent, room was very comfortable and clean and the location was central to everything for us.

Review 126：A little small, but it's an older building so it's understandable. The rate for wifi was astronomical.

Review 127：Proximity to everything. Value for the money. Comfortable sleep. Again great deal!

Review 128：Great access from our transport: well stocked bar & good food. Staff are always eager to assist and very professional. This time our room was more spacious than previous stays.

Review 129：Needed a comfortable chair to sit on rather than the bed as the bed head kept on banging when I moved whilst sitting up and lent on it. That there was not reply to an email I sent when booked re times the kitchen for when the restaurant closed so I missed out on dinner after a long day of travelling and had to walk to the Coles supermarket and was exhausted upon my return 40mins later. No help offered with bags late at night as I had quite a few bags with, even a trolley access that could be returned to the floor elevator foyer would be acceptable.

Review 130：Access was central to everything. Air conditioner was on in the room when I arrived making the room feel wonderfully fresh as my arrival although late at night was still hot outside.

Review 131：I wish we had known about the packed breakfast the night before our early morning departure because we could then have eaten it in our room rather than have it taken off us at the airport. The hotel staff had said we could even take it on the plane as long as we hadn't opened the package but this was incorrect.

Review 132：Quiet, handy to train and light rail stations, cheap meals through the bar, helpful staff, great breakfast.

Review 133：Cigarette smoke coming in through the front doors into the foyer and bar areas, and also sometimes upstairs in the 'courtyard' space. Smokers sitting directly outside the entry are too close.

Review 134：Fabulous location - very central.

The Fine Print

Please note that the total price of the reservation, plus a credit card administration fee, will be charged on the day of booking and is non-refundable. Additional administration fees also apply when settling incidentals using card on check out.Please note here is a 1% charge when you pay with EFTPOS. There is a 2% charge when you pay with a Visa or Mastercard credit card. There is a 3% charge when you pay with an American Express, a JCB credit card or Diners Club credit card.Please note that guests are required to present a valid photo ID and either a AUD 50 cash deposit or a pre-authorisation of a credit card for any damages or incidental charges.Please note that this hotel has a strict "No Party Policy". Any violation of this policy will result in eviction from the property and additional cleaning fees will be charged.Please note that there is very limited covered parking (subject to availability, with a height restriction of 6 feet). Reservations are not possible. Vehicles are parked at the owner’s risk and the hotel assumes no responsibility or liability for any damage to vehicles or items stolen from vehicles. The charge of AUD $40 per night is valid until 10:00 check-out time. Hourly casual rates apply as an addition if the vehicle has not vacated after 10:00 check-out time.The hotel parking entrance is located on 201 Thomas Street, Haymarket (close to Paddy's Market). If the hotel parking is unavailable, there are secure car parks nearby.Please note that luggage storage is available at a cost of AUD $2 per bag per day.Children staying at the property must be staying with a legal guardian/adult.