The Downing Hostel
Hostel/Backpacker accommodation, 3-star249 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, AustraliaShow on map
7.3 · Good323 reviews
- Check-in from 2:00 PMCheck-out by 10:00 AM.
- Very good locationGuests rate the location 8.6 out of 10, at 249 Castlereagh Street.
Vibrant CBD Location Located in the heart of Sydney's bustling CBD, The Downing Hostel offers a lively atmosphere surrounded by a variety of dining and entertainment options.
Convenient Facilities Enjoy complimentary WiFi, shared kitchen amenities, and an on-site bar/restaurant during your stay at The Downing Hostel. Additionally, take advantage of the free laundry and ironing facilities available to all guests.
Exciting Activities Let the front desk assist you in planning fun-filled activities such as archery, bowling, and tennis, ensuring a memorable stay at The Downing Hostel.
Experience the vibrant CBD life at The Downing Hostel - book now for an unforgettable Sydney getaway!
What this place offers
- Television in common areas
- Express check-in
- Free wired internet
- Internet access
- Housekeeping on request
- Private picnics
- Secured parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Restaurant
Rooms
7.3
Good
Rated 7.3 out of 10 by 323 guests who stayed here.
- Cleanliness5.0
- Service8.6
- Location8.6
- Rooms6.5
- Amenities7.0
- Value7.0
- Food & drink8.1
Guests mention
Friendly staffGreat locationGood atmosphere
YassineFranceShit
The receptionist
The rats and the holes in the wall
ZhenrongChileA one-night stay is more than enough
I had late check-in with no issues.
The room I stayed stank of humidity.
Too many stairs with no lift as it's an old building.
I stayed a night which is more than enough.
JelleAustraliaCould use more cleaning and renovations
They organise typical hostel activities so that might be nice and the location is pretty convenient in the cbd. Matrasses were pretty comfi.
I stayed in a lot of hostels but this might have been the dirtiest I’ve ever…
NicolásAustraliaEl staff fue muy amable y atento. Las instalaciones cumplían.
Muchas cucarachas y el roof no tenía luces.
HuanMingTWWorst experience in my life!!
Only 5min walk to train station
1/5 stars – Major Issues with Stability, Noise, and Cleanliness
- The bed frame is extremely unstable – whenever someone on the lower bunk moves, it feels like an earthquake shaking the…
rylieUnited Kingdomalright for one night, wouldn’t write home about it
good location and cheap
beds were so noisy, felt like they would break at any moment, could feel every move from the person sharing the bed, so noisy from outside, everywhere was dirty, communication wasn’t great for…
Reviews are written by guests who booked through our supplier and stayed, shown as written and in their own language. Category scores are the supplier’s reading of recent reviews, updated December 2025.
Where you’ll be
249 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, Australia
Guests rate the location 8.6 out of 10 — very good.
Things to know
Cancellation
Each room shows its own terms before you pay.
Most rates can be cancelled free until a date shown on the room.
Non-refundable rates are marked as such.
House rules
Check-in from 2:00 PM until 12:00 AM
Check-out by 10:00 AM
No children
Show more
No pets
Non-smoking rooms available
Internet. WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking. No parking available.
Children and extra bed policy. Children are not allowed. You haven't added any cots. You haven't added any extra beds.
Pets. Pets are not allowed.
Payment & property
Paid when you book, not at the desk.
Rates include the taxes and fees we can read.
The property may take a card at check-in for incidentals.
What we’d check for you here
- Whether there is room for a pickup, a trailer or a van, not just a car.
- Whether the rate moves for your dates, and what it includes.
- What the property actually charges at the desk on top of the rate.
Questions about The Downing Hostel
What time is check-in and check-out at The Downing Hostel?
Check-in is from 2:00 PM. Check-out is by 10:00 AM. If you're arriving late, tell us and we'll ask the property to hold the room.
Does The Downing Hostel allow pets?
No — the property states that pets are not allowed.
Is there parking at The Downing Hostel?
Parking is listed among the property's facilities. Whether it's free and whether a space can be reserved varies, so we check it against your dates rather than promise it here.
Does The Downing Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Yes — internet access is listed among the property's facilities.
How do I book The Downing Hostel?
Put your dates in above and book online, or call (888) 789-8585 and we'll do it for you — including things a booking form can't handle, like a block of rooms, a monthly rate or an invoice for your employer.
Where is The Downing Hostel?
249 Castlereagh Street, Sydney.
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