I recently spent one night in Sydney and didn't want to pay too much for a hotel, nor stay in a backpackers. Enter - Leisure Inn.
Its located right near Central Station, but not on the nicer Surry Hills side unfortunately, however this area was only a 5-10 minute walk away through the huge central station tunnel. Walk 5-10 minutes in the other direction and find yourself near Paddys Markets and Chinatown.
I stayed in a queen room which had a window view out to Regent Street. There was a tiny lcd tv (foxtel included), a bar fridge (empty bar from UHT milk), tea and coffee making facilities (kettle, teabags, coffee, sugar, mugs, spoons) and menus for local takeaways. The bathroom had shower only, shampoo/body wash dispensers and a hairdryer. The room was very small but fine enough for one person. The only problem was the aircon vent was quite loud, and you can only apparently adjust the heating in the room, and not make it any cooler than a set temperature (not that I needed to, it was cool weather).
Although the room was small and its clearly a budget hotel, everything was clean, tidy and functional, reception staff were nice enough.
I did have to pay $2 to store my luggage the next day, which I thought was a bit stingy. read more