Veriu Central

Central Station Hotel sits on a corner plot in the city's business district, with restaurants occupying much of its ground floor. It's a historic building that has been a hotel for over a hundred years, though decor is now modern, with an urban edge. The lobby is predominantly white, with pops of sunny orange in the stylish lights and leather chairs, and plenty of light flooding through the street-side windows. The central covered courtyard is a nice space, with a pleasant indoor/outdoor feel and table seating. Given its central location, lack of bells and whistles, and compact rooms, it's not the kind of hotel with a buzzing social atmosphere. Even so, guests range from couples and families to corporate travelers looking for centrally located hotel that won't eat too much of their travel budget.

Central Station Hotel is in Sydney's CBD. There are lots of bars and restaurants nearby, and it's great spot for getting around on foot. Chinatown is a 10-minute walk away and it's about the same distance to shopping on Oxford Street. If you're prepared to walk an extra five minutes, you can reach the many attractions on Darling Harbour -- including the Sydney Aquarium and Madame Tussauds. It's also a 15-minute walk along on one side of Hyde Park to Westfield Mall -- and along the other side to the Australian Museum. The hotel sits between Central and Museum Station -- it's about a five-minute walk to each. Trains run north to the Opera House, Botanic Gardens, and the iconic Harbour Bridge, with a journey time of around 15 minutes door-to-door. There are also direct train links to Sydney Airport with a similar transit time. 

Rooms at the Central Station Hotel come in a variety of configurations to suit a range of travelers. They're done in simple, stylish decor in dark gray and white, with shiny acrylic headboards and geometric patterned pillows in orange and blue. What's nice is that they all include a good set of amenities, though keep in mind that most are compact, verging on tiny (Shoebox is the name of a room category, after all). Whether opting for the Shoebox Rooms or family-friendly Studios, though, air-conditioning, electric kettles with tea/coffee, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, irons, and free Wi-Fi come as standard. Studios add microwaves and toasters plus tableware, and can sleep up to five. Some rooms have balconies with furniture. The hotel is on a busy intersection and the roads can be noisy, but the double-glazing does a good job of keeping disruptions out. Bathrooms are compact, and feature walk-in rainfall showers, hairdryers, towels, and products.

The Central Hotel is essentially a no-frills accommodation-only hotel, however there are options available for guests who need a bit more. Three restaurants are located on the the ground floor of the building, and guests get discounts at all of them. Basket Brothers Cafe serves a decent breakfast menu with hot and cold options -- which can also be taken in-room, or in the hotel's covered courtyard seating area. Nel is a classy place with a gourmet menu, and Harry's is a well-received seafood restaurant. The hotel provides free access to a gym across the street, which is well-equipped for cardio and weight training. Families and those who enjoy a swim can take advantage of free passes to the public outdoor pool, a 15-minute walk away (it has a kids' splash pad). There's a discounted rate for the car park opposite, and a regular shuttle to the airport -- though this costs extra. Wi-Fi is free throughout, including in the courtyard.