Mad Monkey Downtown

This is the best location in Sydney. You are practically 15 minutes away from everything, including the CBD, Bondi, and the Opera House. Plus, there are several parks just around the hostel.

Finding it very difficult to answer this question

It was a lovely stay at Mad Monkey! I was really happy with the people I met and the atmosphere was great. The staff were absolutely amazing—so friendly, welcoming, and helpful throughout my stay. Would definitely recommend staying here!

Nothing, I loved everything!

Everyone and the staff were amazing and the facility was great definitely would recommend.

Staff was friendly. We arrived after the reception had closed (~18:30) and they requested to keep our passports overnight (I assume as security before the formal check-in). I did not feel comfortable with handing it over, so upon request they accepted my driver's license as guarantee instead. I think for a solo traveller/backpacker looking to meet new people it would be a nice place - there was a fair amount of shared activities organised by the hostel.

My main complaint is the NOISE. The typical Australian single-pane window did nothing to keep the sounds of the street out. Because it is a lively area, people are talking, laughing and singing outside and it doesn't quiet until around midnight. Then at 6am there is a noisy street cleaning truck coming around. Even with ear plugs I struggled to get more than 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep. 0/10 do not recommend for people that struggle to sleep when it's noisy. I was happy to leave after a week. Other than that it was pretty standard hostel -> bit worn out, cramped room with bunk beds, shared bathrooms. Not amazing but about what you expect when you want to save on money and pick a hostel.