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Reviews of Lil Darling

266 Abercrombie Street, 2008 Sydney, Australia

#206 of 344 hotels in Sydney

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 92 hostel reviews

8.0

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    7.9

  • Comfort

    7.9

  • Location

    9.0

  • Facilities

    8.0

  • Staff

    8.5

  • Value for money

    8.8

  • Free Wifi

    7.5

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: August 7, 2025

    7.0
    Just what I needed ona night where I needed a place to stay
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    There was only 1 bathroom shared between a lot of people, so a tad tricky if you’re busting to pee and it’s occupied !

    I was just really in need of a bed for a night. And it was a nice, clean bunk bed. All the other guests were warm, respectful of my space and I felt safe.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: July 16, 2025

    7.0
    Good
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It is kinda sharehouse with some people staying for long term, so the kitchen was a bit messy.

    The owner knows how to utilize limited space for bigger purpose. I adore the creativity.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: June 23, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    there is only one restroom so you may wait 5min before using it when you are unlucky

    Nice hostel, friendly family vibe, owner is very kind and funny

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: January 27, 2025

    7.0
    Value for money. Great location. Lovely host.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Very hot at night in the rooms. The fan wasn't great at circulating the air. The bed I received sqeeked every time I turned, and so did the bed above me in the same bunk. No air conditioning in the property. The other guests left it messy, untidy which led to smells in the kitchen and attracting insects. Limited storage space, drawers in the bedrooms leading to items, clothes shoes suitcases cluttering the room making it appear messy. There's 1 bathroom for total of 12 guests

    The owner was lovely, friendly, responsive, and accommodating. Comfy beds and bedding, towels, shower gel, shampoo provided. Great location Easy check in and check out Lockers we're ideal Great size bathroom Considering the prices in Sydney this was definitely value

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 24, 2025

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    All clean

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: January 2, 2025

    9.0
    Home Healing
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It’s a small property for a select few. Global Big business Extraordinares take respite there and network with some of Australia’s elite, highly recommended for these types of people. The owner used to own a seafood restaurant and is very passionate about seafood which is what makes The Lil‘ Darling so charming.

    Amenities and staff. And the porch.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: December 19, 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Only one bathroom and one toilet for 12 people, kitchen and bathroom could be cleaner but this is up to the guests I guess, no aircon in the bedroom which can become very hot during the summer nights

    Comfortable mattress and central location, towel is provided for the shower as well as soap, shampoo and conditionner

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 14, 2024

    9.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Only one toilet.

    Mariana's client service.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: November 19, 2024

    8.0
    Good stay for a good price overnight
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    When fully booked, there is only one bathroom for 12 people. When asked if we could leave our backpacks at the hostel (as our flight was in the evening) I didn't get a reply.

    Good stay for a short period of time. Fully equipped kitchen (oven and microwave). There is one room that can be closed with a door. The owner replies quickly. The train and bus station is within walking distance.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: August 21, 2025

    1.0
    Dirty
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    There was no staff and it was all just super dirty, stayed 3 nights and the bathroom looked like a dumpster filled with mold

    Close to the campus

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: July 10, 2025

    10
    Darlington
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The pmsce has a homey atmosphere and the staff make you feel welcome. Easy to access in a great location.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: July 6, 2025

    10
    10/10 – My favorite hostel experience in 9 months of travel!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    If I had to mention one downside, it’s that there’s only one bathroom with a toilet – but honestly, it’s a small thing compared to everything else this hostel offers.

    I’ve been traveling the world for 9 months now, and Lil Darling Hostel in Sydney has hands down been the best hostel experience I’ve had so far. Mirjana, the owner, is incredibly warm and welcoming – from the moment you arrive, you feel completely at home. She regularly hosts amazing dinner nights where she cooks for everyone, and honestly… the food is better than most restaurants! The vibe in the hostel is super chill, and the people here are just great. I’ve been staying for 3 weeks and immediately extended for another 3 – that says it all. The beds are super comfy, the rooms and all common areas are kept very clean, and the whole place just feels well looked after. The kitchen is very well equipped and stocked with free pasta, cookies, coffee, tea, peanuts, and oats – such a nice touch! You’re allowed to charge your e-bike battery, and there’s space to safely store your bike in the courtyard, which I really appreciated. The location is excellent, and the value for money is unbeatable. I genuinely love it here and couldn’t recommend it more!

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: June 8, 2025

    10
    I won’t stay anywhere else
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The dinner and breakfast are of the best quality

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: June 2, 2025

    10
    Best hostel in Sydney!
    • Business trip
    • Couple
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 8 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Thanks to the owner, we felt like home here! Highly recommended!❤️

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: May 25, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    One of the best hostel experiences I’ve ever had! Mirjana is an amazing host—super friendly, full of funny stories, and she really goes the extra mile. She even cooked for us and brought drinks for everyone. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and felt just like home. Highly recommended!

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: May 20, 2025

    10
    More of a sharehouse instead of a hostel
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Mirjana makes you feel right at home! Everyone helps each other if needed in a small 12 people community

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: April 28, 2025

    10
    Had a great stay! Would always return!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    nothing

    the good atmosphere

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: April 28, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Great place to stay in Sydney. Nice cafes surrounding. I was working most of my time staying here, it was nice coming back every day and having chats with some of the other guests out on the balcony. It’s a small hostel but feels more like a share house :) best place I’ve stayed in Australia

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: April 9, 2025

    10
    It’s not just a place to sleep, it’s a place to belong
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    You might see this listed as a hostel, but calling it that doesn’t do it justice. For me, it was something more—something closer to home. Tucked away in the buzzing heart of Sydney, this little gem is the kind of place that’s perfect for a night or two, but you’ll end up wishing you had more time. The rooms are cozy, the location is spot-on, but the real magic? That comes from Mirjana. You don’t just check in—you get adopted. There’s something rare here: a feeling of real connection. Strangers become roommates, roommates become friends. Whether you're sharing meals, swapping stories, or just lounging around after a long day of exploring, it feels like you’ve landed somewhere special. Like the world got a little smaller and a lot warmer.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 31, 2025

    10
    More than a hostel
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 14 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    This might be a hostel, but for me it was a home for two months. This beautiful little place is a good and central hostel for short stays, but even better for longer stays. Mirjana is a lovely hostel mom, that come around with excellent food or wine once in while for everyone and will tell you the most hilarious stories. She’s a sharp minded person that’ll remember your name, food preferences, your job and which laundry is yours. It might only have one bathroom and a small kitchen, but it choose everything to go there again if I’m coming back to Sydney, just because of the family-vibe with everyone helping each other other in this hostel. A small but brilliant place to make friends and connect with travelers.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: March 25, 2025

    6.0
    Fine for one night before getting the train.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    We were told that we could check in from 2pm, but when we arrived there was no one to check us in and the guests who were there said the rooms hadn’t been cleaned yet and that we couldn’t have lockers. The common space was very messy, like there had been a big party there the night before. We had plans to be somewhere so we had to leave our bags in a corner of the common room, but took our valuables with us because we just weren’t sure what was going on. When we came back later it was better, it had been cleaned up and our bags were okay but we still felt unsettled. The shared bathroom wasn’t very clean, but usable. The products they supply are nice. Overall our stay was fine, but the listing compared with the actual experience were quite different - the pictures and reviews made it seem very clean and quiet, whereas it was more like turning up in a student share house where you couldn’t tell who lived there. Fine for one night before getting the train the next day.

    The location is fantastic - access to Redfern station just around the corner, where you can get the train anywhere you need. The beds themselves were clean and comfortable, and each bunk had a lamp which is always helpful!

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 25, 2025

    6.0
    Brief sojourn to freshen up in well located position
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Quite cramped but that is probably the nature of this kind of inexpensive accomm offering.

    I only stayed briefly for purpose of showering. Glad to get a shower after overnight train travel. - mngr assisted me by phone to find the property because cab driver dropped me off at wrong address. It is in a good location near cafes ,train and city

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 24, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The owner and very clean

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 22, 2025

    4.0
    Looked very different from the photos, no air con and wasn't very clean
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    No air con, fans did nothing. Bathroom was dirty and mouldy on the ceiling, some of the other long-term guests left a big mess in the kitchen. No staff seen. Wasn't really a hostel, just someones house with lots of beds, 12 beds and only one bathroom/shower.

    Beds were comfy, would have been cosy in winter.

    Stayed in March 2025

Showing 1 - 25

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