There’s something magical about Leichhardt. One minute you’re sipping a perfect espresso on Norton Street, the next you’re surrounded by the smell of fresh pizza drifting out of a wood-fired oven, and everyone around you seems to be speaking Italian. Locals call it “Little Italy,” and once you’ve spent a weekend here, you’ll understand why. It’s only 6 km from the Harbour Bridge, yet it feels like a village holiday—without the insane CBD price tag.
If you’ve been googling “accommodation Leichhardt” or “hotels Leichhardt” or “hotels near Sydney” lately, you’re probably wondering: is it worth staying out here instead of the city centre? Short answer: yes, especially if you like real neighbourhoods, great food within stumbling distance, and not paying $500 a night for the privilege of looking at the Opera House selfies.
Everyone always asks, “What’s the best hotel in Sydney?” Look, if money is no object, the new Capella Sydney or the timeless Langham will spoil you rotten—think marble bathrooms bigger than most Sydney apartments and butlers who remember how you like your martini. They’re incredible. But if you want to actually live like a Sydneysider (and still have money left for dinner), Leichhardt gives you 90 % of the experience for about 30 % of the price.
And if you’re coming for a game or event at Leichhardt Oval (go the Tigers!), staying nearby is a game-changer. No Uber surge, no parking nightmares—just roll out of bed and wander over.
Here’s my completely honest rundown after reading hundreds of recent reviews about hotels near Sydney and staying in the area myself:
The Merton Hotel (pub-style rooms above a classic Aussie pub)
Guests absolutely love the character—“like stepping back into the 80s in the best way.” Rooms are simple but spotless, staff are legends, and you’re literally above one of the best beer gardens in the Inner West. One happy punter wrote, “Checked in after a long flight and the barman poured me a cold one before I even got my key—welcome to Australia!” Only downside: it can get noisy on Friday/Saturday nights if you’re a light sleeper.
This one surprised me. It looks a bit dated from the outside, but the rooms are huge, beds are comfy, and the free parking is gold in Sydney. Recent guests keep saying things like “immaculately clean” and “best value we’ve had in years.” A few mention plane noise (we are under the flight path), but most say it’s barely noticeable once you’re inside with the air-con on.
Brand-new rooms, super modern, indoor pool (okay, it’s more of a giant spa, but still). Couples seem to love it: “We extended our stay twice!” The only complaint I saw more than once was street noise if you open the windows—bring earplugs or just keep the (very effective) air-con running.
I have to be honest—skip this one. The location is perfect, but the reviews are rough: stained carpets, unresponsive management, and one poor traveller even found blood on the sheets. Life’s too short for that nonsense.
After all the scrolling, comparing and coffee-fuelled research, my favourite find is a little family-run B&B called Pensione Italia—and I’m clearly not alone in loving it.
It’s the kind of place where Maria and Alfio greet you like a long-lost cousin, hand you a map circled with their favourite bakeries, and tell you exactly which bus gets you to Circular Quay fastest. The rooms are classic Italian-nonno style—think floral bedspreads and lace curtains—but everything is sparkling clean, the beds are ridiculously comfortable, and there’s a proper little kitchenette if you want to make breakfast with pastries from the place next door (you will).
“Felt like staying with family—Maria even did our laundry when she found out we were moving on to the Blue Mountains!”
“Best sleep I’ve had in weeks, and only a 4-minute walk to the best gelato in Sydney.”
It’s not the Four Seasons. It doesn’t have a rooftop infinity pool or a concierge in a fancy suit. But if you want to wake up to birdsong instead of traffic, eat authentic carbonara for $20, and still be in the city in 25 minutes, this is the sweet spot.
So next time someone tells you the “best hotel in Sydney” has to be in the CBD, smile knowingly. You’ll be sipping aperitivo on a sunny Leichhardt balcony, saving hundreds, and living like a local.
Ready to ditch the tourist crowds and discover the real Sydney? Come stay in Leichhardt. We’ll leave the espresso machine on for you.