CRITERION HOTEL SYDNEY | Sydney ★ Seaside Luxury & Beachfront Bliss

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Key details

About the Hotel

260 Pitt Street, Sydney, Australia

Close to the city center

Nice

6.9

8.1

/10

2.0

Loved by Criterion Hotel Sydney guests

Friendly staff
Comfortable bed
Excellent location
Good size room

"I was most impressed with the look and feel of the room. It was modern, fresh and clean."

Fiona from Australia

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"V convenient city centre location for travellers without car."

Rochelle from United Kingdom

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"Great location for our concert at the State Theatre."

Christine from Australia

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Criterion Hotel Sydney - A centrally located casino hotel with refurbished rooms and proximity to major attractions

Criterion Hotel Sydney is a 3-star casino hotel featuring 19 air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs, premium bedding, and free WiFi. Guests can try their luck at the casino, which includes a sportsbook and 30 slot machines, or enjoy a drink at the on-site bar. The hotel's restaurant serves meals for guests of Criterion Hotel Sydney, located in the Sydney Central Business District, a 5-minute walk from Town Hall and 700 metres from Capitol Theatre. Nearby attractions include The Galeries Victoria, Darling Harbour, and Sydney Zoo, all within a 15-minute walk. Rooms offer seating areas, private bathrooms with showers, and streaming services for entertainment.

Pros

The central location provides easy access to shopping districts and landmarks like Queen Victoria Building and Hyde Park Barracks Museum.

Refurbished rooms include modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs with streaming services and premium bedding.

The on-site casino and bar offer entertainment options for guests.

Cons

Some rooms may face noise from the busy surrounding area due to the central location.

The hotel lacks a pool or spa facility.

Must-do experiences

Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales for stunning local art.
Savor a meat pie at Harry's Cafe de Wheels, a Sydney classic.
Stroll through The Rocks for unique markets and historic charm.
Take a ferry to Manly Beach for scenic views and beachside dining.
Explore the Royal Botanic Garden for a peaceful escape in nature.

Location: Perfect

9.2/10Review score

Hotel on map

Guest Emotional Experience

Perfect for Finding FriendsTraditional friendliness

“Friendly and helpful bar staff in pub that serves traditional quality pub meals at good value.”

tomlaureneric from Australia

Quiet Nights for Busy DaysUndisturbed sleep

“A bit of noise from the road but nothing that kept me awake.”

James Dauman from Singapore

Away at HomeAttentive touches

“New towels, toiletries, and water bottle was delivered to outside the room if you had the "don't disturb sign" on the door, I really appreciated this!”

Karolina from Finland

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Select your room type

Find detailed information on rooms, amenities, and exclusive deals for your ideal beach holiday

Deluxe Single Room

2 persons

110 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Deluxe Double Room

2 persons

140 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Superior King Room

2 persons

165 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Triple Room

2 persons

165 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Prices and availability

View real-time room availability and secure the best rate for your travel dates

Facilities

Enjoy modern comforts, from ocean-view suites to family-friendly options with breakfast included

Facilities: Nice

6.8/10Review score

General

Non-smoking rooms
Wi-Fi
No pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
ATM/Cash machine
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Services

Housekeeping
Happy hour

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Criterion Hotel Sydney offers a delightful escape into the heart of Australian cuisine with inviting dining options that promise to satisfy the most discerning palates. With a warm ambiance and a focus on local flavors, guests can immerse themselves in authentic culinary experiences right at the hotel.

Australian

Ambiance

Comfortable and welcoming setting for a satisfying meal.

Key Offerings

Guests can enjoy a satisfying meal at the restaurant serving classic Australian dishes, complemented by a fully stocked bar for refreshing beverages.

Reservation

Hours vary.

Criterion Hotel Sydney Location

260 Pitt Street, Sydney, Australia

Map view

260 Pitt Street, Sydney, Australia

City landmarks

Opera House

Sydney Opera House

5200 ft

Park

Royal Botanic Gardens

1.3 mi

Aquarium

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

4300 ft

Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge

1.5 mi

Gallery

Art Gallery of New South Wales

5100 ft

Museum

Australian National Maritime Museum

4300 ft

Museum

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

5200 ft

Landmark

Darling Harbour

4300 ft

Garden

Chinese Garden of Friendship

4800 ft

Landmark

Darling Harbour dining

4300 ft

Museum

Powerhouse Museum

4800 ft

Landmark

Sydney Harbour

1.8 mi

Zoo

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

4300 ft

Landmark

Circular Quay

5200 ft

Mall

The Rocks

5200 ft

Planetarium

Sydney Observatory

1.3 mi

Museum

Madame Tussauds Sydney

4300 ft

Museum

Museum of Sydney

5200 ft

Event hall

International Convention Centre Sydney

4300 ft

University

Sydney Conservatorium of Music

5200 ft

Museum

Anzac Memorial

3200 ft

Landmark

The Domain

5100 ft

Nearby

Park

Hyde Park

1800 ft

Church

St Mary's Cathedral

1800 ft

Mall

Queen Victoria Building

1800 ft

Museum

Hyde Park Barracks Museum

1800 ft

Westfield Centrepoint 100 Market St Retail Level 5

Sydney Tower Eye Observation Deck

1800 ft

Public Building

Sydney Town Hall

1800 ft

10 Macquarie St

The Mint

1800 ft

Museum

Australian Museum

1800 ft

Restaurants

Kosmos Espresso Cafe

300 ft

250 Pitt St Shop 7

Ichiban Boshi

700 ft

500 George St Shop 8 lower ground

Sayong Curry And Laksa

100 ft

303 Pitt St

Momiji Japanese Take Away

100 ft

303 Pitt St

Erin's kitchen

200 ft

Manchester Unity Building 307 Pitt St

Jimmy's Recipe Malaysia

400 ft

Ground Floor Shop RC16 The Galeries Victoria 500 George St Ground Floor

Grill'd Galeries

600 ft

500 George St The Galleries Level 1

Explore Sydney

Explore Sydney's Vibrance

Sydney Opera House

20 minutes' walk

Iconic masterpiece of modern architecture, home to performances and guided tours available daily.

Royal Botanic Gardens

25 minutes' walk

Stunning gardens showcasing diverse plant species and stunning views of the Sydney Harbour.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

16 minutes' walk

Home to thousands of marine animals, offering interactive exhibits and unique experiences.

Art Gallery of New South Wales

19 minutes' walk

Impressive collection of Australian and international art, with free admission to the permanent galleries.

Biking around Darling Harbour

16 minutes' walk

Scenic biking paths with rental options nearby; perfect for solo travelers and families.

Yoga at Hyde Park

7 minutes' walk

Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions available weekly in one of Sydney's most beautiful parks.

Harbour Bridge Climb

25 minutes' walk

Thrilling climb offering panoramic views of Sydney; bookings required in advance.

Kosmos Espresso Cafe

1 minute' walk

Casual cafe known for its quality coffee and hearty breakfasts; excellent for quick meals.

Ichiban Boshi

3 minutes' walk

Japanese restaurant offering fresh ramen and sushi in a cozy, vibrant setting.

Sayong Curry And Laksa

1 minute' walk

Specializes in Malaysian dishes, featuring delicious curries and flavorful laksa; casual atmosphere.

Momiji Japanese Take Away

1 minute' walk

Quick-service spot serving tasty Japanese favorites; ideal for those on the go.

Sydney Tower Eye Observation Deck

7 minutes' walk

Offers breathtaking views of the Sydney skyline with dining options and virtual experiences.

Darling Harbour

16 minutes' walk

Vibrant area with numerous bars and family-friendly attractions, host to events throughout the year.

How to get around?

City Centre

Sydney2 min · 400 ft

Airports

Kingsford Smith (SYD)15 min · 6.0 mi

Wollongong (WOL)150 min · 61.8 mi

Train

Town Hall station3 min · 700 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

from 04:00-10:00

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Criterion Hotel Sydney from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Criterion Hotel Sydney is appreciated for its superb location, especially its proximity to Town Hall station, making it easy to get around. Guests often mention the competitively priced food available and the convenience of walking to Darling Harbour and other attractions. Rooms typically include comfortable beds, good air conditioning, and well-stocked tea and coffee stations, though some guests have found the bathrooms less than ideal due to the shower setup. Guests can also enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and biscuits on the second floor throughout the day.

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Review score

Based on 431 verified reviews

6.9/10

Nice

64%

Recommend

Location

9.2/10

Free Wi-Fi

9.0/10

Facilities

6.8/10

Value for money

7.4/10

Pros

Good location

Comfy bed

Great atmosphere

Friendly staff

Great value

Cons

Damp smell

Tiny room

No privacy

Run down

Gordon from United Kingdom

Single

deluxe double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 29, 2026

8.7/10

central location, excellent base

convenient locationfriendly staffdrink voucherdamp smell

the hotel had a super convenient location near the town hall station. friendly staff helped with luggage storage upon my early arrival. i received a $10 voucher for a drink downstairs.

the room smelled damp, and the windows did not open, unpleasant.

Location

9/10

the hotel is very central, just a block from town hall station. this makes getting around quite easy. it is close to restaurants and shopping areas.

Service

8/10

the staff was very accommodating when i arrived early. they stored my luggage safely. the team downstairs at the bar were also helpful and kind.

Rooms

9/10

my room was clean and tidy, with fresh towels provided every other day. the air conditioning worked well, crucial during the hot weather. a tea and coffee station in the hallway was a nice touch.

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