Mad Monkey Downtown
Location: 23 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross, Sydney, au
Star Rating: 3 Stars
Property Type: Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
About this Property
Newly Renovated Hostel in Kings Cross
At Mad Monkey Downtown, experience the vibrant heart of Kings Cross in our newly renovated 2022 hostel. Enjoy FREE Wifi, gym access, events, and even an Xbox in our common area.
Social Vibe and Comfortable Accommodation
Choose between private rooms or 4-bed dorms, all equipped with privacy screens, powerpoints, and clean linen. Our kitchen, TV room, and balcony create a social atmosphere for guests to mingle and relax after exploring Sydney.
Exciting Events and Convenient Location
Take advantage of our FREE events and discounted pub crawl tickets. Located near Mad Monkey Kings Cross and Mad Monkey Bayswater, immerse yourself in the best of Sydney's entertainment scene.
Book now to join the Mad Monkey Family and create unforgettable memories in Sydney!
Important Information
Please note the property cannot accept guests under the age of 18 as well as children under 18 years of age.
Please note the reception is closed on the 25 December 2023. You will not be able to check in or out on that date. Payment for all reservations made between 24 December & 2 of January will be taken when the booking is made and are NON REFUNDABLE. If credit card is invalid or inefficient funds you have 72 hours to update your details otherwise your booking will be canceled.
This property does not accept bookings of 8 or more people.This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
This property is located in a residential area, and guests are asked to refrain from excessive noise.
In the event of an early departure, the property will charge you the full amount for your stay.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Policies
Check-in: 02:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Terrace
- Luggage storage
- Fax/photocopying
- Non-smoking throughout
- Shared lounge/TV area
- Shared kitchen
- Evening entertainment
- Fire extinguishers
- Smoke alarms
- Key access
- Pub crawls
- Free wired internet
- Internet access
- Housekeeping on request
Rooms Available
-
Deluxe Queen Room
Private room with shared bathroom facilities.
Please note the property recommends guests between the ages of 18 and over the age of 35 years.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Hair dryer
- Toilet
- Linen
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Body soap
- Smoke alarm
- Key access
-
Triple Room with Shared Bathroom
Private room with shared bathroom facilities.
Please note the property recommends guests between the ages of 18 and over the age of 35 years.
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Shower
- Hair dryer
- Toilet
- Linen
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Body soap
- Smoke alarm
- Key access
-
Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
Private room with shared bathroom facilities.
Please note the property recommends guests between the ages of 18 and over the age of 35 years.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Hair dryer
- Toilet
- Linen
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Body soap
- Smoke alarm
- Key access
-
Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom
This dormitory room features access to a shared bathroom.
Please note the property recommends guests between the ages of 18 and over the age of 35 years.
Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Shower
- Hair dryer
- Toilet
- Linen
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Body soap
- Lockers
- Smoke alarm
- Key access
-
Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom
This dormitory room features access to a shared bathroom.
Please note the property recommends guests between the ages of 18 and over the age of 35 years
Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Shower
- Hair dryer
- Toilet
- Linen
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Body soap
- Lockers
- Smoke alarm
- Key access
Guest Reviews
- maz (10/5): - Location and the room and bed
- Victoria (3/5): No recomiendo. - La zona.
Nada más para decir.
- Enzo (7/5): -
- Alienor (6/5): Great location. Frat house ambience. - Great location Most residents appear to be living there full time and partying heavily, which leads to a flatmating ambiance bordering on a frat house. Staff offers unofficial perks to the long term residents they befriended like free laundry but not to regular guests which feels quite unprofessional. People listen to music loud and you hear people talking/doors slamming all night long on weekends. Really not somewhere relaxing to mind your own business at. Oh and the mattresses are horribly thin.
- Rachelle (4/5): -
- Ludovic (10/5): I met a lot of friends, location is great and Im actually thinking about extending my stay - Very friendly, very clean, loved the vibe! Nothing, everything was very convenient
- Gracynn (10/5): This is home away from home. - This is the only place I stay at when I’m in Sydney. The atmosphere is unmatched. You walk in and you instantly feel like you’re at home. There is nothing bad I can say about this property.
- Silala (10/5): - Friendly and safety
- Leonora (7/5): -
- Amanda (6/5): Decent for what it is - Affordable option in an expensive city. Free meal one evening was a nice surprise. Kitchen too small for amount of guests. Wifi was not working the last 12+ hours of our stay.
- maz (9/5): Great hostel stayed here and loved the stay - Quite and peaceful in my room with roomates, the showers were always available when I was ready to shower, the staff were understanding and appreciative, other guest in my room were friendly Just the noise of the party life outside couldn't sleep until it was quiet
- Burrin (10/5): Great environment, staff and community - Really nice staff and facilities were excellent. Would recommend Na
- af99cf1e5f7d71b857ae8c03288faa16 (10/5): -
- HWEE MIN (9/5): - Good management. Peace, friendly and helpful environment. Pretty safe for women as well. Thank you Nothing else
- HWEE MIN (9/5): - Good Value with their price. Good management. Peace, friendly and helpful environment. Pretty safe for women as well. Nothing else
- Briana (10/5): -
- Salvatierra (10/5): Gran experiencia - El lugar es muy bonito, los eventos son geniales para poder conocer mas gente, el baño siempre estaba limpio y la terraza estaba muy bonita El espacio entre camas y en la pieza es muy pequeño para desarmar la valija de uno por vez porque sino no entra. El baño tiene un espacio reducido y si no te acomodas bien mojas las cosas. La cocina en horario pico se llena.
- HWEE MIN (8/5): - I like their system and layout. Nothing can complain. All good
- Pelle (9/5): Amazing location and easy to make friends with anyone. A superb backpacking-hostel experience :) - The staff are just amazing. Always there to help, give recommendations, host events or clean around the hostel. They take hygene very seriously. An underrated part about Mad Monkey Downtown is for sure all the amazing events that are hosted daily; from free dinner to bingo night or going out after their own house DJ's have played a live set. Honestly, not a lot!
- Eliott (6/5): -
- Jake (10/5): Great hostel, great vibe - It was in a great location in kings cross N/A
- Jansen (10/5): Had a great time staying in th hostel - It’s a very social hostel with a nice rooftop. Facilities are good aswell! The rooftop is great and events every day!
- Candela (4/5): -
- Grayt1 (7/5): -
- Malika (2/5): -
- Alyesha (10/5): - I had an amazing experience at Mad Monkey Downtown! The entire team went above and beyond to make me feel welcome, and they were all so friendly and helpful. The facilities were cleaned regularly, and I loved that there were activities every day. I highly recommend staying here if you're visiting Sydney🙌
- Liv (10/5): - The hostel is in a great location in Sydney, making it really nice to explore the city. With good transport connection, like buses and trains just a short walk away, getting around is very easy. The staff and reception team are friendly and helpful, which makes the stay even more comfortable. The hostel was also cleaned several times a day, which helped keep everything nice and fresh. I also liked the variety of activities offered every evening, that was a perfect way to meet new people and connect. Overall, it’s a fantastic place to stay if you want to be central and have opportunities to socialize.
- Corbett (7/5): -
- chloe (8/5): -
- Te-ao-marama (10/5): - Location close to shops It was fine
- Terence (8/5): Vwery clean and tidy; staff very friendly and helpful. -
- Jean-Baptiste (8/5): Sympa, merci l’équipe -
- Isabelle (10/5): Amazing stay great amenities, helpful staff and fun events also very close to a train line -
- Killian (10/5): -
- Emma (10/5): The most fun I’ve had in sydney - The environment was incredible. So many travelers and had a great time socializing at the hostels events. Nothing. Perfect hostel environment
- Jemima (10/5): Best hostel in sydney - I loved the location and the staff were superb!! The environment was amazing and the events were so good. Would highly recommend
- Giorgia (3/5): mmm sconsiglio - Staff accogliente e posizione comoda per tante cose a piedi Ostello piccolissimo, poco pulito rispetto ad altri che ho frequentato qui in Australia
Stanze a dir poco minuscole, se avete la valigia invece che lo zaino é praticamente impraticabile
Bagni comuni pochi e sporchi.
Un giorno c’erano tutti i WC sporchi (ma sporchi di tutti i liqui corporei, impraticabili) e nonostante sia stato detto allo staff nessuno é venuto a pulire per ore e ore
Zone comuni poco accoglienti
- Anna (8/5): Due settimane non male. - La struttura è in una posizione centrale e la vicinanza con la stazione di Kings Cross è un plus.
Ho apprezzato la pulizia continua dei bagni. Lo staff è stato eccezionale sotto questo punto di vista. Non è totalmente negativo, ma in cucina, il fatto che alcuni fornelli non funzionassero è stato problematico. Ad alcuni orari di punta era davvero difficile destreggiarsi per cucinare senza scontrarsi con qualcuno. Penso che i fornelli vicino alla finestra debbano essere controllati.
Inoltre, questo è un monito per gli altri ospiti: pulite i banconi dopo aver finito di cucinare e il cibo che vi avanza nelle pentole/padelle/piatti prima buttateli nel cestino senza intasare i lavandini. Grazie.
- Wilson (10/5): Amazing staff, great crowd. Will be returning -
- Madlen (7/5): quick and easy - good location good amenities good staff cleanliness and no aircon
- Pedro Henrique (6/5): -
- Carolina (6/5): -
- Xianghong (8/5): -
- Gracynn (10/5): My stay was amazing this is the best hostel to stay at in Sydney. the staff make the place better - The location is perfect What’s not to like
- Ilaria (6/5): -
- Mayra (10/5): - The place was very clean and pleasant. The staff were really friendly and helpful. Thanks ✌️
- Thamires (9/5): -
- A (1/5): COCKROACHES in the room and terrible management team! 🪳 - Convenient location I stayed in room 107 and found a big cockroach in my bed. When I told the night manager, he showed no empathy and said that cockroaches in the building are just a normal thing there. He even asked if I wanted to try to catch it myself before he finally came and killed it. His attitude was very unprofessional.
There was no air conditioning or fan in the room. He told me to keep the windows closed to avoid more insects, but that made the room extremely hot. I was not given clean sheets, and later I noticed what looked like cockroach skin or parts on the bed, which was disgusting.
At checkout, I spoke with the manager, but his behaviour also lacked courtesy and confirmed that cockroaches are common in the property. I eventually received a refund, but I was very disappointed with how everything was handled.
Even for a hostel, basic cleanliness and respectful service should be expected. Unfortunately, this was not my experience.
- Bayley (8/5): If I'm booking a hostel, it's this one - The team went out of their way to make an eleventh-hour booking work and ensure I was well looked after - Josh in particular was an absolute star. I've stayed in hostels before and wasn't expecting much but between the quiet of the room, the provision of the much-needed fan, and the good quality pillows, I was thrilled. This was everything I needed for a quick overnight stay nearby where I was working and right on the doorstep of the iconic Sydney nightlife. I didn't use (or need) all the amenities, but what I could access was perfectly fit for purpose (easy access powerpoint, hanging clothesrack/shelves, fresh air). I stayed in a queen room which was so reasonably priced, and kudos to Mad Monkey for not surge pricing with it being a busy weekend for tourism. I was completely satisfied with my overnight stay.
- Skyler (10/5): Had a great stay overall and would happily come back. - Really enjoyed my stay here. The place was clean, the beds were comfy, and the vibe was really social but still relaxed. The staff were super friendly and always happy to help. It’s in a great location near the metro, so getting around the city was really easy. Would definitely stay again.
- Alexander (3/5): Fine for the money, but better hostels to be had further out. Rooms are absolutely tiny and have awful airflow. You’re p - Location, staff Tiny rooms, no A/C and cramped common areas. Place feels dirty and run down
- Maria (4/5): -
- marco (1/5): Mala experiencia - would like to report that my stay was a bad experience. There was a lot of noise, the beds were too soft, and the room was extremely hot. I had to look for another place to stay. We asked for assistance and to be moved to another room, but it was impossible. The main issue was the heat in the room and the poor quality of the accommodation. I stayed in a private room for three people
- Timothy (9/5): Short city break prior to picking up hired motorhome - Location is in an area with lots of interesting places to eat etc and only a short walk to metro to city centre or main station. Kitchen facilities are good. Staff and other, mostly young (we are 60+) very friendly. We enjoy meeting other travellers. No A/C, but that helped acclimatise us for our motorhome road trip.
- Benjamin (4/5): -
- Alberto (5/5): - Great location.
The staff were absolutely wonderful and very attentive throughout our stay. It was incredibly hot, and when we asked for a fan, one was brought to our room within 10 minutes. Very quick and efficient service, we really appreciated it No air conditioning.
The common areas smell bad, the staff clean from morning to night, but unfortunately the guests have no respect
- Deliah Gudrun (9/5): -
- hanson (1/5): -
- Te-ao-marama (5/5): - The place is nice and it was clean I didn't like I was put in a room with 3 men and I was the only girl I felt uncomfortable, they kept turning on and off the light and talking about me and being nosey and coming in and out. Luckily I'm a heavy sleeper was really tired and only there for one night. I've stayed at 3 hostels in dorms and none were like this.
- Ben (10/5): - Mad Monkey Downtown is an exceptionally well laid out hostel. They had a super secure luggage hold that sits next to reception, with super helpful staff available to answer questions.
The common areas are inviting spaces, big multi tiered sofas for the tv room, adjojning a well appointed kitchen/dining area. Most special to this hostel though is their rooftop terrace, which is often used as a space to run events, with free drinks and good music for hostel guests on the weekend. That said since it closes at 10 you neednt worry about noisy parting when trying to sleep. The only thing i would say against this hostel is that it is NOT Accesible to those with limited mobility as there are no rooms on the ground floor.
- teresa (8/5): - El trato del personal y la ubicacion El ruido en la calle
- Zoe (5/5): I like the staff but the place itself was very uncomfortable and not pleasant - I liked where it was located There was no air cons in the room and only stairs available to get up and down floors and there were bugs in the room
- Cooke (10/5): Awesome for long termers! Awesome for a short weekend! Everyone's super sweet and lovely! Really enjoyed my stay:) - Great location, clean hostel, big but homely, cute decor, lovely friendly staff, great overall hostel! nada
- Anja (6/5): - Gute Anbindung zu öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln Sehr laut und warm in der Nacht (Zimmer direkt an der Hauptstraße)
- matthew (10/5): Great stay - I like that there were lots of events to meet new people Sometimes the showers didn't seem too clean
- Jannik (10/5): Met a ton of new friends and had a great experience! - Cozy hostel in the heart of Kings Cross.
Bathrooms gets cleaned multiple times a day. Lovely staff!
The maximum is 4 persons per dorm. Everyone has a locker and enough space.
Lots of fun events! Very social hostel!
- Nella (10/5): I’ll come back! - Staff are super fun and friendly, the event that was on the night i stayed was great, i met loads of people. The area has a lot of nice restaurants and pubs, and the city and closest beach is 20min away. Hostel itself is really nice with a rooftop, courtyard and cinema room perfect for chilling.
- Philip (10/5): Really happy with my stay, highly recommend - Great location, close to everything, great people and great staff
- Emma (10/5): Fun and exciting - The environment was incredible. Was able to meet so many people, and the event night was so much fun. josh and grace were incredible receptions, answered all my questions flawlessly. Would love to come back again That I had to leave!
- İLKAY (8/5): -
- Dalida Joanna (8/5): -
- Lewis (6/5): -
- Kerstin (8/5): -
- Dmytro (10/5): -
- Petria (8/5): -
- Maximilian (10/5): Perfect Place for Solo Travellers – Clean, Central, and Super Social! - I had an amazing stay at Mad Monkey Downtown! The location couldn’t be better – right in the heart of the city, walking distance to cafes, shops, and nightlife. The hostel itself is modern and super clean, with comfortable beds and really spacious bathrooms (huge plus compared to other hostels I’ve stayed at!).
The staff was extremely friendly and helpful, especially Jannik, who always had a smile on his face and made everyone feel welcome. He gave me great tips for exploring the area and was genuinely committed to making my short stay as pleasant as possible. What I loved most was the social atmosphere: the hostel organizes daily events and there’s a great common area where it’s super easy to meet people, whether you’re traveling solo or with friends.
If you’re looking for a clean, fun, and friendly place to stay in the city center, this is it. Would definitely come back!
- Susanna (10/5): Came to stay a couple of days and stayed for months - Nicest people and very flexible with a backpacker needs Rooftop should be opened till later 🙃
- Simon (8/5): Good youth hostel, great staff, great location. - It is a vibrant hostel for youth. Got a good, international and social atmosphere. I believe most of the guests are likely 20-25 years old. I booked the double room (not the dorms) for my girlfriend and I. The room was clean. The shared kitchen and bathroom was clean (for a youth hostel standard). The no-noice after 10:00 PM policy was enforced, had no trouble sleeping. With ear-plugs you’ll sleep like a rock. But you are at a hostel, you’re not there to sleep early, right?
Staff was very friendly, I got the impression most of them stayed at the hostel themselves. Always very friendly for a chat and advice. None, it is a good hostel for young people.
- Maarten (10/5): Great experience - Really friendly staff /
- Matheo (10/5): - Hostel bien placé (restaurant/transport à côté )
L’hostel propose des activités ce qui permet de rencontrer du monde
- Mireia (9/5): -
- potter (10/5): Had the best time and met some amazing people! - The location was one of my favourite things about the hostel, as it is a couple minutes the train station and bus stops which can you take anywhere in the city. It has tons of food places and supermarkets around. Also, really lovely coffee shops and opp shops if you want to do some vintage shopping.
All the staff (including housekeepers and receptionists) are super friendly, welcoming and very thorough so everything is very clean!
The events are really fun and a lady cooked the entire hostel food on one night for free!! Nothing really stood out to me!
- Giulia (8/5): -
- Francesca (10/5): Cozy and friendly - I traveled solo and I can say this place is totally solo travel friendly.
There is a beautiful courtyard and a rooftop, perfect for yoga, and in the evening there are also fun parties.
Making friends and creating connections is super easy thanks to the many activities offered.
I highly recommend it the location is perfect, very close to the station and super easy to move around.
- Agustin (3/5): -
- Gracynn (9/5): -
- simon (10/5): Love downtown - Le staff était très accueillant, de bon conseils sur quoi faire à Sydney, des évents touts les soirs. L’hostel dispose de deux rooftop, vraiment cool pour chill en fin de journée ou prendre un petit déjeuner. La cuisine est très bien équipée.
Je recommande fortement
- Danny (4/5): -
- Björn (6/5): -
- Molly (10/5): Världens bästa hostel! - Jag älskade att det var så rent & mysigt, det var gratis aktiviteter varje dag inklusive gratis middag en kväll i veckan! Älskar!!! Iomed att det ligger mitt i Sydney kan det blir högljutt på morgonen, men inget jag stördes av!
- Kasper (10/5): - Good
- Chiara (6/5): -
- Philip (10/5): -
- Chiaro (10/5): Great place to visit the city and make new friendships - The position and the staff! Nothing
- Chiaro (10/5): -
- Inês (3/5): -
- Hollie (10/5): -
- Lily (6/5): - Location Cockroaches, uncomfortable and loud bed, small kitchen, very small room
- Akbulut (10/5): A clean, friendly hostel with a great manager and a cool backyard. - A really nice place to stay the rooms are clean, the kitchen is well-equipped and organized, the staff are super friendly, and Cody, the manager, makes the hostel feel welcoming. The backyard is also a cool spot to relax and hang out.
- Cooke (10/5): met loads of mates, had fun times (both drinking & non drinking) and perfect location:) - it was super clean and biiiiiig! loads of social spaces, calm spaces and comfy cozy spaces!
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