Shakespeare Hotel Surry Hills

The Shakespeare Hotel is not for everyone (what is?) but it perfectly fitted what I wanted. I was traveling alone and wanted to get to know old Sydney, and get in touch with Aussie life, and was planning this as an economy trip. The SH is a charming historical Victorian era building in an historic Victorian era part of Sydney (Surry Hills) that has gentrified and has a very active social scene. The SH is close to the Central Train Station from where any part of Sydney and environs can be reached quickly, easily and cheaply. The rooms at the SH are also budget priced. The rooms are above a very active Aussie pub and so are noisy in the evening. This was no problem for me, in the evening I was out seeing Sydney (the Opera House, watching fruit bats, etc.) and came back at night not long before closing to pick up a little something from the pub before bedtime. Be aware that since this is an historic 150 year old building you will be climbing narrow stairs to get to your room. And it you want to you can hang around the SH in the evening shooting the breeze with locals who frequent the place. You key gets you in a side door if the place is closed if you return late at night. I was very pleased with my choice. If I return to Sydney traveling under similar circumstances, I would definitely stay here again.