Little Drifter Surry Hills

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jun 2026

Mark

Such a friendly vibrant place to stay. Great amenities and very clean.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2026

Kiearna

Staff were very friendly and helpful!
Very good price and such a convenient location!

Friends

8/10

Excellent

14 Mar 2026

Phill

Private room was clean & comfortable.
The location was an easy metro trip into city centre and airport.

Partner

4/10

Poor

01 Jan 2026

Marco

Room not clean.
Digital key not working.
No hot water from the faucet.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

30 Sep 2025

Adrian

Little Drifters don't say so on their website, but they require you have a smartphone and download an application for door access. They don't use FOBs or keys.
I booked without knowledge of this (I use a distraction-free flip-phone), and was given numeric codes for the door locks. This always worked for my room's door, but rarely worked for the property's front door.

8/10

Excellent

13 Aug 2025

Liam

Everyone very friendly

8/10

Excellent

14 Jul 2025

Anna

Modern backpacker accomodation

I booked this at the last minute for our family of 4.

I see this as a modern day take on a backpackers. We stayed in a private 4-bed (2 bunk) dorm, including a private bathroom. Everything was clean, modern and looked to be a new. There were outdoor areas, room keys were managed within an app (super easy), and staff were friendly.

The location is great, about a 10 minute walk from Central or Redfern stations. There are plenty of e-bikes to hire which makes the trip back to the CBD fast and fun.

Just don't confuse the private 4-bed dorm for a private queen room - you still need to BYO towel, or buy one at the reception.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2025

Rachel

very nice and accomadating

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2025

Melanie

Kind and welcoming receptionists. Unique vibe. Comfortable and secluded room. Exceptional location.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2025

Jannelle

Large family friendly clean and tidy relaxed atmosphere perfect for pit stop

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Mar 2025

Jamie

Great location, nice property, & friendly staff

Easy walk to train station. The room was nice. The staff was very friendly and helpful.
Highly recommended.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Oct 2024

Ema

I like the place, convenient to the city, place is nice and clean.Staff is amazing, definitely recommended. :)

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2024

Supun

Great place

2/10

Poor

14 Feb 2024

YUK SHING

……

8/10

Excellent

08 Feb 2024

Zaki

One rat was in the deck

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Jan 2024

Roy

Was good

Self

4/10

Poor

04 Jan 2024

Nicole

Bad attention when checking in, the rooms were not ready and I had to wait more hours. The common areas were dirty as were the beds.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2023

Erlend

Great hostel. Amazing staff, especially Bea!

Self

2/10

Poor

10 Dec 2023

Leanne

I was totally discussed with staff telling me that they dont take people over the age of 35yrs old, well i had book in online and they should be sacked for discrimination. Totally horrified at there rules when they should say this on line, oh but hey i guess they cant as they would benstruck of the list of back packers. Not happy.........?

2/10

Poor

02 Dec 2023

Dean

I booked 4 nights 26-30 Nov in The Village Surrey Hills on the Expedia website. When I showed up I was refused a bed due to my age. I asked the manager to show me the rules of this 18-35 AGE RESTRICTION. She refused. I asked her to speak to someone higher up.. refused! I asked her who owns the company,no info. She was of no help!
I wanted to show her my booking so she could see there is NO mention anywhere while booking on Expedia of this restriction or even in the rule etc. in confirmation email from Expedia. I still have not received a refund from the hostel I was told I'd be getting. AVOID!

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

02 Dec 2023

Samantha

I stayed at the village for a night awhile back and I didn’t love my time there. Staff weren’t very friendly right off the bat. The room I had was a mixed dorm and there were beer bottles everywhere and the floor of the bathroom by the toilet was completely wet. There was no shower so I’m trying to not imagine what the liquid was. Although it’s not necessarily the village’s responsibility to make sure people don’t have drinks in rooms it’d be nice if people were more encouraged to leave them out of the rooms. I did feel a bit unsafe although everything was fine, but that feeling comes with the area. Overall it wasn’t an awful stay but it definitely wasn’t great. It is a party hostel so if that’s your vibe great, but the price I paid for a 1 night stay was not good.

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

03 Nov 2023

Virginia

Ok

For the price we paid, we had a great stay in Sydney, so this place offers great value for money if you want a private room. The kitchen was too small for cooking in and the communal areas weren’t the cleanest. The bed wasn’t amazingly comfy. The local area is great, lots of cafes and restaurants. Overall, good value for money but not the best.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

27 Oct 2023

Julie

Room adequate, close to transport.
Fridge rattled, windows and blinds need urgent repairs. Shower light flickered.
Toilet roll holder too close to toilet seat, and i'm a size 10 :/

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Oct 2023

William

Helpful staff

8/10

Excellent

30 Sep 2023

Sara

Maya the receptionist was very friendly. She went out of her way to swap me to another room because I had a bad back. I was very happy I did not have to sleep on the top bunk bed.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

06 Sep 2023

Beniamin

Best hostel in Sydney with super efficient and helpful staff! Thanks!

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

05 Sep 2023

debra

They did not let me check in was stranded for the night

Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 Sep 2023

Beniamin

Great stay for me! Location is prime, very clean and well equipped hostel! Big 'Thank You' to Paula the best receptionist in the hostel - so helpful and super efficient! Really good place to stay in Sydney!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Sep 2023

Beniamin

Great hostel

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Sep 2023

Beniamin

Good price for what you get here also nice atmosphere! Worth every penny!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Sep 2023

Beniamin

Great place to stay

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

30 Aug 2023

Chi Hang

if the water pressure for shower higher just like the kitchen, it will be great.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Aug 2023

michael

Unique and quirky little complex. Clean and secure, quiet at night. Private ensuite room was exactly what I needed; aircon and bedding very decent.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Aug 2023

Gabriel

Property was well managed and in a convenient location.
Stayed one night in a double room.
I would stay again.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jul 2023

A

Awesome spot

This is a great hostel. Safe, clean and quiet and really close to everything I needed.
An easy walk to the station to get to the airport too.
Definitely worth it!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Jul 2023

Freyja

Great location, clean, staff were friendly and helpful. Only down side was that the room I was in was opposite the 24 hour kitchen which meant it was noisy during the night.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

10 Jun 2023

Skye

On first appearance the room seemed clean, however there were so many cockroaches. I lost count of how many i saw/killed. Definitely a pest control problem.

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

30 Apr 2023

Amelia

So I have stayed at this hostel before but I stayed in the first building and it was great and this time I stayed in the second building where reception is and it was awful. The kitchen was so dirty, there was marks on all the cups and plates and cutlery. There was also birds and flys in the kitchen, they were all picking at the free food box. The rooms were disgusting, there was mold on the ceiling and I’m sure that’s why I have such a tight chest now and I’ve been coughing so much. The bathroom had dirt all over the floor. The receptionist was the most miserable person ever. Everyone is just so miserable.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

10 Apr 2023

Moira

Loved the building itself. It's beautiful. The location was well positioned to Central station and parklands and ethnic cuisine. I haven't stayed in a back packers - ever! So it felt bizarre sharing a room with 3 strangers. But no snorers, and they were obviously seasoned backpackers who were respectful of noise and lighting. Felt safe. Everyone keeps to themselves. Good bed. Clean sheets.

Self

8/10

Excellent

02 Mar 2023

Keiko

I looked for the issue to the application of hostel. I didn't know the tool When I have stayed in the village grebe - hostel. It's interesting. I think to want spending always this hostel.

Business_and_leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

28 Feb 2023

Simone

All good

2/10

Poor

26 Feb 2023

Alex

Place is just terrible. OK but very limited hostel (no towels provided, idk what they meant by \"semi-open bathroom\" on the twin room when it was just a bathroom shared with the rest of the hostel. All access was via a digital key so we had to have a smartphone on us and charged at all times. (It was also a mission downloading digital key - had to install a third party app, hand over plenty of personal information not at all relevant to the stay). Basic amenities like the kitchen were not accessible after 10pm. Prices were completely extortionate - for a twin room that literally had a mini fridge, two single beds and two (bad) pillows (total), with bathrooms we could barely use as they were usually occupied, we paid over AU$300 a night. Cannot recommend staying away from this hovel more.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

23 Feb 2023

Jan

Good for backpackers. Separate bathroom. Clean room but sparse. A TV would be good.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

20 Feb 2023

Drew

Nice property, well located.

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

07 Feb 2023

Carlos

The kittchen may be more clean, but the rest was very good.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

11 Jan 2023

Agathe

Not good beds, just 1 shower for 12 people

Self

2/10

Poor

04 Dec 2022

John

Literally gave my booking to the person in line in front of me while I was waiting to check in, then refused to rectify this, despite me witnessing their blunder first hand. As a result of this I had to sit on Central station for the night. Not only incompetent, but unconscionable.

2/10

Poor

28 Nov 2022

felicia

i didnt like it it was run by young people and i could smell drugs and when i got to the room i realised that i had no privacy so i didnt stay i went back home and they didnt give a refund and i want my money back asap

Business

4/10

Poor

13 Nov 2022

JERALD

Bad experience.
Racist to Asian
MUST READ REVIEW

I arrieved around past 5pm and they are in the middle of changing shift. They were counting coins and many coins.
I waited more than 30mins just to get my Goki app working.

I asked if I can rent a towel, the girl name Pauline told me to come back.

Around 8pm, i came back.
I asked the gentleman if I can rent a towel, He asked me if I am in a private room,
I said no. But still hoping to get a towel to rent.

He told me in a rude way that they don't rent it out. That I have to have my own towel. That I can go but for 2$ if i need one.
I was told to come back thats why i came back... (Pauline who told me to come back was beside him)

If I was told that they don't rent towels, its fine, I should have had bought one earlier. Well in fact, I just saw someone \"with a latino accent\" renting one.

If you are asian, don't go to this place. They are racist against asian. Most of the people that work here are Argentinian, Brazilian or Colombian.
They even talk in front of you in
español.

The guy talked a lot too.
He was saying that the management don't give them enough manpower to do the laundry thats why they can't rent out towel. And that \"THE PROPERTY IS TOO BIG FOR THEM TO HANDLE\".

The property is in 2 different location. 203 and 207

Book one night to check out and decide, otherwise go somewhereelse.

2nd floor and up, NO WIFI.
You have to go to a common area to get connection.

Business_and_leisure Friends

4/10

Poor

30 Oct 2022

Nathan

No receptionist in attendance when we wanted to check in. Checking in online was difficult. Couldn’t find room as no one was there to show us - markings indicating directions to room non-existent.

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

03 Oct 2022

Verified traveler

DIRTY

It was so dirty (cockroaches included). There wasn't soap in the bathrooms and they don't clean or vacuum the bedrooms.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2022

Jayesh

.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

21 Sep 2022

Verified traveler

Comfortable but dirty

Self

2/10

Poor

31 Jul 2022

Natasha

Rude reception when trying to check in, mould in the air conditioner, a cockroach ran out from under my bed, did not use shower because it was gross, toilet paper was commercial size and on the vanity rather than hanging. Will NEVER stay again.

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

21 Jul 2022

Selby

This is a backpackers so totally understand the basic set up, however, the check-in process is torturous taking 45 minutes while emails go to and fro (no one answers the help line phone by the way) and Apps are loaded onto the phone. Not good standing in the dark and cold outside trying to get in. The seven digit door code makes entering ones bedroom like cracking a safe. The communal shower is good.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

19 Mar 2022

Derrick Anthony

My experience was average. Yhe check in was excellent and very efficient. Yhe room was mot so well kept. The facilities could hsbe been better.

Self

2/10

Poor

21 Feb 2022

Andy

The hostel website and door poster stated that reception would be open from 8am but no one was there until 2pm. Bathrooms were dirty with flies and poo. We were told that we had to check out of our room at 10am but that reception wouldn't be open until 11am. When we asked what we should do for that hour, we were told to wait for them to show up. Worst service ever received at a hostel.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

05 Jan 2022

Tammy

Shower in bathroom filthy , no water pressure and next to no water flow at all. Holes in walls of room.

Leisure Friends

2/10

Poor

16 Dec 2021

Felix

On arrival there was a guy asleep in the lobby on the floor that needed to be stepped over to get in, the room itself was filthy, bedsheets were stained and grimy, the window in the room wouldn’t close, and there was no staff on hand or reachable to address any of these issues.

8/10

Excellent

13 Nov 2021

Lia

Someone asked me why I wave2 as he passed. He seemingly wants to do what he thought was an act to embarrass him, onto others.

Apologies, but I do have allergies and have been to specialists

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2021

Justin

Staff were super helpful

Staff were super helpful and accomodating especially after I extended and needed to store my luggage.

Self

4/10

Poor

31 May 2021

Verified traveler

I knew I'd be arriving after diner, but couldn't get through to anyone beforehand which was a bit nerve-racking. Turns out there was someone there after all who let me in, but then there were no sheets on the bed...the concierge fixed that up for me (poly-cotton, but clean). No towels though. Oh and the instructions included a request to strip the bed in the morning. Yeah right!
So: good price, but a bit touch and go service wise.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

10 May 2021

Verified traveler

On 2nd day spoke with reception about TV not working. Reception told me maintenance would attend to it that afternoon. Nothing had happened when I left on the morning of the 4th day.

Business Self

6/10

Pleasant

09 Mar 2021

Robert

Disappointing Sydney Stay

Disappointing. Check-in was confusing. Identity would not register. Room smal and facilities not very clean. No towel provided

Self

6/10

Pleasant

29 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

Great location right opposite a park and close to train station and city. Good value for money.

Business_and_leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

17 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Good service, and comfortable beds in a centrally located hostel.
Its a good spot for the young backpacker.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Fabulous Staff - Italio is the perfect host, very kind and made us feel really welcome ☺️

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

18 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Superb location. Nice communal areas. Could do with more bathrooms and more regular cleaning as the downstairs ones got quite dirty later in the day. It was annoying that the kitchen was locked after 10pm I believe as wanted to get some water but no other water facilities around. Only option would have been bathroom sink water.

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

14 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Okay, but wouldn’t stay again

It was ok for the price. But small things made the stay less nice, fx the bad wifi, there was a lot of trash in my room, and the overall cleanness wasn’t good at the hostel. It was ok but I wouldn’t stay again.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

27 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

this is a great property very clean comftable accomadation ,very good value for money

Business Self

2/10

Poor

27 Aug 2019

WH

I booked a non-smoking room due to my allergy but it was such a smoking space everywhere. There is no door for the balcony(? Corridor?) and everyone smokes at the balcony. Smoke come into everywhere in corridors and my room, couldn’t sleep at all during the night. I asked staff for the solution, but didn’t offer another room neither refund the money back for the last few nights so I have to stay the same room. I didn’t pay for the smoking room, they are like theifs. I could smell the tobocco everywhere in my room, which makes me sick. I didn’t expect to waste my money for the smoking room. Horrible place to stay. I booked another hotel straighaway and wasted my money. The night duty staff even didn’t say sorry, very stupid and not professional at all.

Business Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

We liked everything about the property! Would highly recommend.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

14 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Nothing like the photos. I got two beds pretty much touching each other that I had to squeeze through to get into, a really old table and fridge, and paper thin walls.

2/10

Poor

17 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

The kitchen was never clean no matter what time of day, I’d have to clean down the benches before I felt I could safely prepare food. Worse of all was the shower. It was filthy when I arrived and never once got cleaned the whole week I was there.
The bed sheets were freshly laundered. The facilities were lovely but no one seemed to care about cleanliness. I know some backpackers act like piglets but the management set the tone by not presenting the place clean in the first place

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

02 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Good room. Great for a night or two. Everything i needed and was happy sharing a bathroom as it was close and clean

10/10

Exceptional

24 Oct 2018

Verified traveler

Would recommend

Very nice hostel.

8/10

Excellent

27 Aug 2018

Elke

Good value for the $$$

Very helpful staff, good place for the $$$

Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Aug 2018

Trent

Surprising

Stayed a night with my 12 yr old son after attending a sports event. Had low expectations as was on a budget and aimed for the lowest cost twin room I could find at the last minute. Was surprised by the room cleanliness, staff professionally and good night's sleep we both had. Twin room had a little ensuite which was in good condition. Overall, good value and a pleasant surprise.

8/10

Excellent

20 Jun 2018

Verified traveler

My brother and I got in late and left early so we really didn’t spend much time there. Was located in walking distance of central station which was really convenient for us.

4/10

Poor

18 Oct 2017

Verified traveler

Terrible. Too expense to stay in a room without windows, toilet, tv

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2017

Samantha

The Villiage is a good clean safe backpackers or short term workers, if you are working l would advise to stay in a four bed dorm with an ensuite it is worth the extra

2/10

Poor

04 Sep 2017

Verified traveler

only for people can live in filth

Place was disgusting with room so dirty and old mattress that just squeaks. Could barely fit in the bathroom and toilet so skinny.

8/10

Excellent

26 Aug 2017

Verified traveler

Good Stay

Good room, Clean rooms. Bed sheets need to be cleaned better they stank

Family

2/10

Poor

23 Apr 2017

ro

Terrible showers and no onsite management at night

The shower down stairs dribbled out, there was zero pressure. So we tried the one the next flight up on the right hand side and the taps don't turn in the correct direction and it is near impossible to get a comfortable temperature. I had my seven year old daughter in there with me and she had to forgo her shower as we just couldn't get it to be anything from freezing or scorching hot. I burnt my shoulder.

We had people sitting outside our door talking in the early hours of the morning. At one stage I opened the door and there were about 6 people standing right outside the door, drinking, swearing and carrying on.

Called the manager twice and his solution was for me to take photos of them, which I didnt bother doing or move them on myself as he has to run 3-4 more places that night.

Not a kid friendly place and the showers are at the least dangerous.

Family

4/10

Poor

26 Feb 2017

chris

Expensive for a hostel cheap for a hotel

Stayed two nights out of three booked as they locked access to my room 2nd night as I got back late & the reception closed! Still had to pay 3 nights! Room was mostly clean except for blood stain on sheet and stains on mattress. Small, double room with ensuite shower. Staff were helpful. Reception only open 9-9pm.

8/10

Excellent

17 Feb 2017

Julia

Alright hostel to get by

The hostel is alright. Staff are awesome. Building is a bit run down. I stayed in a 5-share female dorm and the room was clean for just one night and the cleaners had come that day so I was lucky.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jan 2017

Pete

Great Backpackers close to the city

Stayed in a double private room with en-suite. great staff, nice clean comfy room, close to town, rail and sporting events with a great park across the road. Everything was good

6/10

Pleasant

16 Dec 2016

Verified traveler

Nice hostel close to central station

If you dont want to be right near the business of the city and don't mind a little walk then I'd recommend this hostel its close to central station (just short walk through the park). It has what you need, shared kitchen, shared bathrooms, shared tv room and the staff at reception will help you with anything.

8/10

Excellent

15 Dec 2016

Maria

Nice hostel in great location

This is a decent hostel, with some rooms newly renovated. It has everything you need, and is a very good price for what it is.

2/10

Poor

11 Dec 2016

Tim

Just terrible

So hard to believe this room is in the same building and is the same price as the one I last stayed in. Awful. Especially having to go up or down a flight of stairs for the toilet.

8/10

Excellent

04 Dec 2016

Verified traveler

Great staff
Mostly clean and comfortable
Nice surroundings
Central location

6/10

Pleasant

09 Nov 2016

Verified traveler

It is a back packers hotel which I didnt know when booking, overal a realy nice place, Best was the park across the road.

2/10

Poor

03 Nov 2016

Alexandra

Please don't stay here

I'm not staying here ever again. It wasn't that there was one terrible thing about this hostel, it was everything.

Checkin took half an hour due to the incompetenence of the one staff member at the desk. I wasn't given a towel, and was informed that the wifi would cut out after 24 hours, even though I was staying two nights. The lock didn't work on the bathroom door and had three people walk in on me. In addition, the bathroom had a window to the outside and twice caught people looking in on me. It was awful and I felt terribly violated.
The kitchen was locked up and inaccessible before 8am and the signage to find other bathrooms meant I just had to give up.
Check out took another fifteen minutes.

All in all, a terrible experience.

6/10

Pleasant

30 Oct 2016

Verified traveler

Backpacking or one night would be fine. That's bout it.

6/10

Pleasant

24 Oct 2016

Catherine

Cheap and clean

Good room size. Bed ok. Free internet only for 24hrs then $3/day. Breakfast a bonus.

6/10

Pleasant

15 Oct 2016

Richard

A senior amongst young people.

I had no trouble being 72 years old amongst so man young people. The room was clean and facilities comfortable. Being at a hostel for the first time I did not come with adequate supplies of soap etc that one is provided in other accommodation but regular hostel visitors would be more aware of this. A couple of minor details could have been irritating ( TV aerial cord hanging down over bathroom door) but staff attended to it and this would have only being precious to fuss about it.

6/10

Pleasant

23 Aug 2016

Verified traveler

Sydney stay

Arrived late at night and flew out early next morning so basically just slept there. Room was clean and freshly painted with strong fumes but no shower curtains and exposed plumbing and fan held up with duct tape.

8/10

Excellent

07 Aug 2016

yang

Good staff

The staff helped us to find the right room. And they offer the free breakfast.

8/10

Excellent

02 Aug 2016

Lori

Clean hostel near Sydney centre

This hostel was undergoing renovations (we stayed during winter) - we were first to stay in newly updated private twin room. It was clean, comfortable, bathroom very nicely updated. Helpful, friendly office staff. Kitchen was clean though eating area a bit chilly for winter (outdoor covered eating area.) Though I booked through an online booking site, I had prompt confirmation from the hostel itself, and also prompt reply to email questions. Other lodgers were pleasant & respectful. Located in a residential area on cusp of Sydney core, across the street from major public park - so felt safe walking back to hostel in early evening as there was always numerous people playing basketball, tennis, jogging etc Closeness to transit depot made travelling into Sydney easy & quick. Remembering this is a hostel, it is a decent accommodation at an affordable price in Sydney.

8/10

Excellent

25 Jul 2016

Verified traveler

Convenient, quiet friendly accommodation for the price.