Hotel Challis Potts Point

Our stay was truly disappointing We booked a Premium King room which was supposed to have a more spacious room aesthetic. Our room was small, dark and smelly. The extremely plain bathroom was so small that there was no room for even a hook or rail for the hand towel. Our room had no outlook and in fact had frosted glass windows. At night there was a hotel light shining outside the window that flooded our room with light. There were no block out curtains. It was a perfect room for a shift worker who wanted to sleep during the day and work at night. Sadly that was not us and we found it difficult to sleep in such a well lit room. The hotel is well located to Kings Cross and Potts Point. The housekeeping service every second day is very unusual for a hotel and something I missed when making the booking. Normally housekeeping is one of the reasons you stay at a hotel. The only service we received was from reception and I would call it indifferent at best.

Such a beautiful hotel the vibes and staff were so lovely. Everything you could possibly want right in walking distance! Parking is available at kings cross parking station for a price of $33 with a voucher from the hotel. If I had to pick a downside it would be that you could hear everyone’s taps from inside the rooms and the floor could use a bit of a better vacuum. Will absolutely be returning to as I want to try so many of the surrounding restaurants and bars!

I stayed 10 nights at Hotel Challis. Arrived early and was able to store my bags until check-in, which was appreciated. My first room on the 3rd floor was tiny but fine — until bedtime, when a cockroach sprinted out from the bathroom and under my bed. Reception said there were no spare rooms, so I spent two nights with “Cody the Cockroach” before being moved to a ground-floor patio room. That one had a gap under the door, and two more critters made an appearance. Apparently, that’s just “Welcome to Sydney!” Eventually, I was moved to a 4th-floor room, where I stayed comfortably for the rest of my visit. Creepy-crawly encounters aside, I actually liked the hotel. The staff were mostly great, and the location was excellent for walking, buses, cafes, and shops, with Kings Cross about a 10-minute walk away. The mugs at the hotel were tiny (I had to source my own proper-sized one or use two of theirs), but they offered free tea, coffee, Biscoffs and nuts in the lobby, which was a nice touch. I’d consider staying again.

This was booked for a work trip. We wanted to stay in a cute neighborhood and Potts point was recommended so to start positively the neighborhood was nice but that’s about it. This is a budget hotel and if that’s what you are looking for/expecting you should be fine but that was not my take away from previous reviews so I felt compelled to share our experience. The rooms were smaller than expected. You literally could not open a suitcase other than on the bed. The bathroom had zero counter space and was also quite small. There were steps to get into the room and around the hotel so if you have any accessibility issues I would not recommend this hotel. The sheets were scratchy, you could hear everything outside and there was one small window in the room. If you’re looking for a cheap room in a cute part of Sydney this may work but if you’re trying to enjoy a holiday or need to open a suitcase (forget about 2), or use a counter for your toothbrush or makeup, this isn’t it. We were supposed to stay for almost a week and checked out after one night.

Nested in the heart of Potts Point, this heritage boutique hotel carries a quiet charm — cosy interiors, a comfortable bed, memorable service, and easy access to favourite eateries loved by both locals and visitors. 🕊️✨ What I truly loved about staying here is the walking distance to Kings Cross Station, the iconic Elizabeth Bay and Woolloomooloo, and the effortless 15-minute stroll into the Sydney CBD. 🚶‍♂️🌊🌿 As with most boutique designs, the room for two is on the smaller side — just enough space, thoughtfully arranged. If you’re a night owl like me, you may hear a few footsteps in the late evening. 🌙👣 Team Challis, thank you again for having me for the last three days. Until next time — keep sharing your beautiful space and experiences with travellers from around the world. 🙏✨

We were fortunate enough to find this beautiful period hotel, Hotel Challis, at extremely short notice, and, although only one night, will love to return. With an amazing choice of cafés, restaurants, and bars in a very relaxed walk’s distance, you are spoilt for choice. The first impression, of a grand residence in the tree’d Potts Point, is true, as you enter into a wonderful atrium and reception, to be greeted by Victoria, who was most cheerful, helpful, and informative. Rooms are served by both a lift, and stairs in a quaint two up, one down manner. The king bed room was sooo comfortable, with a balcony for our afternoon tea, and outstanding cleanliness, overlooking Challis Avenue, a quiet avenue of trees and residences. Parking is available on-street for 2 hours if available, or about 500 metres away at a 24 hour parking station, with your parking ticket being validated by and at the Hotel. Highly recommended, and a very good price!

Very sweet hotel very very clean. Receptionist was fabulous helpful and kind. Rooms were great probably a bit on the small side but we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Would definitely stay again

The hotel is brilliantly situated in the heart of Potts Point - an easy walk to the Art Gallery and Botanical Gardens, with lots of cool cafés and restaurants minutes away. The hotel itself looks very smart and newly refurbished. The rooms are small, but super clean and comfortable. The reception staff are perfectly friendly and helpful.

The location is very nice. Close to quaint cafes. Nice that they have an elevator and a washing machine and dryer. Costs $11 for a wash/dry/detergent. Room small, but I already knew that. Found 2 bugs in the shower. Needs new caulking and a deep clean.

Room smelt like mould and the shower had hair on the walls. The bedding was atrocious. Dead bugs and stains on almost everything. Staff were friendly and moved us, however that room also smelt like mould too.

Rating 4* for the location and public transp was on point, kindness of the locals, clean and green! 3* for the way the front desk staff handles customers PROS: Great boutique hotel find, location within walking distance to Opera House, parks, food, train station, exchange money, and shopping! Don't exchange money at airport, rate and fees to high. Finds a street money exchange store. Hotel was a Gem, room small good for a few days not a week unless you are traveling alone. Refrigerator gets extremely hot in cabinet, leave cabinet door open for a cooler refrigerator. Good food options around the city, no expensive, remember the price you see on items, our exchange rate at the time was $1.38 for our dollar, so we winning! I really enjoyed the beautiful daily walks to all around town, bring your fit bit! Free apples and water daily in front lobby. I did enjoy beautiful clean Australia, will return! You have to visit Oceania at least once in a lifetime!! I saw a lot in 6 days, now Im onto N Zealand for 6 days... *I attended the wine fest in Manley and Vivid Sydney, both which were unplanned, great surprises!! pics @thetravelslayer CONS: Front desk manager working in AM was rude from day 1, no personality, not helpful, you ask a question she was dry and indirect. She actually was beyond rude to my husband and I both. I've traveled to over 90 countries and Im going into business myself, it's unacceptable behavior. Actually another customer was standing and listening to the whole conversation. This should never be tolerated at any place of business, point blank. No free breakfast, but plenty of grocery stores and restaurants in the area.

Filthy room and total lack of care or responsibility/ I was over charged for my room and have had to lodge a dispute with my credit card provider as Reception couldn't care less I had to wait whilst another room was cleaned after being put in a room where every noise in the work areas could be heard and it was filthy. Carpets not vacuumed, mould in shower and broken tiles , shower head filthy . I went to make a cup of tea and the kettle in my room was filthy with rust . When I asked for a refund I was denied and given another room only slightly better Whilst I was at front desk three people had to ask if there room would be cleaned today