The Russell Boutique Hotel

We had a two night stay at the Russell hotel on George st at the Rocks in Sydney. Now it’s not our first rodeo in Sydney far from it and let me tell whoever is reading this it’s gem of a place. We love going to Sydney and have tried many of the larger hotels, my husband laughs as I have a few rituals, tissue in the spy hole, chair behind the door, sounds crazy right but that’s just me or it was until I stayed at the Russell, I have never felt so comfortable. We were welcomed at reception and given an overview of the hotel and the times of breakfast, yes it was included in the price. Our room was stunning and had all the amenities you could need our stay, the shower room was elegant and fully equipped with all we needed. The convenience of the hotel was my main reason for the choice but the staff who were so very nice and made us feel so welcome. There are some sweet surprises I don’t want to give away. Sydney’s best kept secret, I know we will be back. Thank you Russell staff!

The hotel has been beautifully refurbished. A great location, friendly staff, comfy bed and good breakfast choices means we will stay again. We had a late checkout as we booked directly with the hotel and were able to leave our bags. A pleasurable stay!

From the moment we walked in the service was impeccable, the room absolutely beautiful and the staff are some of the most fun people to be around. So close to the Quay so it made getting to our cruise the easiest it could have been. Special shoutout to the beautiful gentleman on the check-in desk and Neil in the bar; Neil was the absolute highlight of our time here, his banter hilarious, his service charming, delightful and light hearted. He is an absolute asset to your hotel and we will return

If you are looking to stay in Sydney and be close to everything. This is the place to stay. The location is so convenient. The food is fresh and delicious. The breakfast was so good. The hotel has just been renovated and done thoughtfully and in connection to it's heritage. The staff are welcoming. Late check out is awesome. We dropped and left our baggage at the hotel as our flight arrived early and left late. We will be back for sure.

Such a great place, dome of the friendliest staff I've met in a long time at hotels. They really care about your comfort and happiness of your stay. Expect boutique, old style rooms. Although some of the rooms are quite small (stayed in 2 different ones, one night each time) they make up for it with comforts.

We have stayed many times over the years, this is the first time since reopening and it was great. We were given an upgrade and the room was lovely, very comfortable bed, great view, terrific location, really enjoyed our stay. Breakfast and dinner lovely too. We will be back.

This hotel imbues delightful old world charm but is in beautiful ‘as new’ condition! Tasty food in the restaurant, comfy beds, friendly efficient staff. So close to pubs, sights and the action of the CBD and circular quay, but still feels secluded and private.

Everything is brilliant. Our twin rooms was super clean anf large. A huge bathroom with a bath. Right in the Rocks and 2 minutes from Circular Quay. Gr8 friendly staff. The included breakfast was tasty and fast arriving. Gr8 gr8 gr8

SMALL, HISTORIC, EXPENSIVE HOTEL This old hotel puts me in mind of a Vermont B&B or some English hotels that are rabbit warrens of corridors and stairs. The wooden floors creak, it's noisy with thin walls & it's above a bar, but nevertheless it is well located and showing its age, which is okay, actually. It is wildly expensive for what you get, but still a fun place to stay for a short while. Note: you must pay a surcharge for en suite facilities and for WI-FI. Not cool. I'd love to give them 4 stars, but it's just not there.

I probably should start of by saying that this is a review of the bar as opposed to the boutique hotel. Anyway I always thought the Russell was its own pub, however on my last visit I had to go and find the little boy's room, so I went down the back, along the hallway, and discovered that I had walked into the Fortune of War. Okay, maybe it is the one and the same pub, but they certainly look at lot different (and the Russell is somewhat more expensive, as well as not having midis on offer, which I find somewhat annoying). Anyway, I've come here a couple of times but I can't say the place really enthuses me all that much. Sure it is a nice looking pub, but it does seem a bit classy. Also I ordered a Mountain Goat IPA, a beer that I regularly drink, and it didn't seem all that right. I'll probably give it a pass next time I'm in Sydney.

This is an old school, quaint place to stay. King size bed, ceiling fan, mini fridge and a TV. We shared a bathroom and there wasn't any AC. The location was great and they do serve a continental breakfast that wasn't too bad. We leave there Sunday morning for our cruise to Hawaii. Things ain't all hat bad!

I really, really loved this hotel. The floors creak and the doors are thin but it doesn't matter because it is charming and adorable. It reminds me of a bed and breakfast I stayed in when I visited Napa, CA, which was really historical and intimate. The front receptionist brought me chocolates to my room, which I obviously loved. The heater worked nicely on the chilly night I was there. I didn't use the TV so I can't really say. The sharing bathrooms isn't an issue because the toilet has it's own door and so does the shower. So you're never going in the same room as someone else in another stall...you do have some privacy. I spent a lot of time in their roomy lounge before and after my checkout and they didn't ask me to leave. I needed the wifi because I don't have cell service in Australia! Yes it was expensive but with the included breakfast, the location to the city highlights, and the main train/bus/ferry terminals practically across the street, this place was perfect. Sydney is a walkable city and you can really save transportation costs by staying right in the heart of it all.

I always stay in the cheap room which I can usually book for about 180 AUD. It has a shared bathroom across the hall and no air conditioning, but if a beautiful room, right in the Rocks with a quick walk to anywhere you need to go. Good breakfast is included at their pub downstairs.

A quaint boutique bed and breakfast is just the place to stay in Sydney whether you're there for business or pleasure. And that is most definitely The Russell Hotel. Located in the Rocks, this Sydney institution will make your stay in the city a delight. All their rooms are furnished differently (antique style) so every time you visit its sure to different. Their service is excellent and makes you feel at home. The hotel is near a lot of Sydney attractions like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge which is definitely a big plus. And if you're not up to leaving the hotel, they even have a sitting room and rooftop garden where you can relax and just enjoy some quiet time. A stay here is highly recommended!

Russell Hotel is a cute boutique hotel with room decor almost reminiscent of an old New England bedroom. It is one of the more affordable options in your stay at Sydney. However, you share a bathroom with others on the same floor (usually one other room, but anyone on the floor can access it since it's in the hallway). And not everyone likes to flush the toilet (I feel like I should get put on salary here with the amount of times I had to flush for others). As old fashioned looking as this facility is, it does have wifi for a $5/day surcharge. Not bad. The continental breakfast hits the spot...nothing fancy, which is perfect for me. The croissants are delicious, and each new batch comes out warm from the oven. Though, I did notice my husband and I were the youngest people at breakfast by at least 20 years. And one guest mistook me for someone who works here and tried to ask for something. Despite the setbacks/awkwardness of the above, I would consider staying here again. It's in a great location, with easy access to the Opera House and Botanical Gardens, and is relatively affordable. Just be ready to flush a few toilets.

I've given this hotel 4 stars, not for Luxury, but for old world charm, service, cleanliness, and location. The Russel is a boutique B 'n B in a charming old building with creaky floors and nicely decorated and well appointed rooms. (The bed was very comfortable!) The staff was helpful and friendly- assisting us with all our needs- and arranged our tours for us! We had an air conditioner in our room and an on Suite bath, but some rooms share common baths. Breakfast is simple and is served in the pub below. This hotel is so conveniently located in the historic Rocks district where pubs and restaurants abound with great food , Circular Quay is a stones throw away - as is the Museum of Modern art, and the Opera House and botanic garden is a brisk walk away. We also walked up the hill to the Sydney Observatory and you can reach the Sydney bridge - we walked over and back. Our family has stayed here twice and we will stay there again on our next visit.