Very hot at night in the rooms. The fan wasn't great at circulating the air. The bed I received sqeeked every time I turned, and so did the bed above me in the same bunk. No air conditioning in the property. The other guests left it messy, untidy which led to smells in the kitchen and attracting insects. Limited storage space, drawers in the bedrooms leading to items, clothes shoes suitcases cluttering the room making it appear messy. There's 1 bathroom for total of 12 guests

The owner was lovely, friendly, responsive, and accommodating. Comfy beds and bedding, towels, shower gel, shampoo provided. Great location Easy check in and check out Lockers we're ideal Great size bathroom Considering the prices in Sydney this was definitely value

Stayed in January 2025

Nothing

All clean

Stayed in December 2024

It’s a small property for a select few. Global Big business Extraordinares take respite there and network with some of Australia’s elite, highly recommended for these types of people. The owner used to own a seafood restaurant and is very passionate about seafood which is what makes The Lil‘ Darling so charming.

Amenities and staff. And the porch.

Stayed in January 2025

Only one bathroom and one toilet for 12 people, kitchen and bathroom could be cleaner but this is up to the guests I guess, no aircon in the bedroom which can become very hot during the summer nights

Comfortable mattress and central location, towel is provided for the shower as well as soap, shampoo and conditionner

Stayed in December 2024

Only one toilet.

Mariana's client service.

Stayed in November 2024

When fully booked, there is only one bathroom for 12 people. When asked if we could leave our backpacks at the hostel (as our flight was in the evening) I didn't get a reply.

Good stay for a short period of time. Fully equipped kitchen (oven and microwave). There is one room that can be closed with a door. The owner replies quickly. The train and bus station is within walking distance.

Stayed in November 2024

You might see this listed as a hostel, but calling it that doesn’t do it justice. For me, it was something more—something closer to home. Tucked away in the buzzing heart of Sydney, this little gem is the kind of place that’s perfect for a night or two, but you’ll end up wishing you had more time. The rooms are cozy, the location is spot-on, but the real magic? That comes from Mirjana. You don’t just check in—you get adopted. There’s something rare here: a feeling of real connection. Strangers become roommates, roommates become friends. Whether you're sharing meals, swapping stories, or just lounging around after a long day of exploring, it feels like you’ve landed somewhere special. Like the world got a little smaller and a lot warmer.

Stayed in March 2025

This might be a hostel, but for me it was a home for two months. This beautiful little place is a good and central hostel for short stays, but even better for longer stays. Mirjana is a lovely hostel mom, that come around with excellent food or wine once in while for everyone and will tell you the most hilarious stories. She’s a sharp minded person that’ll remember your name, food preferences, your job and which laundry is yours. It might only have one bathroom and a small kitchen, but it choose everything to go there again if I’m coming back to Sydney, just because of the family-vibe with everyone helping each other other in this hostel. A small but brilliant place to make friends and connect with travelers.

Stayed in February 2025

We were told that we could check in from 2pm, but when we arrived there was no one to check us in and the guests who were there said the rooms hadn’t been cleaned yet and that we couldn’t have lockers. The common space was very messy, like there had been a big party there the night before. We had plans to be somewhere so we had to leave our bags in a corner of the common room, but took our valuables with us because we just weren’t sure what was going on. When we came back later it was better, it had been cleaned up and our bags were okay but we still felt unsettled. The shared bathroom wasn’t very clean, but usable. The products they supply are nice. Overall our stay was fine, but the listing compared with the actual experience were quite different - the pictures and reviews made it seem very clean and quiet, whereas it was more like turning up in a student share house where you couldn’t tell who lived there. Fine for one night before getting the train the next day.

The location is fantastic - access to Redfern station just around the corner, where you can get the train anywhere you need. The beds themselves were clean and comfortable, and each bunk had a lamp which is always helpful!

Stayed in March 2025

Quite cramped but that is probably the nature of this kind of inexpensive accomm offering.

I only stayed briefly for purpose of showering. Glad to get a shower after overnight train travel. - mngr assisted me by phone to find the property because cab driver dropped me off at wrong address. It is in a good location near cafes ,train and city

Stayed in March 2025

The owner and very clean

Stayed in March 2025

No air con, fans did nothing. Bathroom was dirty and mouldy on the ceiling, some of the other long-term guests left a big mess in the kitchen. No staff seen. Wasn't really a hostel, just someones house with lots of beds, 12 beds and only one bathroom/shower.

Beds were comfy, would have been cosy in winter.

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing. It does what it does the way it should be done

Clean and friendly share house vibe in pleasant University suburb Darlington nr Redfern station

Stayed in February 2025

The yard and even some parts of the house smells like urine. Only one bathroom/shower for the whole house. The kitchen was really dirty and sink was always full of dirty dishes. Fridge was full of food and some of it is most likely expired. Feels like staying in a frat house. Upstairs dorm was super hot because there was no proper ac, only couple small fans. The downstairs door was open all day & night and even the gate for the yard was open sometimes when we walked by it. Didnt meet the owners.

Good location and propably one of the cheapest stays in Sydney.

Stayed in March 2025

Having not read enough of the previous comments, I had not realized that "shared bathroom" meant 1 family bathroom (= 1 shower and 1 toilet, in the same room) for both dorms (that is, for up to 12 guests if all beds are booked), which is insufficient. I don´t know how often the premises are cleaned but while things were ok when I arrived on Monday, by Friday the bathroom floor was starting to look quite dirty, and the trashcan in the kitchen was overflowing. In addition, the only people I saw during my stay were other guests; I never met the owners nor any staff, and contrary to other places, there was no proper check-in process.

The hostel is well-located and easily açessible from the airport and pretty much anywhere in the city. The atmosphere among guests was nice and relaxed. I would recommend staying here of you need a really cheap accommodation for a night or two, but not more (see negative points).

Stayed in March 2025

Great place to stay! Best value in Sydney.

Stayed in March 2025

Kitchen and bathroom were dirty, just one bathroom for all the guests therefore constantly occupied

Location is really central, quick train ride from the airport and to the city

Stayed in March 2025

These photos demonstrate and confirm what the reviews express: family, gathering, shared time, and quality. Lil Darling becomes a home far away from home for those of us lucky enough to pass through here. The owner is always attentive to make sure we are well and have a great stay, even going as far as cooking all of this for us!!! Beyond how wonderful it feels to live in a place like this, the accommodation is in a peaceful and beautiful area to explore, yet very strategic for discovering Sydney. Thank you Lil Darling, for being an oasis within Sydney.

Stayed in February 2025

this place was awesome

Stayed in February 2025

the best hostel in sydney, the owner is amazing she is like everyones substitute australian mum

Stayed in February 2025

great experience

Stayed in February 2025

Had an amazing home cooked dinner. just want to kerp on booking this place again ana again

Stayed in February 2025

Definitely one of the best places I’ve stayed, the atmosphere was as if you’re living in a house which is very comforting after so many months of travelling. Our host was amazing, she was very kind and friendly too. 100% recommend if you’re looking for a place to stay in Sydney.

Stayed in February 2025

“Your home away from home” is how I would define Lil Darling. After more than three years traveling around Australia and over ten years traveling the world, I never felt what I felt here. The warmth of the place, the owner Mirjana, who makes you feel like family, sharing time with us, cooking for us, and making this place feel like our own. If you’re looking to feel like part of a family and enjoy quality time with those staying alongside you during your time in Sydney, this is the place to book. On top of that, the area where it’s located is beautiful, with plenty of bars and picturesque streets to explore, as well as easy access to key points in Sydney. I would 100% choose this hostel again, a thousand times over.

Stayed in February 2025