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From205US$ /night
Check-in
29Jan2026Select date
Check-out
30Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel Overview

86 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia
-
Close to Darling Harbour
Very good
7.5
8.0
/10
3.1
3.5
/5

Dining Options

The Royal Exhibition Hotel offers a newly-refurbished bistro that serves a combination of modern Australian cuisine and traditional English classics. The bistro is open seven days a week, providing diverse dining opportunities, including lunches filled with daily specials. Guests can also enjoy live sport in the sports bar, enhancing the dining experience with a lively atmosphere.

Room Amenities

The hotel features ensuite rooms, each equipped with reverse cycle air conditioning and LCD TVs for a comfortable stay. Bar fridges in every room allow for convenient refreshments, while free Wi-Fi supports connectivity throughout the hotel. Multiple bedding configurations are available, accommodating different guest needs.

Location Advantages

Situated just 50 meters from Central Station, the hotel provides quick access to various Sydney destinations, including Chinatown and Randwick Racecourse. Guests benefit from easy transportation options to Sydney Airport and nearby attractions, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The bustling neighborhood of Surry Hills offers a rich array of cafes, restaurants, and bars just steps away.

Events and Function Spaces

The Royal Exhibition Hotel is a favored venue for functions and gatherings, providing flexible spaces to accommodate various events. Professional staff assist in creating memorable occasions with tailored setups for each gathering. The hotel's long-standing history since 1908 adds a touch of heritage to any event held within its walls.

Entertainment Offerings

The Royal Exhibition Hotel hosts live sport screenings, allowing guests to catch all the latest sporting action in an engaging environment. Daily dinner specials and an exciting menu contribute to the entertainment options available. Weekly happy hours offer exceptional drink deals, enhancing the social aspect of the hotel.

Highlights

Dining: Newly-refurbished bistro and sports bar

Rooms: Ensuite rooms with air conditioning

Location: 50 meters from Central Station

Events: Favored venue for functions and gatherings

Must-do experiences

  • Discover the vibrant Sydney Fish Market for fresh seafood and culture.
  • Stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden for stunning harbor views.
  • Enjoy a classic meat pie at Harry's Cafe de Wheels on Woolloomooloo.
  • Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales for impressive Aussie collections.
  • Explore The Rocks for historic pubs and unique weekend markets.
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Pick the Room That Suits Your Travel Needs

Rooms for singles, families, or groups—many with breakfast, free cancellation, and exclusive airport packages
Superior Double or Twin Room
2 persons
270 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Superior King Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Double Room
2 persons
195 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Deluxe Double Room
2 persons
185 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

Comfortable Rooms and Convenient Services to Enhance Your Layover

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe deposit box
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink
  • Happy hour

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Children

  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Casino

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

At the Royal Exhibition Hotel, guests can indulge in the flavors of Australia and classic British fare within a warm and welcoming environment. With two distinct bars and an inviting bistro, every meal becomes a heartfelt experience, perfect for friends, family, or a cozy night out.
Royal Exhibition Hotel Sydney Restaurant photo
Royal Exhibition Hotel Sydney Restaurant photo
Royal Exhibition Hotel Sydney Restaurant photo

Royal Exhibition Hotel Bistro

Australian
Ambiance
A newly-refurbished bistro that combines traditional charm with a modern touch, providing a comfortable atmosphere to unwind.
Key Offerings
Enjoy fantastic pub food that captures the essence of Australian flavors alongside a great range of drinks at appealing prices.
Reservation
No
Open daily from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM.

The EXO

Classic British
Ambiance
Settle into a cozy and inviting space that reflects a taste of British heritage, enhanced by a fresh refurbishment.
Key Offerings
Relish beloved British classics in a relaxed setting, ideal for enjoying hearty meals while catching live sport on screen.
Reservation
No
Open daily from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM.

Location & Directions

86 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia
Map view
86 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia
Nearby
Gallery
Brett Whitley Studio
1800 ft
Restaurants
Royal Exhibition Hotel
200 ft
86 Chalmers St
Blacksmith
300 ft
116 Chalmers St
Sushi-Mori
500 ft
99 Devonshire Street
Cook & Archie's Cafe
600 ft
Shop 1a 4/14 Buckingham Street Surry Hills
Uber Thai
700 ft
437 Elizabeth Street Ground Floor Surry Hills
Cafetorial
700 ft
437-439 Elizabeth St
Porteno
1000 ft
50 Holt Street Surry Hills
Himalaya Pakistani & Indian Restaurant
600 ft
396 Elizabeth St Surrey Hills
Gou Sushi
500 ft
30 Chalmers St Shop 2
Haven Specialty Coffee
700 ft
34 Chalmers St Surry Hills
Zahli
1300 ft
529 Elizabeth St Surry Hills
Explore Sydney
Explore Surry Hills
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Brett Whitley Studio
Brett Whitley Studio
10 minutes' walk
Brett Whitley Studio showcases the life and works of renowned Australian artist Brett Whiteley, offering guided tours.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park
25 minutes' walk
Hyde Park, Sydney's oldest park, features beautiful gardens, sculptures, and a serene atmosphere perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Chinese Garden of Friendship
Chinese Garden of Friendship
13 minutes' walk
A tranquil retreat that showcases traditional Chinese landscaping, waterfalls, and serene ponds, inviting visitors for a peaceful visit.
Australian National Maritime Museum
Australian National Maritime Museum
25 minutes' walk
This museum highlights Australia's maritime history with exhibits featuring historic vessels and interactive displays for all ages.
Cycle along the Cooks River
20 minutes' drive
A scenic cycling route perfect for thrill-seekers, featuring picturesque views along the river and amenities for bike rentals.
Yoga Classes in Prince Alfred Park
5 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga classes are available in Prince Alfred Park, ideal for solo travelers or couples looking for a serene experience.
Royal Exhibition Hotel
Royal Exhibition Hotel
1 minute' walk
A local favorite offering classic pub fare and craft beers, known for its welcoming atmosphere and outdoor seating.
Blacksmith
Blacksmith
1 minute' walk
This trendy café serves specialty coffee and fresh brunch options with a focus on locally sourced ingredients in a relaxed setting.
Sushi-Mori
Sushi-Mori
2 minutes' walk
Sushi-Mori offers a vibrant array of sushi and Japanese dishes, great for a quick meal or takeaway with vegetarian options available.
The Factory Theatre
10 minutes' drive
An eclectic venue showcasing live performances including comedy, music, and theatre with a laid-back atmosphere for all ages.
Tumbalong Park
25 minutes' walk
A family-friendly park featuring playgrounds and outdoor events, ideal for a picnic or live entertainment on weekends.
How to Navigate the City
City Centre
Sydney18 min  ·  5000 ft
Airports
Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD)11 min  ·  4.4 mi
Wollongong Airport (WOL)148 min  ·  61.1 mi
Train
Central Station Sydney4 min  ·  1000 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
is available in for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
14
Questions of the users
About Royal Exhibition Hotel
Is there a place to store my luggage before I check in or after I check out?
15 March 2024
Luggage storage is available before check-in and after check-out for your convenience.
Are breakfast options provided at the hotel?
22 April 2024
Breakfast is not served on-site, but there are several cafes just a 1-2 minute walk from the hotel.
What are my options for parking when staying at the hotel?
19 July 2024
There are no parking facilities at the hotel, but secure parking is available at Holt Street in Surry Hills, which is a short walk away.
How far is the hotel from the Sydney Cricket Ground and what transport options are available?
05 August 2024
The SCG is approximately 50 meters away, and you can reach it via the light rail, which is also nearby. On-street parking is available, or you can use the nearest parking station at Holt St, just a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
Is it possible to check in late if I arrive around 11 PM?
02 October 2024
Check-in is available until midnight, so arriving at 11 PM will not be a problem.
How far is Central Station from the hotel?
18 October 2024
Central Station is incredibly close, located directly across the road - about 30 meters away.
Are there facilities for tracking live sports at the hotel?
11 November 2024
Yes, there is a sports bar on-site where you can watch live sports events.
Is there a restaurant on the premises, and what type of food is served?
15 January 2025
An on-site bistro is open seven days a week, offering a tempting mix of modern Australian dishes and classic British fare.
Is there a laundry service available for guests?
28 February 2025
The hotel does not offer laundry facilities, but a laundromat is located just a 3-minute walk away.
How many bathrooms are there in the family suite?
25 March 2025
The family suite includes one bathroom, offering ample space for guests.

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