The Song, Australia’s first profit-for-purpose hotel, has reopened after a $10.5 million nip-and-tuck. Guests who bed down here help support thousands of women experiencing homelessness in Australia.

Song Hotel has reopened after an extensive head-to-toe makeover, taking Sydney’s favourite budget hotel from a comfy three-star lodging to an elegant, four-star haven in the centre of the CBD. The Song has garnered a reputation as a go-to among budget-conscious travellers, with rooms starting at just $200 per night. But best of all, 25 cents of every dollar goes towards helping women experiencing homelessness through women’s charity, YWCA Australia.

So far, guests who have bedded down at The Song have helped YWCA to provide 130,000 nights of safe accommodation to women, homes for 529 people and support for thousands more through its vital programs (in tandem with other sources of income). Leaving a positive impact is becoming an increasingly important factor for travellers. And staying at a profit-for-purpose hotel such as Song is a surefire way to do that. Here’s what to know before you book.

Location

The Song Hotel is located in the heart of Sydney’s Central Business District, making it an ideal base for both business and leisure travellers. It’s located just a stone’s throw from Hyde Park and within walking distance of many of Sydney’s main attractions such as museums, the Botanic Gardens and the Opera House. The Song is also close to buzzy Oxford Street, perfect for travellers looking for something that’s centrally located and still incorporates a bit of local colour.

Public transport is easily accessible, with several bus stops just around the corner. Museum Station is just a four-minute walk away, too. Essentially, the location of the hotel offers the best of Sydney right at your fingertips.

Style and Character

The overall style of the hotel is relatively minimal yet refined. However, the Song brings unique and whimsical flair with nine themed rooms, each centred around a different trailblazing Australian Woman. For instance, the Bindi Irwin Room is a resplendent mini-jungle of indoor plants, decorated with paintings of wildlife, an echidna stool and an Australia Zoo uniform hanging in the wardrobe. Another highlight is the Lee Lin Chin room, which pays homage to the Indonesian-Australian broadcaster, journalist and fashionista with a dress on display donated by Chin herself, as well as a copy of her book, Iced Beer and Other Tantalising Tips for Life. Fans of Aussie songstress Sia can stay in the room dedicated to the Grammy-nominated musician, and rest up beneath a ceiling fitted out with a giant chandelier.

Rooms

For a budget hotel, the rooms at Song certainly punch above their weight. Thanks to the recent refresh, the 156-room hotel now boasts a modern, earthy colour palette, and crisp white linen with soothing olive accents. The rooms are relatively small yet comfortable, beautiful yet practically furnished with desks and ironing boards even in the most affordable room categories. Balcony rooms offer vistas of the city and Oxford Street, where you can soak up the buzz of one of the city’s most vibrant precincts (don’t worry, the soundproofing completely blocks out noise when the door is shut!). Some rooms even encompass views of Hyde Park, while others look out into the hotel’s luscious courtyard, a quiet oasis that makes you feel miles away from the CBD. The best part of bedding down at the Song is that by sleeping there, you can rest easy knowing your dollar is helping provide a bed for someone else, too.

Facilities

Being a budget hotel, facilities are relatively minimal. But all the basics are definitely covered, with complimentary Wi-Fi in all the rooms, as well as smart TVs for entertainment. The front desk is open 24 hours and housekeeping is daily.

Food and Drink

The hotel’s bar and dining concept, Song Kitchen, has also reopened as a sleek, ambient hang-out spot, perfect for hotel guests, travellers and Sydney locals alike. The menu boasts international cuisine and native Australian ingredients, such as watteseed brule and lamb roasted with saltbush. The wine list also champions women in winemaking, with items thoughtfully denoted where the winemaker/estate owner is female. Just like the hotel, all profits from Song restaurant go towards helping women experiencing homelessness. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink or enjoy Aussie flavours, all while knowing your dollar is making a difference.

Go for

A convenient, comfortable stay full of personality and flair, that will also help provide a bed for someone else in need.

Accessibility?

Song Hotel has wheelchair accessibility throughout its grounds.

Family-friendly?

Most rooms have a max capacity of two, but there are family rooms that sleep up to four.

Details

Address: 5/11 Wentworth Ave, Sydney NSW 2000

Best for: Tourists, couples and families

Price: From $200

Check out Sydney’s other accommodation offerings.