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At this fun budget hotel, all rooms have cable TV and solid, comfy wooden furniture. There are discount weekly rates and a few top-quality backpacker rooms: they fill up quickly, so book them early.

Though not particularly stylish, these apartments are clean and spacious. Great for a long stay, they offer dining areas and kitchenettes. Most have balconies and good views.

A new hostel offers dorm rooms, doubles and triples, and is a great place to meet people. BIG has great facilities, including a slick kitchen, lounge area, projector screen and complimentary breakfast.

Billabong offers both motel and hostel accommodation, a great kitchen and a backyard swimming pool. The amiable owners also specialize in helping backpackers to find work.

A former 1850s bank, the hotel has retained its original features. Various configurations of rooms are available, all stylishly furnished. Ask about deals that include dinner at the restaurant Minc, where you’ll also get complimentary breakfast.

Full of character, this well-located hotel is great value. The rooms here, full of period furniture and patterned upholstery, offer essentials such as TVs, bars, fridges and tea and coffee facilities.

Their “hip on a budget” slogan is a great description of this hotel. Its reasonably-priced studio rooms and light and airy New York-style loft suites are complemented by neutral colours and clean-lined furniture.

This well-located hotel is close to many gay bars and clubs. Rooms are great value and amenities include 24-hour room service, a heated pool, gym, spa and sauna.

The raucous pub (see Eastern Suburbs) is a beacon for backpackers, who can’t resist the beachfront beer garden. While the heritage rooms above the pub are noisy, the boutique hotel is peaceful and very comfortable. Rooms are excellent value, particularly those with ocean views.