Two hotels share a similar name — Central Private Hotel in Sydney and The Central Hotel Queenstown, A Naumi Chapter — but they cater to very different travellers. The Sydney property is a no-frills budget hotel steps from Central Station, while the Queenstown counterpart is a boutique design hotel with complimentary evening drinks and a Telegraph rating of 8/10 (The Telegraph Travel). This comparison cuts through the naming confusion to help you decide which fits your trip.
Last checked: 2026-06-03
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Property (Sydney): Central Private Hotel, established over 50 years · Location (Sydney): Surry Hills, adjacent to Central Station · Property (Queenstown): Central Private Hotel by Naumi, boutique artful design · Location (Queenstown): Central Queenstown, luxury experiences
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-03.
Sources reviewed: Official property website (cphsydney.com), booking platform (Booking.com), review platform (TripAdvisor), hotel operator site (Naumi Hotels), travel booking site (Expedia), travel news section (The Telegraph Travel), price aggregator (KAYAK), hotel deals site (Hotels.com), accommodation platform (Agoda).
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification across seasons.
Snapshot of both properties
- 358 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 – adjacent to Central Station (Expedia)
- 15 rooms, artful design-led boutique hotel, central Queenstown near the lakefront (Naumi Hotels)
- Historical solo traveller average of 7.0 out of 10 on Agoda (Agoda)
- Telegraph Travel scores it 8 out of 10; rooms from about £190 per night (The Telegraph Travel)
Key facts at a glance
| Property (Sydney) | Central Private Hotel, established over 50 years |
| Location (Sydney) | Surry Hills, adjacent to Central Station |
| Property (Queenstown) | Central Private Hotel by Naumi, boutique artful design |
| Location (Queenstown) | Central Queenstown, luxury experiences |
| Years in operation (Sydney) | over 50 |
| Distance to Central Station (Sydney) | adjacent |
| Distance to Sydney CBD | 10–15 minutes walk |
| Number of locations | 2 (Sydney and Queenstown) |
| Check-in / check-out (Sydney) | 2:00 PM / 10:00 AM |
| Front desk hours (Sydney) | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily |
Side-by-side comparison: Central Private Hotel Sydney vs The Central Hotel Queenstown
| Property | Location | Established | Style | Amenities | Price Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Private Hotel Sydney | 358 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, adjacent to Central Station | Over 50 years | Budget, no-frills, older interior | Free Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, express check-out, no on-site restaurant or bar | Budget to lower mid-range |
| The Central Hotel Queenstown, A Naumi Chapter | Central Queenstown, short walk to lakefront | Rebranded under Naumi in early 2020s | Boutique, artful design, adults-leaning | Free breakfast, free evening happy hour, concierge, 15 themed rooms | Luxury (from £190/night) |
Pros and cons
Central Private Hotel Sydney
- Pros: Unbeatable location next to Central Station (TripAdvisor); budget-friendly; free Wi‑Fi; express check-in/out.
- Cons: Dated interiors; small rooms; no restaurant, bar, or spa; front desk closes at 10 PM; reports of cleanliness inconsistencies.
The Central Hotel Queenstown, A Naumi Chapter
- Pros: Stylish, design-led rooms; free breakfast and evening drinks; central Queenstown location; high guest satisfaction for service (TripAdvisor).
- Cons: Higher price point; only 15 rooms – limited availability; not ideal for large groups or very young children (adults-leaning).
Best for each traveller segment
| Segment | Recommended property | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Families on a budget | Central Private Hotel Sydney | Low cost, close to transport, basic amenities sufficient for a base |
| Couples wanting luxury | The Central Hotel Queenstown | Boutique design, complimentary breakfast and happy hour, romantic setting |
| Solo business travellers | Central Private Hotel Sydney | Affordable, near Central Station and CBD, express check-out |
| Friends group | Either, depending on budget | Sydney for cost-saving; Queenstown for a splurge trip |
Pricing bands
The Sydney property consistently falls in the budget category. Hotels.com calls it “basic, not fancy” but good value. The Queenstown hotel is positioned as a luxury boutique: the Telegraph reports rooms from about £190 per night, reflecting included extras like breakfast and evening drinks.
Location and getting there
Sydney: 358 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills. Adjacent to Central Station (trains and buses). KAYAK notes it is 0.5 miles from the city centre and 4.6 miles from Kingsford Smith Airport. A 10–15 minute walk reaches the CBD, Chinatown, and Capitol Theatre.
Queenstown: Central location, a short walk from the lakefront and town centre (Naumi Hotels). Guests arriving at Queenstown Airport can take a 15-minute shuttle or taxi (Booking.com).
Alternatives to consider
If neither property fits your needs, consider these nearby options (based on guest reviews and booking sites):
- Near Central Station, Sydney: Other budget hotels like the Great Southern Hotel or the Ibis Sydney Darling Harbour (both within a 10-minute walk).
- In Queenstown: The Rees Hotel or the Queenstown Park Hotel (for similar boutique atmosphere).
Our pick recommendations
For families on a budget: Central Private Hotel Sydney – you can’t beat the location-to-cost ratio.
For couples wanting luxury: The Central Hotel Queenstown, A Naumi Chapter – the complimentary happy hour and design-forward rooms make it a memorable splurge.
For solo business travellers: Central Private Hotel Sydney – efficient, no-fuss, right on the train line.
For a friends group: If your focus is on exploring Queenstown, the Central Hotel works well; if you want to save money for activities, the Sydney property leaves more cash in your pocket.
What is a self check-in hotel?
A self check-in hotel allows guests to bypass the traditional front desk by using a mobile app, kiosk, or pre-arranged key code. The Central Private Hotel Sydney, for instance, asks late arrivals to contact the property ahead of time (Expedia). This trend is growing among boutique and budget hotels because it reduces staffing costs and gives travellers flexibility. The bottom line: If you value after-hours convenience, a self check-in hotel can save you stress.
What does 4 * hotel mean?
A 4-star hotel typically offers full-service amenities such as room service, concierge, fitness facilities, and on-site dining. The Queenstown property, with its included breakfast and evening drinks, aligns with this level – though its boutique size and personalised service often exceed expectations. The implication: Expect a well-located property with substantial services, but not the opulence of a 5-star.
How are hotels rated and classified?
Hotels use two main systems: star ratings (1–5) based on amenities and service, and key ratings from the Forbes Travel Guide (one to five keys). Star ratings vary by country; in Australia and New Zealand, they are self-assessed or audited by motoring associations. The Sydney hotel is generally considered 2–3 star (no restaurant, limited hours), while the Queenstown hotel leans toward 4-star with its curated extras. What this means: Always read recent reviews – a star number tells you the category, not the actual condition.
What is a 3 key hotel?
A three-key hotel is the highest certification awarded by the Forbes Travel Guide, indicating exceptional luxury and service across all categories. Neither of the hotels we’ve reviewed carries this rating – the Queenstown property is well-reviewed but not in that ultra-luxury tier. The trade-off: A three-key hotel would cost significantly more than either of these options.
Frequently asked questions
What are the 4 types of hotels?
Hotels are generally classified into four types: budget (limited services), mid-scale (some amenities), upscale (full-service) and luxury (high-end amenities and personalised service). Central Private Hotel Sydney falls into the budget category; The Central Hotel Queenstown sits in the upscale/luxury bracket.
Which is the most exclusive hotel in the world?
The Burj Al Arab in Dubai and the Brando in French Polynesia are frequently listed as among the most exclusive hotels globally. Neither property in this article competes at that level.
What are the top 3 hotels in the world?
Commonly cited top hotels include the Ritz Paris, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, and the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur. The hotels in this comparison are regional options rather than global leaders.
Which is the only 7 star hotel in the world?
The Burj Al Arab in Dubai markets itself as a 7-star property, though no official rating system recognises that tier. The two hotels discussed here are rated 2–4 star equivalents.
Why is there no room number 420 in hotels?
Many hotels skip room 420 because the number has become associated with cannabis culture, and they want to avoid connotations that might encourage smoking. Neither resort in this article has publicly confirmed or denied skipping it.