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This part of town is slowly but surely getting a bit of a clean-up and nowhere embodies this better than the Pensione Hotel - a tasteful reworking of a stately George St building - and with prices guaranteed to make it popular.

You'll find it next to St Peter Julian's church, so at least you'll know the neighbours are quiet. Mind you, George St is one of the city's busiest thoroughfares, meaning that if you get a room at the front of the building you'll bear the brunt of it (although you'll also get natural light through the windows). Smart, neutral-shaded rooms have air-con, TV and fridge, although standard rooms don't have tea or coffee-making facilities. Security is good and service is friendly - there's a lounge on the Sussex St side of the property that has lockers, so you can store your luggage or valuables safely. Make note of the building's grand main staircase - a carved wooden affair that contrasts nicely with its simple, restrained surrounds

This is a quiet, reasonably run hotel with old-fashioned flourishes throughout and cosy, comfortable rooms in a lovely pair of sensitively renovated Victorian houses. It's one of the most attractive heritage buildings on this street (built in 1881) and has three room types - standard, superior and deluxe.

Skirting boards and corners display evidence of mild wear and tear, and the naff collection of straw hats and bonnets at the entrance place it firmly in 'travelling spinster' territory, but we're still impressed by the standard of the rooms in the original buildings and the rare sense of posh in this backpacker-laden strip. There's a very pleasant, leafy courtyard, and one minuscule budget room without bathroom. Reservations are advised, and don't expect to get much joy if you're looking for a place to park your car. Instead, don't bring one at all, as this place enjoys a great central location for both city and eastern beaches sightseeing schedules

The Mariners Court is a tucked-away treasure that offers great value for money and welcoming service. It won't be the flashest place you'll stay in Sydney, but it certainly offers a rare combination of location, price and extra features (including air-conditioning) that have ensured its popularity with many regulars, including members of the odd touring orchestra or two.

All the rooms (there are 40 over three floors) here have courtyards or balconies and there are some nice leafy outlooks available. The main colour-scheme consists of blue and cream in a nod to the building's maritime connections (it was the Sydney Sailors' Home at one point), and while some corridors can recall hospital wards, it pays to recast them in a cruise-ship light - they're wide, spartan and shipshape. Laundry facilities are available, as is a big bathtub if you can't face another shower. The BBQ area and pool table offer good opportunities to get to know other guests.