The Macleay Hotel prides itself on its eco-friendly credentials. It uses low energy lighting and appliances throughout the hotel, and has sensor lighting in the car park plus a strict recycling policy. The lobby is light, bright, and modern. There are stylish contemporary sofas, two computer stations, a stand of tourist information leaflets, and a wooden reception desk with hidden spotlights. The vibe here is best for independent travelers who are looking for a solid place to rest, as there aren't many places for guests to mingle and gather. There is no indoor lounge area, so when guests aren't out and about in the city, they tend to gather around the outdoor pool. The hotel has a quiet atmosphere, and guests here predominantly couples and families. 

The hotel is located halfway up a hill in the leafy and up-and-coming Potts Point neighborhood, in between famous Kings Cross and the harbor. It’s quickly becoming a popular destination for food lovers as some of Sydney's best restaurants including Fratelli Paradsio, Sardine Room, Fei Jei, Cho Cho San, and Apollo call Potts Point home. Many of these are within a two-minute walk of the hotel. The hotel is also a five-minute walk from beautiful Woolloomooloo Bay, and 15-minute walk from the Royal Botanic Gardens. The main tourist sights like the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the bars and restaurants of The Rocks aren't within walking distance. Drives to those destinations will take five to 15-minutes to reach by taxi depending on traffic. Kings Cross station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and Sydney International Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

Rooms at the Macleay Hotel used to be serviced apartments, so they are spacious and each have a kitchenette with a microwave, fridge, and appropriate cookware. Decor is kept light, with off-white walls and burnt orange details in the soft furnishings, though the look can be spartan overall. Gray industrial carpeting and white or light wood veneer furniture with simple lines complete the look in most rooms, though some units have sharp parquet floors. Rooms are available in Studio, Twin Studio, Triple Studio, or Two-Bedroom Apartment configurations. The triple rooms have either a queen-size bed and a single bed, or two double beds, making them suitable for families. Guests have a choice of harbor or city views, and the Sydney Opera House can be seen in the distance from some rooms. Features include air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, iPod dock, coffee and tea making facilities, a minibar, free Wi-Fi, and a work desk. Some have a private balcony. Tile bathrooms are a bit outdated, with walk-in showers and pedestal sinks. Toiletries are provided.

The hotel has a Chinese restaurant on-site, Billy Kwongs, which is open for dinner daily. Breakfast is available on site for an additional fee, and guests can order room service from the cafe across the road for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Meals at the cafe are also chargeable to guest rooms. There’s a rooftop pool, which is small, but has a pretty terrace and fantastic views of the harbor and the famous opera house. There are also picnic benches and barbecue grills for guests to use. Those staying at the hotel are entitled to free use of a fitness center which is five minutes up the road. It’s a stylish gym which has an enormous weight room and a timetable of workout classes from gentle yoga to bootcamp-style workouts. There are laundry rooms on each floor of the hotel, a computer station, and free newspapers are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout, although some complain that it can be difficult to connect.