Structural characterization of a hydrogen sulfate complex with a tren-based urea suggests that the anion is coordinated with six NH⋯O bonds (d_N⋯_O = 2.857 (3) to 3.092 (3) Å) and one OH⋯O bond (d_O⋯_O = 2.57 (2) Å) from three receptors; however, in solution the anion is bound within the pseudo-cavity of one receptor.