If Australian cities were people, then Sydney is the party-goer. The good-looking, effortlessly edgy, achingly cool, up-for-anything friend who always knows the best places to go. There’s a kind of “eternal-Friday-evening” energy that simmers through the city. It’s something difficult to describe to people who haven’t had the chance to visit. New South Wales’ capital is home to multi-cultural dining experiences, innovative architectural design and a newly established fashion scene to rival the Europeans. A character as sparklingly enigmatic as its skyline.
Sydney may well be one of your main reasons for visiting Australia in the first place. The list of things to do here is endless and – although you’ll be tempted not to sleep at all – you’ll need somewhere to rest up. Well, luckily for you, Sydney does everything in style. Its chic hotel offering really hits the mark when it comes to that signature fusion of laid-back unpretentiousness and careful attention to detail. You’re at risk of being spoilt for choice here. So, to help you out (because what else are we here for?), we’ve put together a quick guide to the best of Sydney’s boutique stays.
The Darling
Image via The Darling
A short ten-minute stroll from the central business district, this is Sydney’s first and only luxury hotel to receive the incredibly coveted Forbes five-star rating. The hotel can be found inside The Star at Pyrmont. Relax with a spa treatment and get a good night’s rest in one of the Darling Rooms, Jewel, Adored or Stellar Suites or Penthouses. All of them with floor to ceiling views out over the city and harbour. The Star is also home to the award-winning Momofuku Seibo, David Chang’s first restaurant outside of New York. With a lively atmosphere and an 11-course inspired by global fusion, you won’t miss dinner here. Oh, and there’s also a casino… The perfect pick if you’re looking for after-dark entertainment, glitz and glamour and breathtakingly beautiful views.
Establishment Hotel
Image via Establishment Hotel
Tucked away down a discreet little alley, the idea with the Establishment is a kind of “all under one roof” style experience. You’ve got bars, restaurants and a downstairs nightclub. There’s a sushi restaurant, a Cantonese and a 1920s-style speakeasy. The vibe is hedonistic and the interior design has a sultry, urban kind of vibe with ultra-contemporary loft-style bedrooms. The hotel’s Garden serves what is widely agreed to be one of the best gin cocktails you can get. You can also get an amazing breakfast here. With or without gin cocktail, we’ll let you choose…
Woolloomooloo Ovolo
Image via Woolloomooloo Ovolo
A renovated space in the historic Finger Wharf, just a short walk through the Botanic Gardens from the Sydney Bridge and Opera House. The best thing about the hotel if the location wasn’t enough? These guys are fun. They’re playful and they’re light hearted, but one thing they do take seriously is your comfort. You won’t be disappointed. High ceilings and exposed beams hint at the building’s industrial heritage and the design aesthetic is vintage-inspired with little touches like a pool table and old-school video games. Our recommendation when it comes to your choice of room is the UltraRoo. A split-level space with views over the wharf and a round cocktail bar in the middle of the room. Heritage meets modernity in a cheerful setting.
Spicers, Potts Point
Image via Spicers
If you’re looking for something set just a little aside from the hustle and bustle, you’ll opt to stay in the chic harbourside neighbourhood of Potts Point. The newly refurbished Spicers is an 1880s Victoria terrace house style renovation. Its charming façade is set off by a muted colour palette and wooden floorboards inside. Our choice would be the Victoria Terrace suite – a room with a delightful private terrace overlooking Victoria Street. Spicers has a peaceful feel: the perfect place to rest your tired little toes and take a quick break from the party.
Harbour Rocks Hotel
Located in “The Rocks”, you’ll choose this hotel if you want to keep yourself firmly planted in the beating heart of Sydney. If there’s one thing that this city does really well, it’s reviving history with tasteful renovations. Harbour Rocks sits on the site of Sydney’s first hospital. The pared back interiors, with the buildings original sandstone and beams, ooze contemporary cool. Lots of low lighting, cosy hideaways and friendly service will set you up for an intimate-feeling experience and a superb stay.
Your South Pacific journey has to be something special. This sparkling, iconic city has the power to make your Australian adventure life changing. Get in touch here to start making plans.
