With an ever-growing fondness to stand out from the crowd, Sydney is home to a collection of amazingly creative places to stay. From boutiques to high rises, here are my favorite spots in this funky city…
1. Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour
In my opinion, this is a seriously stunning contemporary hotel, and I think Instagrammers would especially love it!
I also love that it’s based near the wonders of Sydney City but not too far from the seafront, shops and restaurants on Darling Harbour. The interiors also have the wow factor with exposed brick and wood lashings.
My favourite highlights included the gym, pool, restaurant, and hip bar, where I highly recommend their signature cocktails! However, the photogenic infinity rooftop pool, fun rooftop bar, and restaurant really made it a stand-out choice.
- To book, check prices or availability for Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour
2. Hotel Palisade
Situated in historic Miller’s Point, just beneath the Sydney Harbor Bridge, this thoughtfully restored harbour building now offers seriously stunning accommodation. I thought it was wow-inducing!
I thought the checkerboard flooring, curved brass walls, and plenty of vintage industrial touches were tasteful. I was also a big fan of the building’s adherence to its seafaring roots while still offering sublime comfort and effortless style.
My bedrooms were bright, airy, and dressed in nautical colors with Sydney artist Neill Mallard’s seascape murals on the walls.
The Public House is lively and popular, and I highly recommend sipping craft beers and oysters while taking in the incredible waterfront views!
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Palisade
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3. Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Situated on the historic Finger Wharf, this is a stunning warehouse conversion hotel closely situated in the heart of the popular Sydney Harbor neighborhood.
With an eclectic style that fuses soft Nordic woods with harsh industrial fitments and mismatched furniture, it is incredibly stylish yet comfortable.
The playful theme continues into the bedrooms with quirky lighting and brightly colored walls. Alternatively, guests can choose to feel like rockstars for the night and book into the INXS suite, complete with its own free bar and vintage record player (which I’d highly recommend if I could afford it)!
The Lo Lounge offers an extensive booze list and light dishes. I suggest using the hotel’s Secret DJ app to control the music while dining. Nice!
- To book, check prices or availability for Ovolo Woolloomooloo
4. SKYE Suites
SKYE Suites Sydney prides itself on its unique architecture and elegant atmosphere. To be honest, in my opinion, the award-winning architecture of Koichi Takada does stand out, and it has made a permanent mark on the Sydney Skyline.
They showcase inviting minimalist and modern interiors without missing out on all the luxuries of your usual five-star hotel.
I suggest taking in the gorgeous views overlooking the city below and enjoying the contemporary-designed indoor swimming pool, spa, gym, culinary heights, and regular on-site events.
- To book, check prices or availability for SKYE Suites
5. Wildlife Retreat at Taronga
Hasn’t everyone wanted to spend a night in the jungle? I know I have! At this charming eco-retreat, you’re surrounded by nature and wildlife but within view of Sydney Harbor and its iconic bridge and Opera House.
The open, airy rooms with natural decor have views of the surrounding Australian brushland, the harbour, or the animals.
For example, you can wake up to a pair of koalas climbing the tree outside your window to get a better look at you. Plus, you get a complimentary Sanctuary tour and a buffet breakfast.
I would also highly recommend dining at the Me-Gal restaurant on-site, which serves Australian menus with fresh local produce!
- To book, check prices or availability for Wildlife Retreat at Taronga
6. Crystalbrook Albion
This boutique luxury hotel, with just 35 rooms, is located in a 1903 heritage building in the Surry Hills neighborhood of Sydney.
The design mixes classic style with contemporary comfort from the gothic brick-faced exterior and its adjacent extension to the rooftop terrace. High ceilings, lots of natural light, and intricate fabrics and details, in my opinion, all add to the timeless glamor and luxury.
The rooms are unique, with super comfortable beds, plush seats, patterned drapes, quirky artwork, tiles and wallpaper. The rooftop terrace and garden are great places to have breakfast or a drink and have a fantastic city view.
Guests can help themselves to the top-shelf drinks and snacks at the Honor Bar at any time. They just need to leave their room number for the selections to be added to the bill. Some of the city’s best restaurants, like Firedoor and Chin Chin, are nearby, as are many more bars, cafes, and restaurants.
- To book, check prices or availability for Crystalbrook Albion
7. QT Hotel
Offering an eclectic mix of interior styles, the 5-star abode is one of the city’s quirkiest hotels in the heart of the city’s central shopping areas.
Housed in an original 1920s building are Art Deco touches mixed with over-the-top luxury styling and whimsical additions, making the QT a fabulous place to stay.
Bedrooms offer unusual furniture and sumptuous bedding, while bathrooms are resplendent with slate, marble, and oversized bathtubs. The lobby area will make you catch your breath with a massive wall of vintage luggage, and the art installations in the on-site Parlour Lane Cafe are epic.
Guests can dine at the Gowings Bar and Grill, with its ambitious menu, or take a drink in the Gilt Lounge. There is also a boudoir-themed spa, a Turkish barber, and a gym, as well as the fabulous addition of the QT Butler app that will attend to your every need (which I loved!). There’s also a swish Melbourne version too!
- To book, check prices or availability for QT Hotel
8. The Urban Newtown
Edgy and experimental, this funky abode is located in the hip and happening bohemian suburb of Newtown, which is still within easy reach of the city’s main attraction.
Describing itself as “post-apocalyptic” in style, the central atrium offers graffiti walls and chains hanging from the ceiling, as well as cleverly placed battered guitars and drum kits. The space itself is often used for live music events.
The bedrooms at this stylishly quirky Sydney abode are softer, with industrial designer touches and bold pops of colour. There are also kitchenettes and squeaky-clean bathrooms.
No bar or restaurant is on-site, but the in-room minibars are well-stocked. The reception area offers muffins and sandwiches, although the surrounding streets have plenty of great bars and eateries for you to explore, too.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Urban Hotel Newtown
9. Old Clare Hotel
In the up-and-coming area of Chippendale, the 5-star haunt is slap bang in the middle of this emerging creative hub, full of old industrial buildings that are being brought back to their former glory.
The hotel was once the headquarters of a brewing company and has been renovated to provide outstanding accommodation. Think exposed walls, high ceilings, and bespoke pendant lighting, and you get the idea.
The bedrooms are eclectic, with plenty of repurposed furniture and uber-chic, huge in-room bathtubs and impressive showers.
Guests can dine at Automata, Silvereye or Jason Atherton’s Kensington St Social or enjoy drinks on the rooftop bar or The Clare Bar in the lobby.
- To book, check prices or availability for Old Clare Hotel
10. The Albert Mosman
A nineteenth-century Victorian stately home turned into an exclusive boutique hotel; The Albert is located in the harborside suburb of Mosman. Nearby are boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and beaches. The hotel is also close to ferry terminals.
The design combines the best of the golden age of travel with contemporary comfort and style, with sumptuous carpets and wood floors, brass accents, hardwood mantelpieces and plush headrests.
Luxury touches include custom-made beds and linens, a minibar and Nespresso machines, and a chef-cooked breakfast every morning. Some rooms and suites have private terraces and balconies, and there is a rooftop terrace where drinks and food are served in the evenings.
You’ll find a fantastic range of dining choices nearby, including famous restaurants like Bathers Pavilion, Ormeggio at The Spit, Chiosco, and Public Dining.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Albert Mosman
11. Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Offering chic accommodation in a more tranquil setting on the foreshores of Sydney Harbour, the boutique hotel is a classy, classical boutique beach hotel.
With a New England-type vibe, the fun and funky Sydney hotel has the feel of an upmarket beach club and is perfect for those looking to stay just outside the hustle and bustle of the busy city streets.
The bedrooms are beautifully appointed, with fresh white cotton sheets and plenty of nautical touches, while the bathrooms are modern and contemporary.
The Beach Club Bar is the perfect place to enjoy the views while sipping a Mojito, while the Sunset Rooms serves up burgers and Italian food in its beach-themed restaurant.
- To book, check prices or availability for Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
12. General Gordon Hotel
If you’re looking for a quiet and comfy hotel that’s within easy reach of all Sydney attractions, then I personally think General Gordon in Sydenham is a good choice!
Situated just across the road from the train station and above the pub of the same name, this small boutique hotel with just eight rooms is within five miles of the International Convention Centre Sydney, the Star Event Centre, the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and Circular Quay.
The rooms are little oases of luxury with a mixture of neutrals and muted plush jewel tones, free WiFi, LED TVs and a minibar. Some rooms have balcony access as well. You can head to the pub for a convivial evening or have the same delicious food delivered to your room.
- To book, check prices or availability for The General Gordon
13. The Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo
Housed in a converted wool store, the 4-star hotel offers uber-trendy interiors and first-class service. It is close to bars, shops, and attractions in Darling Harbor.
Complimentary minibars, evening drinks, and goodie bags are designed to get guests socialising, and the hip Sydney hotel aims to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
The bedrooms offer the kind of industrial styling that befits the building but are broken up with huge oversized murals and pops of color throughout.
The bathrooms are small but achingly cool. The onsite restaurant offers a complimentary happy hour daily and serves a selection of well-executed hot food and nibbles.
- To book, check prices or availability for Ovolo 1888
14. West Hotel
With a great location near the famous Sydney Harbor and the bustle of the Barangaroo district, West Hotel Sydney offers cutting-edge design and classic comfort.
The iconic Sydney Opera House, Wynyard Station, ICC Sydney, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales are just steps away.
The bold geometric design of the façade, evoking gemstones, is continued in the interiors, balanced with botanical motifs and a plant-filled open-air jungle atrium that invites relaxation. The rooms and suites have comfortable beds, coffee makers, and seamless Bluetooth speakers.
Plush chairs in jewel colors echo the design theme. Some rooms and suites offer a complimentary breakfast bar and mini-bar restocked daily.
The 24-hour gym is full of natural light and equipped with the latest strength and cardio equipment. The Solander restaurant and bar offer a menu with regional and seasonal ingredients, botanical-inspired cocktails, boutique spirits, wines, and craft beers.
- To book, check prices or availability for West Hotel
15. QT Bondi
For beachgoers and anyone looking for a sea breeze in Sydney, I personally think QT Bondi is a great choice for creative boutique-style accommodation! Bondi is a famously lively area that is also home to the world-famous beach!
This fun beachside hotel offers a luxury elevated pad next to one of the world’s most beloved beaches. My room had sea views, a trendy vibe, vibrant decor and floor-to-ceiling windows.
It has handy amenities like a microwave, air-con, satellite TV, coffee machine, and mini-bar! There was also an onsite fitness centre and lashings of funky original art!
- To book, check prices or availability for QT Bondi
