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 modern high rises, here are my favorite spots in this funky city…
1. Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour
I personally think Instagrammers would really love this place! I found it was a very trendy spot with a sleek modern design, and a laid-back, urban-chic atmosphere that combined contemporary luxury with a relaxed Sydney vibe
There were funky colors, exposed brick and wood accents everywhere and I also found stylish rooftop pool and bar with awesome city skyline views! It felt trendy yet welcoming but I didn’t feel intimated at all!
My room had a a sleek, modern design with plush bedding, floor-to-ceiling windows, a spacious rainfall shower, smart TV, handy high-speed WiFi, and a cool looking Nespresso machine,
I found it nestled right in the heart of Sydney, just minutes from the waterfront, offering the perfect base for exploring top attractions like Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, and Chinatown, with easy access to lots of trendy dining, shopping, and nightlife.
My favourite highlights included the gym, pool, restaurant, and hip bar, where I sipped on their signature cocktails! However, I thought the Insta-worthy infinity rooftop pool, fun rooftop bar, and restaurant really gave it the wow-factor!
2. Hotel Palisade
I thought this place was just so chic! I loved how it was heritage-meets-modern design, with upscale boutique-style rooms and a vintage-chic charm.
I found decor which consisted of checkerboard flooring, curved brass walls, and plenty of retro but very tasteful industrial. There were also hints of a nautical theme but with a huge emphasis on style at the same time!
My bedroom was light, bright and decorated in muted nautical colors, heritage-style design touches with modern touches, and came complete with Sydney artist Neill Mallard’s seascape murals on the walls, a plush bed, vintage furnishings, bespoke artwork, a stylish ensuite bathroom, and very large windows showcasing awesome views of Sydney Harbour!
I loved its beautiful location in Millers Point, near The Rocks in Sydney, so I had easy access to Barangaroo, Circular Quay, and the Harbour Bridge and I made full use of the trendy rooftop bar, Henry Deane, which had panoramic Sydney Harbour views and tasty craft cocktails!
My favorite highlights…
- Checking out The Public House which was a fun historic pub which was part of the hotel and served up all sorts of craft beers. It was located lower levels of the building and I sipped on the fruity locally produced wine Cooter & Cooter Shiraz in the very relaxed atmosphere!
3. Ovolo Woolloomooloo
I thought this was such a funky place! With an eclectic style that fuses soft Nordic woods with harsh industrial fitments and mismatched furniture, to me, it felt both incredibly creative and stylish yet also comfortable!
I found it on the historic Finger Wharf housed in a stunning warehouse conversion hotel closely situated in the heart of the popular Sydney Harbor neighborhood.
I also found the playful theme continues into the bedroom with quirky lighting features and brightly colored walls. The staff also told me about the INXS suite where I could feel like a rockstars for the night as it came with its own free bar and vintage record player!
I really enjoyed hanging out at the Lo Lounge which offered an extensive booze list and light dishes and using the hotel’s Secret DJ app to control the music while I was dining! Loved this!
4. SKYE Suites
These suites have an award winning contemporary design! I thought they really had the wow-factor with luxury boutique-style hotel living and a very high-end residential feel and an ultra-modern design in their apartment-style suites! To me it felt like a sophisticated yet relaxing urban retreat!
I stayed in a spacious space with an apartment-style layout which had fully equipped kitchen, a plush king-size bed, a luxurious rainfall shower, smart technology, and floor-to-ceiling windows with superb city views!
I thought the location was also awesome, it was centrally based and I had very easy access to great dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. I also found a stunning infinity pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, heated spa, designer interiors.
5. Wildlife Retreat at Taronga
I thought this place was just so unique! It was a funky eco-retreat is based at a wildlife park where I found it very successfully blended a serene, eco-luxury vibe with both. modern comfort and lashings of nature – there aren’t many places where I woke up to the sounds of native wildlife each morning!
My guest room was warm, and had a nature-inspired design with sustainable materials, I also found a plush king bed, a sleek ensuite bathroom, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private balconies which had awesome Sydney Harbour views!
It was located with Taronga Wildlife Park in Mosman, perched on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, and I loved both the stunning views of the city skyline and the natural bushland setting complete with lots of super-cute native Australian wildlife!
I also enjoyed the exclusive, behind-the-scenes wildlife experiences and the gourmet dining at the onsite Me-Gal restaurant!
6. Crystalbrook Albion
This was a historically-inspired boutique luxury hotel! I found an elegant place with a design that mixed a classic style with contemporary comforts from the unique gothic brick-faced exterior and its adjacent extension to the rooftop terrace.
Inside I found high ceilings, lots of natural light, and intricate vintage-chic textiles which added to the timeless glamor and luxury. It was located in a 1903 heritage building in located in Surry Hills, which was a trendy inner-city neighborhood which was filled with great dining, boutique shopping, and an arty vibe which I loved, all within walking distance of Central Station and a short trip to the city’s major attractions.
My rooms was distinctive with a large comfortable beds, plush seating, patterned drapes, quirky artwork, tiles and wallpaper. I also loved hanging out at the rooftop terrace and garden while eating my breakfast breakfast and sipping on a craft cocktail.
My favorite highlights…
- The Honesty Bar at any time where I helped myself to drinks and snacks and just left my room number so they could be added to my final bill.
- Being nearby some of the city’s trendiest restaurants, Firedoor and Chin Chin!
7. QT Hotel
I thought this was one of the city’s quirkiest luxury hotels! I found an eclectic mix of interior styles, housed in an original 1920s building. There were colorful Art Deco touches mixed with over-the-top luxury styling and whimsical additions.
My guest room had lots of retro-chic furniture and textiles, sumptuous bedding and a bathroom decorated in slate, marble, and an oversized bathtub which I soaked in for hours. The lobby area was styled with a huge wall of vintage luggage, and the art installations in the on-site Parlour Lane Cafe really impressed me!
I dined at the Gowings Bar and Grill which had a creative menu and drank hand-crafted cocktails in the Gilt Lounge. I especially loved the boudoir-themed spa, the Turkish barber, and the onsite gym, as well as the fabulous QT Butler app that quickly attended to my needs (which I loved!). I also saw there was a Melbourne version too!
- To book, check prices or availability for QT Hotel
8. The Urban Newtown
I thought this place was a funky little gem! I thought it was edgy and experimental with an unusual “post-apocalyptic” theme and lots of interesting industrial-chic design details!
I found an central atrium which had graffiti-strewn walls and chains hanging from the ceiling, as well as cleverly placed battered guitars and drum kits – it’s such a interesting spot the staff told me it was often used for live music events!
My bedroom was loft-style and followed the industrial-chic theme with bold pops of colour. There were also a handy kitchenette, a clean bathroom and a well-stocked minibar.
I really liked its Newtown location too which was a hipster-friendly inner-city neighborhood where I found an eclectic mix of street art, live music venues, indie boutiques, and a large range of dining options. I found it was also only just a short walk from Newtown Station and a quick train ride to Sydney’s CBD.
industrial-chic accommodations with kitchenettes, a vibrant location steps from Newtown’s best bars and cafes, and a relaxed, creative atmosphere that reflects the area’s eclectic culture.
There was no bar or restaurant is on-site, but I could buy muffins and sandwiches at reception and there were lots of great bars and eateries very nearby!
My favorite highlights…
- I really liked the complimentary craft beer on arrival – it made me feel very welcome!
9. Old Clare Hotel
I thought this upscale was a gem! I found a large boutique hotel housed in a former brewery which combined heritage charm with modern luxury and hip, industrial-chic interiors. I saw high ceilings, exposed brick walls, retro-chic furnishings and bespoke pendant lighting. I also really liked its buzzy social atmosphere – it felt like a chic but laid-back urban retreat!
My guest room also followed the striking industrial-chic and heritage design and came with a plush king-size bed, a freestanding bathtub, a rainfall shower, a huge in-room bathtub, a Smart TV and minibar.
I also really liked its location in the Chippendale which was a vibrant creative precinct near Central Station so I had easy access to top dining, galleries, and nightlife.
Before I went I made sure I made use of the stunning rooftop pool which had superb city views, the trendy cocktail bar and heritage-meets-modern dining at the onsite restaurant!
10. The Albert Mosman
I loved this 19th century Victorian stately home turned into an exclusive boutique hotel! I really like how the design combined the best of the golden age of travel with contemporary comfort and style, with sumptuous carpets and wood floors, brass accents and hardwood mantelpieces.
My guest room had lots of luxury touches including a custom-made bed and linens, a minibar a Nespresso machine, and a private terrace and I enjoyed a chef-cooked breakfast every morning.
I really loved the stunning rooftop terrace where I sat and relaxed and gazed the city views, as well as its cozy guest lounge, personalized service, and excellent location.
I found it was located in Mosman, a leafy, upscale harborside suburb with had boutique shopping, café culture, and close to Balmoral Beach.
My personal highlights…
- Being located near the trendy and popular restaurants Bathers Pavilion, Ormeggio at The Spit, Chiosco, and Public Dining!
I thought this was a classy, classical boutique beach hotel! I really liked its New England-type vibe which I thought had the feel of an upmarket beach club with funky pastel shades and retro-chic furniture!
My bedroom was beautiful and light with fresh white cotton sheets, lots of nautical touches, while the bathrooms are modern and contemporary.
I discovered it was located in Watsons Bay, a picturesque harborside suburb which had direct beach access, stunning Sydney Harbour views, and a relaxed coastal vibe just a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay.
I loved gazing at the coastal views while sipping a Mojito at the Beach Club Bar and dining on a plant burger at the lively Sunset Rooms and gorging on a veggie pasta in its beach-themed restaurant.
12. General Gordon Hotel
My guest room had a sleek, modern design with a neutral color palette, a plush king-size bed, contemporary furnishings, a stylish ensuite bathroom with a rainfall shower, a Smart TV, and minimalist decor.
Here, I was based in located in Sydenham, which was a convenient Inner West location just steps from Sydenham Station, so I had quick access to the city city while being close to trendy cafes, bars, and awesome cultural spots.
I also really enjoyed the onsite gastropub which served up craft beers and elevated pub dining, and stylish beer garden.
13. The Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo
This funky spot housed in a former 19th-century wool store really stood out to me! I found a place which mixed heritage industrial charm with modern boutique luxury, featuring exposed brick walls, high ceilings, colorful contemporary art, stylish rooms, and a lively social atmosphere! I really liked its playful, artistic energy too!
My room featured a striking industrial-chic design with exposed brick walls, large murals, pops of color throughout, high ceilings, a plush king queen bed, sleek ensuite bathroom, a rainfall shower, a Smart TV, and complimentary minibar treats too!
Located in Pyrmont I really liked that I only had a short walk to Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, and the ICC, and easy access to top dining, shopping, and waterfront attractions.
I also wandered around and found a stylish lounge bar, modern industrial-chic interiors, friendly staff and a free self-service laundry.
- To book, check prices or availability for Ovolo 1888
14. West Hotel
I really liked that this hotel had a mix of cutting-edge design and classic comfort! I saw that the bold geometric design of the façade was continued in the interiors. I saw botanical motifs, lashings of wood and a plant-filled open-air jungle atrium.
My room had a comfortable bed, a coffee maker, Bluetooth speakers, plush chairs in bold textiles and I loved the complimentary breakfast bar and the mini-bar which was restocked daily.
I found it had a great location near the famous Sydney Harbor and the bustle of the Barangaroo district I was in walking distance of the iconic Sydney Opera House, Wynyard Station, ICC Sydney, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
The 24-hour gym is full of natural light and I really liked that it was equipped with the latest strength and cardio equipment. I finished my stay dining at the onsite Solander restaurant and bar which had a menu of regional and seasonal ingredients, as well as botanical-inspired cocktails, boutique spirits, wines, and craft beers!
- To book, check prices or availability for West Hotel
15. QT Bondi
I thought this was a really creative spot! I found it combined boutique luxury with Bondi’s iconic beach culture, and featured bold, artistic interiors! I really liked its trendy, laid-back, and effortlessly cool vibe too!
My guest room was spacious, with a light-filled layout and contemporary furnishings, a plush king-size bed, a sleek bathroom with a rainfall shower and floor-to-ceiling windows with superb Bondi Beach views! I also found a microwave, air-con, satellite TV, coffee machine, a mini-bar and funky original art!
I also discovered the complimentary QT bikes which enabled me to explore the coastal cycling paths, access to a nearby premium fitness center, and an unbeatable location so I was just steps from Bondi Beach’s buzzing cafes, markets, and surf scene!
- To book, check prices or availability for QT Bondi
