Luxury Travel

Top 15 Cool And Unique Hotels In Sydney

Top 15 Cool And Unique Hotels In Sydney


8. The Urban Newtown

The Urban Newtown Reception

The Urban Newtown Guest Room

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 local craft beer “Newtowner” by Young Henrys which the reception staff gave to me on arrival – it made me feel very welcome!

9. Old Clare Hotel 

Old Clare Hotel Swimming Pool

Old Clare Hotel Guest Room

Old Clare Hotel Bedroom

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, bespoke pendant lighting, poetic photographs of the hotel during its construction, and even industrial desk lamps made from car jacks! 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!

My highlights… 

  • Sipping on a superb Expresso Martini made with Ketel One Vodka in the onsite vintage-chic Clare Bar.

10. The Albert Mosman

The Albert Mosman

The Albert Mosman Guest Room

The Albert Mosman Terrace

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 very near the uber-trendy restaurants Bathers Pavilion, Ormeggio at The Spit, Chiosco, and Public Dining!

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel Suite

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel Bar

My photo of Sydney City views taken in spring 2025
From my Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel I took a ferry back into the city and visiting a friend’s North Sydney balcony — from up there, the views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and CBD skyline were stunning!

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.

My personal highlights… 

  • Dining on their divine toasted banana bread and pepe saya vegan butter each morning in their Beach Club Bar.

12. General Gordon Hotel

General Gordon Hotel Dining Room

General Gordon Hotel I was completely won over by this hotel! I thought it was a intriguing mix of modern-meets-heritage decor, I found decor that blended classic pub charm with a contemporary design, including exposed brick walls, warm timber accents, stylish pendant lighting, and sleek marble bar tops. 

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.

My favorite highlights… 

  • Dining on a spicy chickpea and vegetable tagine straight and freshly baked flatbread straight from their wood-fired oven.

13. The Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo 

The Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo Guest Room

The Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo Lobby

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, an Apple iPad 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

My personal highlights… 

  • Dining in their stylish on-site tapas restaurant Percy – I opted for the delicious Berenjenas con Miel (deep fried slices of eggplant) which came drizzled in molasses.

14. West Hotel 

West Hotel Sydney

West Hotel Bar

West Hotel Guest Room

My photo of Circular Quay which was near my stay at West Hotel
My photo of the buzzy Circular Quay which was just a short stroll from my base at 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

My highlights… 

  • Dining on truffle fries washed down with a fragrant Hibiscus Margarita in their onsite trendy Solander Dining and Bar.

15. QT Bondi 

QT Bondi Lobby

QT Bondi Guest Room

My photo of Bondi Beach - it was just steps from QT Bondi taken in spring 2025
My photo of Bondi Beach – it was just steps from where I was staying in 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! 



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