New to Sydney

Sydney's New Hotels with Design-forward Interiors

COMPILED BY Danielle Weakley PHOTOS Anson Smart (Ace Hotel), Supplied


Sydney’s hotel scene is seeing an influx of cool new arrivals. Say hello to our beach city favourites.

Ace Hotel

Ridiculously cool, this hotel taps groovily into its Australian heritage, from the dusty desert-red tones of the sweeping marble staircase taking pride of place in the lobby, to the ’70s-era scorched-orange-and-tan sunken lounge and abundant greenery. Its location has historical significance – it was the site of the country’s first kiln before becoming the factory and store of an old-school chemist. The restaurants all play with this past: fine-dining Kiln has opened on the hotel’s rooftop, 18 storeys above the Surry Hills view, while Good Chemistry is the all-day bar and café. Ace Hotels might be known for their conversation-starting public areas, but the rooms here provide even more to talk about, with individual vinyl collections, guitars and curated playlists. | @acehotelsydney


W Sydney

Sydney’s Darling Harbour precinct is undergoing a transformation, thanks in no small part to the sinuous lines of the W Sydney, scheduled to open next year. The dramatic curves of the exterior are impossible to miss, and the edgy, asymmetrical design aesthetic – evident in W hotels around the world – is echoed throughout the sprawling property. Inside, no two rooms will be the same, but all will embrace a palette inspired by the ocean than ribbons alongside the hotel, with striking azure bathrooms, and walk-in wardrobes punched in marine colours and inflorescence. The restaurants will offer a more urban experience with a concrete design and street-art installations – but it’s the two-storey rooftop bar and heated infinity pool, soaring above the glittering lights of the harbour, that are likely to become the ultimate drawcard. | @whotels


Aiden Darling Harbour

This 1930s Art Deco building, originally a grain-storage facility, also used to serve as the HQ of kitchen-appliance giant Breville. Today it retains aspects of its past, but gives a nod to present-day Australian artistry by incorporating local landscape works throughout. Most jaw-dropping is the 25-metre-high wall mural depicting local flora, painted by artist-in-residence Jess Le Clerc; and the 200-piece arboreal sculptural light feature above the lobby bar, which emulates the effect of dappled light shining through eucalyptus leaves. Every touch, down to the hand-etched room numbers, is inspired by both art and nature. Aiden Darling Harbour supports the local community in other ways too – the chocolate-chip cookies found in the rooms and the craft beer served at the bar, for example, are made by artisans who operate in the immediate vicinity. | @aidendarlingharbour


Kimpton Margot Sydney

If you love art, this is where you’ll want to hole up (possibly never leaving). The heritage-listed building that’s home to Kimpton Margot Sydney also houses a collection of more than 600 Australian and international artworks that reflect the Art Deco and Bauhaus movements. The lobby is a breath-taking, Scagliola-pillared space that evokes the artistry of the 1930s, offset by an installation by Australian sculptor Tony Twigg. This hotel brand loves socialising – as a result, the cocktail bar is a study in vintage charm and serves a mean white negroni, while in the restaurant kitchen, celebrity chef Luke Mangan dishes up modern Australian fare. As elsewhere in the world, Social Hour at Kimpton is a daily affair, with complimentary signature drinks served between 5pm and 6pm. | @kimptonmargotsydney


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