Room at Simpson's Hotel in mirror, Potts Point
It has only 14 rooms, so you have to book well in advance to ensure you secure a position in the heart of Darlinghurst's cafe strip. Far removed from the hustle and bustle outside, the interiors here are clean and serene, with exposed sandstone and timber furniture. Historians with an interest in Sydney nightlife might already know that the Georgian building was once home to the Cauldron Nightclub.
Speaking of nightlife from a bygone era, the art deco building that was turned into Quest Potts Point (formerly The Storrier ... a spiffy number that features art by Australian landscape supremo Tim Storrier), was once home to the Manzil Room, a dive bar/live music venue. How times change. Not a whiff of beer-soaked carpet anymore — just pretty rooms decked out in chic black and white with highlights of cappuccino. The roof terrace is brilliant for a sunset pre-prandial tipple.
The newest of Eight Hotel's Sydney digs (it's also in charge of the Altamont) is pretty spesh. Hidden behind the iconic Coca-Cola sign in the Cross, it's a calm and sexy retreat from the 24-hour action in the surrounding streets. Massive, comfy beds, huge tellies and decent-sized rooms come with the one thing you won't find in most other hotels: windows that open. Yes, it's a little thing but a great antidote to air-conditioning ODs.
This newcomer is the first newly built five-star property to hit the city since the Olympics. The interiors are super-stylish and the rooms beyond comfortable, with many boasting views back to the city. This is a great place to stay if you have kids, with the
Aquatic Centre, cycling tracks and
Olympic Park all within walking distance.
There aren't too many chic options right near the beach, but this cute, modern and friendly hotel is directly across the road from Coogee's stretch of sand. Three of its 16 rooms — numbers 1, 2 and 19 — even have ocean views to go with the blue mosaic bathrooms and minimalist interiors. Each morning breakfast is served in the sunny garden.
Once part of the W chain, not a whole lot has changed since Taj Hotels took over in 2006. While the loft rooms have every comfort and modern convenience you could need, it is the location — inside a historic Finger wharf — that gives this hotel its special charm. The Water Bar, located above the foyer, is one of the most beautiful places in Sydney for cocktails.
Low-key and utterly fabulous, the 31 rooms here are split into two styles, with light and dark colour schemes. For my money, you can't go past the "dark" rooms with their fuchsia highlights. If privacy is key, you'll love the hidden side entrance away from the bustle of the rest of the complex, which includes the excellent restaurant, est.
I can see why stars such as Terence Stamp would choose to stay here. Apart from the location across the road from Bondi Beach, the 12 rooms are classy and understated. Only the deluxe split-level suite has front-on views of the beach, but all offer at least glimpses of the ocean. The Drift balcony bar was renovated recently and is a top spot for sunset gazing with a few drinks.
Experience some peace and quiet and overlook the harbour from what was once Sydney's quarantine station from the 1830s to 1984. Now under the control of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, some of the buildings at Manly's North Head have been transformed into contemporary accommodation options. There are rooms that overlook the water or the gardens, as well as cottages that house up to six guests if you're with a crowd.
It's all colour at this evergreen boutique hotel in the thick of Darlinghurst's cafe scene. The 18 rooms, designed by Scott Weston, in a converted early 1900s mansion all have an individual feel and grand proportions. The owners have recently added a one-bedroom apartment to the hotel that's perfect for longer stays.
How would you rate these hotels? Know any other places to stay? Have your say using the comments form below.
By Sydney Insider, Carrie Hutchinson
