With an ever-growing fondness to stand out from the crowd, funky capital of New South Wales is home to a collection of amazingly creative places to stay. From boutiques to modern high rises, and having traveled here often, these are the places I loved best in the funky city…
1. Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour
I found Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour was a trendy and Insta-worthy spot with a sleek modern design, and a laid-back, urban-chic atmosphere that didn’t feel intimidating at all. Inside I found funky colors, exposed brick and wood accents everywhere and I also found stylish infinity rooftop pool and bar with skyline views that made it feel very “Sydney” in the best way!
My double room had a tasteful contemporary with plush bedding, floor-to-ceiling windows, a smart TV, fast WiFi, and a sleek black Nespresso machine. I squeezed in a session in the high-tech gym, tucked into the charred miso eggplant at The Sussex Store, then headed up to Above 319 for a lemon-myrtle + finger-lime spritz on the rooftop. When I stepped outside I was in the thick of the city — the buzzy waterfront was just minutes away!
- ️ To book, check prices or availability for Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour
My personal highlights…
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I was obsessed with the boutique-spa bathroom look — PARISI fixtures, grey tiles, a curved rainfall shower, and subtle brass accents!
2. Hotel Palisade
The design at Hotel Palisade was a heritage-meets-modern design complete with upscale boutique-style rooms and a vintage-chic charm – there was checkerboard flooring, curved brass walls, and tasteful hints of a nautical theme!
My Queen Suite was light and bright, decorated in tasteful nautical tones (the three little flying ducks on the wall were a cute touch!) with a beautiful seascape mural by Sydney artist Neill Mallard, and it even had a cozy balcony where I soaked up the breathtaking Sydney Harbour views. I sipped Saltbush Margaritas at the chic rooftop bar, Henry Deane, and loved how it sat in leafy Millers Point, just moments from the character-filled lanes of The Rocks!
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Palisade
My favorite highlights…
- The fun historic pub located in the hotel basement which served up all sorts of craft beers – I especially loved the fruity locally-produced wine Cooter & Cooter Shiraz!
3. Ovolo Woolloomooloo
I thought this was such a funky place. The eclectic design mixed soft Nordic woods with industrial accents and mismatched furniture, creating a space that felt creative, stylish, and surprisingly comfortable. I also found the playful theme continued into my very spacious Deluxaroo – Double Double and featured industrial style lighting and walls, a giant fish mural headboard, two very comfortable beds and quirky art prints.
I hung out in the Lo Lounge, ordered the charred zucchini with lemon ricotta and toasted pine nuts and sipped on a Blood Orange Negroni, and I had way too much fun using the hotel’s Secret DJ app to control the music, all right in the heart of an iconic Sydney Harbour location!
- To book, check prices or availability for Ovolo Woolloomooloo
My personal highlights…
- I loved the little details too — the Leif botanical toiletries (hello lemon myrtle!) gave my guest bathroom that fresh, boutique-Australian feel!
4. SKYE Suites
The apartment-style suites were ultra-modern and impeccably designed, with a boutique-luxe feel that made the whole place feel like a calm, sophisticated urban retreat with marble accents, curved lines, and soft lighting.
My Deluxe Studio Suite was a large contemporary apartment suite in grey and neutrals with a fully equipped kitchen, a luxury king-size bed, a neat little dining area and a balcony which I sat people-watching down on the busy Central Business District below. Before I left, I used the stunning indoor infinity pool, state-of-the-art gym and indulged in a warm jade stone massage at the nearby endota spa Barangaroo.
- To book, check prices or availability for SKYE Suites
My personal highlights…
- Being located right next to the Skittle Lane precinct where I could pick up a potent Ethiopian Gora Kone Espresso from the awesome Skittle Lane Gourment Coffee Shop each morning!
5. Wildlife Retreat at Taronga
I found this place to be genuinely unique — a funky eco-retreat inside a wildlife park, where eco-luxury meets actual nature (I woke up to native birds every morning!). My Bushland View Room was Insta-worthy with a tasteful nature-inspired design, sustainable materials, an aboriginal art wall mural and an oak-veneer lined spa-like bathroom.
It was a huge joy waking up to my balcony views of the eucalyptus-filled bush and animal sanctuary areas complete with passing wallabies and bush turkeys! I also went for quiet after-hours sanctuary walks and tucked into avo on toasted sourdough up on the treetop terrace, where kookaburras swooped past as I sipped on my oat-milk matcha latte!
- To book, check prices or availability for Wildlife Retreat at Taronga
My personal highlights…
- Dining at the Megal-mosman restaurant which was housed in a striking architecturally-designed building made of glass and wood – I especially loved their artisan made Sonoma Bakery Mission sourdough with whipped wattle seeds!
6. Crystalbrook Albion
This was a boutique beauty with serious heritage charm — a gothic brick 1903 heritage building exterior, a sleek modern extension, and a rooftop terrace that pulled the whole look together. Inside, the high ceilings, natural light, and vintage-chic textiles gave it a timeless, elegant feel.
My King Room – Urban had a modern Art Deco-inspired design with an extra-large comfortable bed, light oak herringbone floors, the raspberry-velvet accent chair, and the black-and-gold open wardrobe system — it felt chic, cozy, and thoughtfully styled. I also loved hanging out on the rooftop terrace, looking down over leafy, arty Surry Hills while gorging on sweet corn fritters with chili jam!
- To book, check prices or availability for Crystalbrook Albion
My favorite highlights…
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The little Honesty Bar — I helped myself to a PS40 soda and a handful of Brookfarm macadamias, just scribbled down my room number, and wandered back up to the rooftop!
7. QT Hotel
I thought this was one of the city’s quirkiest luxury hotels, with its eclectic mix of styles inside a 1920s building — colourful Art Deco touches and an indulgent feel. I especially loved the lobby’s wall of vintage luggage and the creative art in the Parlour Lane Café all in a busy Central Business District location.
My QT Corner Suite had a unique retro-chic look with sumptuous bedding adorned with a quirky zebra-print throw, honey-toned oak floors, and the slate-and-marble bathroom with its oversized bathtub was a real treat! I tucked into Charred cauliflower steak at Gowings Bar and Grill and a Gilt Lady gin cocktail in the Gilt Lounge, checked out the Turkish barber, and fell in love with their QT Butler app that attended to my needs! I found there was a Melbourne version too!
- To book, check prices or availability for QT Hotel
My favorite highlights…
- Going for an invigorating Coffee and Sea Kelp Scrub and Massage in their gorgeous boudoir-themed spa which also had a steamy Hammam!
8. The Urban Newtown
I thought this place was a funky little gem in a hip Newtown location — edgy and experimental with its unusual post-apocalyptic theme, graffiti-covered central atrium, hanging chains, and scattered battered guitars and drum kits, which the staff told me are even used for live music events.
My King Suite (dog-friendly) had a cool industrial-boutique feel, with a raw concrete ceiling beam, a chunky matte-black pendant light, muted sage green walls with subtle paneling, paired with a padded, leather-look headboard. There was no bar or restaurant is on-site, but I bought lemon zest muffins and roasted pumpkin sandwiches at reception and there were lots of awesome bars and eateries very nearby – the quirky Bar Planet was a stand-out!
- To book, check prices or availability for The Urban Hotel Newtown
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
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!
- To book, check prices or availability for Old Clare Hotel
My highlights…
- Sipping on a superb Expresso Martini made with Ketel One Vodka in the onsite vintage-chic Clare Bar.
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.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Albert Mosman
My personal highlights…
- Being located very near the uber-trendy restaurants Bathers Pavilion, Ormeggio at The Spit, Chiosco, and Public Dining!
11. Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
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.
- To book, check prices or availability for Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
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
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.
- To book, check prices or availability for The General Gordon
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
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
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
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
My favorite highlights…
- Ordering their heavenly Matcha 24 souffle pancakes and healthy classic acai shake for a room service breakfast!
