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Header image courtesy of Little Albion Hotel (via Citadines Crystalbrook Collection Hotel)
There’s something special about design hotels—the winning hospitality, the five-star amenities, and of course, the spectacular interiors to gauge your interest. Sydney is one of the most populated cities in Australia, and is the country’s hottest tourist destination. From small boutique properties to high-end classics, here are the best design hotels in Sydney which garner visual appeal.
Airport accommodation may not be the first thing to come to mind when booking a hotel stay, but for jetsetters, it’s the most viable option. And when the hotel offers design-savvy interiors, what’s not to love? Previously known as The Felix Hotel, Citadines Connect Sydney Airport takes layovers to a whole new level, situated within close proximity of Sydney Airport. The 1960s-inspired hotel features a rooftop cinema, a gym, a 24-hour store, a lounge bar, and is even pet-friendly, which can be useful for regional travel.
Citadines Connect Sydney Airport, 121 Baxter Road, Mascot NSW 2020, Australia | (+61) 2 8303 8888
Converted from a former convent school building, the Little Albion Hotel is decked in a chic, gothic facade. Furniture is mostly custom-made, and guests can expect everything from timber bed heads to Moroccan tiles, which curate an ambient setting. This luxury hotel is located in Surry Heads, Sydney, and is a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel. Some may mistake this cosy hideout for a premium Airbnb, or a guesthouse, which lends a home-like feel to the stay. Expect baths in your bedroom, and a rose quartz bar—just a few things to look forward to.
Little Albion Hotel, 21 Little Albion Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia | (+61) 2 8029 7900
Transformed from a pub to a hotel, Sydney Park is situated in buzzing Newtown. It only has eight rooms, making it super intimate, and its upper floor still houses an operating pub. Decked in a minimalist design, the space is awash with black, white, and grey undertones, and features heritage artefacts found around the hotel. However, if you’re not the sharing type, this may not be the place for you—there are only two communal bathrooms, meaning there are no en-suites here. Head to the bottle shop to grab a few beers, wines, and artisan cheese with cured meats, and throw a party in your room.
Sydney Park Hotel, 631 King Street, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia | (+61) 2 9557 1188
As the hotel group’s first venture in Australia, The Fullerton Sydney is housed in the heritage-listed General Post Office building in the heart of the CBD. With a prestigious reputation to its name, the hotel is never short of guests—it attracts the design-savvy from all over. Guests can reside in the classically-inspired accommodation, or opt for a more contemporary stay in the high-rise part of the building. There’s also the restaurant, bar, gym, and event spaces, to keep you entertained.
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, 1 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia | (+61) 2 8223 1111
The stunning Paramount House Hotel is nestled within the former headquarters of the cinematic studios. Aligning with its truly unique concept, the venue offers a range of guestrooms, which blend old and new design. Located in the hipster Surry Hills Sydney, the property makes use of locally-sourced materials whenever possible, with low-embodied energy, which refers to the energy consumed in providing materials for construction. Wellness junkies can also head to the rooftop space, which features a fitness area, where guests can try the group classes during their stay.
Paramount House Hotel, 80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia | (+61) 2 9211 1222
Situated in the historic Miller’s Point, Hotel Palisade offers ocean views, complemented by the hand-painted seascape murals (by artist Neil Mallard) hung on the walls. Guests can stay in the harbour-view or Bangaroo Reserve-view rooms—the choice is yours. There’s a vintage press-for-champagne button at the bar, original green tiles, and a minimalistic-meets-rustic feel at the hotel. Drink your way through Henry Deane, a split-level cocktail bar, with glass-to-ceiling windows, or grab a beer at Public House, both housed under the hotel. Don’t forget to close the windows on summer nights—the mossies will bite.
Hotel Palisade, 35 Bettington St, Millers Point NSW 2000, Australia | (+61) 2 9018 0123
Faye Bradley is a freelance writer based in Hong Kong, covering topics in travel, wellness, F&B, and the arts. As the editor and business development executive for Cha Siu Papers Times and Compare Retreats, Faye has experience in writing predominantly about luxury travel and well-being. With a keen eye for finding hidden gems, exploring new destinations, and tasting best-of-the-best cuisines, she continues to pursue her love for writing about travel and visiting remote lands. You can find her by the pool with a good book and a mojito in hand.
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