Best Boutique Hotels in Sydney CBD

Chippendale is a nice choice for a stay in Sydney, being only 5 minutes away from the city centre. It’s also home to the Old Clare Hotel, a luxury conversion from two historic buildings. Previously a brewer’s headquarters, today its heritage features come together in a 62-room boutique hotel with style and character. Look out for the soaring ceilings, exposed brick and amazing lighting installations – all different in every room. You’re spoiled for choice for dining options including Kensington St. Social from star British chef, Jason Atherton. There is a rooftop pool but is under renovation so check the website for updates. There’s a gym if you want to work out or head out into the city on the bikes available to rent.

Despite only having 31 rooms, there’s a lot going on in the Establishment so if you’re looking for a quiet stay, this hotel is not your best choice. Previously a department store dating to 1890, the building is in a discreet street 5 minutes from Circular Quay. More like an entertainment venue than a hotel, the rooms interconnect with three restaurants, three bars and a nightclub. Rooms are either dark or light with exposed brick walls, parquetry floors, contemporary furnishings and great technology including unlimited Netflix. Dining options range from fine dining to sushi to bar snacks. If you don’t want to head out in the evening, there’s food and drink aplenty as well as the call of the bright lights of the nightclub.

A boutique hotel in a converted wool store with a sense of fun, the Hotel Woolstore 1888, Sydney – Handwritten Collection is ideally located in Darling Harbour next to Barangaroo Park, a superb base for exploring the delights of Sydney. Inside the original fixtures of the wool store are on display in the public areas and rooms with rough-hewn beams, exposed brick, and pipes all incorporated into the décor. Rooms include furniture made from original ironbark beans and screen prints of works by Aussie wunderkind Jasper Knight and range from shoebox to suite with sun terrace. The hotel bistro and bar is an eclectic rendition of industrial chic meets vintage and serves Mediterranean cuisine.