While Sydney's grand five-star hotels cluster around the harbour, the city's true pulse of cool is found in the vibrant streets of Surry Hills. This Inner West neighbourhood is a hub for the city's creative and youthful energy, making it the perfect base for travellers who value design, atmosphere, and a local feel. To truly immerse yourself in this trendy enclave, your accommodation should be more than just a place to sleep—it should be a destination in itself. For this, there is one standout choice that perfectly embodies the spirit of the neighbourhood: the Ace Hotel.
The Coolest Hotels in Surry Hills for a Trendy Stay
TL;DR
For a trendy stay in Sydney, the Ace Hotel in Surry Hills is the ultimate choice. This art-design hotel boasts a cool, industrial style, a vibrant social bar with DJs, and unique amenities like an in-house photo booth, placing you in the heart of the city's creative scene.
Introduction: The Heart of Sydney's Creative Scene
The Ace Hotel: A Hub of Art and Design
The Ace Hotel Sydney is a cornerstone of the global chain of art-design hotels, and it lives up to its reputation. Housed within a renovated old building, the hotel's design is a masterclass in industrial-chic, creating an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and effortlessly cool. The visual identity is defined by a warm, inviting colour palette of caramel, green, and dark red.
This aesthetic extends into the rooms, which, though relatively small, are thoughtfully designed with a mix of textures and materials. Guests can expect to find:
- Metal lamps
- Small blue tiles
- Wood furniture
- Knitted elements
The attention to detail creates a comfortable and visually interesting space. Some rooms even feature a vinyl record player, adding a touch of retro charm and reinforcing the hotel's commitment to a curated, artistic experience.
More Than a Hotel: A Social Experience
What truly sets the Ace Hotel apart is its vibrant social atmosphere. This is not a quiet, sleepy hotel lobby; it's a dynamic social hub that attracts both guests and locals. The public area doubles as a restaurant and bar, transforming into a lively space in the evenings. The hotel frequently hosts DJs or singers, creating a party-like vibe that makes it a destination in its own right.
A unique and playful feature is the on-site photo booth. Upon check-in, guests are given free tokens to use, encouraging a fun and interactive experience that captures the hotel's youthful spirit. This focus on community and entertainment makes the Ace Hotel the perfect place for travellers who want to connect with the city's social scene right from their home base. For more details, you can visit the official Ace Hotel website.
Location, Location, Location
The Ace Hotel's prime location in Surry Hills places you at the epicenter of Sydney's best cafe culture. Just steps from the hotel, you'll find some of the city's most acclaimed coffee spots. It's conveniently located near both Single O and Paramount Coffee Project, two institutions that are a must-visit for any coffee lover.
This proximity allows guests to easily dive into the local lifestyle, starting the day with a world-class flat white before exploring the neighbourhood's independent boutiques and galleries. Staying at the Ace means you are not just visiting Surry Hills; you are living in the heart of it.
