The best boutique design hotels in Sydney, Australia that you need to stay at pronto

Yes, we love checking in at the sleekest hotels in Hong Kong, the trendiest hotels in the UK, and the world’s most sustainable hotels, but isn’t Straya something special?! Sydney, Sydney, Sydney – oh, how we love to love you. From the golden sands of Bondi to Surry Hills and beyond; your colourful streets, great F&B scene and vibrant nightlife get us every time. In fact, we might just say that you’re one of our fave cities in the world. And if you’re planning a visit, then you definitely need to book in at one of the best boutique design hotels in Sydney to get the full experience.

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The best boutique design hotels in Sydney

1. The Old Clare Hotel | Chippendale

Location: Chippendale, Sydney
Neighbourhood: Chippendale, near Central Park
Rooms: 69 rooms, including seven newer rooms in the renovated north wing
Style: Industrial, Art Deco and contemporary design across two restored heritage buildings
Family-friendly: Selected suites and lofts offer more space; check occupancy before booking
Wellness: Gym
Pool: Rooftop swimming pool
Dining: Clare Bar and several restaurants within the hotel complex
Best for: Design enthusiasts, couples and travellers exploring Chippendale’s dining scene
Prices starting from: Approximately AU$300 per night

Housed inside two heritage-listed buildings, namely the Carlton & United Breweries Administration Building and The Old Clare Hotel, this 62-room boutique property features beautifully restored interiors of both.

They’ve recently opened seven new rooms in the renovated north wing that are inspired by the Art Deco features of the property, and these add to the other design aesthetics: industrial and contemporary.

The Clare is both the lobby bar and the place where local artists, students and intellectuals like a drink, while the rooftop offers a place to relax complete with swimming pool and bar. On top of that, there are three other restaurants at which to get fed at.

Find out more about The Old Clare Hotel or Book through Booking.com

2. The Fullerton Hotel Sydney | CBD

Location: Sydney CBD
Neighbourhood: Martin Place
Rooms: 416 rooms and suites
Style: Heritage elegance in the former General Post Office, alongside contemporary accommodation in a high-rise tower
Family-friendly: Family-friendly accommodation; selected rooms can accommodate extra beds
Wellness: Fitness centre and Endota Spa
Pool: No swimming pool
Dining: The Place, The Bar and afternoon tea in The Fullerton Lounge
Best for: Luxury travellers, families and visitors wanting a central location with heritage character
Prices starting from: Approximately AU$250 per night

Formerly a Westin brand property, The Fullerton Hotel has recently opened in Sydney, the SIngapore hospitality group’s first operation in Australia. Housed in the absolutely gorgeous former General Post Office building in the heart of the CBD, this luxe five-star hotel is sure to fast become one of the jewels in the city’s crown.

Guests can choose to stay in classically-inspired accommodation in the heritage building or contemporary rooms in the high-rise section of the building. Our pick is the beautiful Heritage Long Suite that is housed within the former postmaster’s office and features hardwood glossy floors and a dining area for six.

A restaurant serving a selection of international dishes, a bar, a gym and a number of event spaces also feature at the property, alongside a stunning grand staircase that needs to be seen to be believed.

Find out more about The Fullerton Hotel Sydney or Book through Booking.com

3. Hotel Ravesis | Bondi

Location: Bondi Beach, Sydney
Neighbourhood: Bondi
Rooms: 12 individually styled hotel rooms, plus four serviced apartments in the adjacent building
Style: Sorbet-coloured interiors in a historic building with Art Deco influences
Family-friendly: Serviced apartments offer more space and kitchen facilities
Wellness: No dedicated wellness facilities
Pool: No pool
Dining: Hotel Ravesis restaurant, public bar and late-night club
Best for: Beach holidays, couples and travellers who enjoy lively nightlife
Prices starting from: Approximately AU$250 per night

If you’ve travelled to Sydney for your Bondi Beach experience, you’ll be wanting to check in at Hotel Ravesis. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the internationally renowned beach (and all the hot people who frequent it), this design-led hotel features two floors of boutique accommodation all decked out in yummy sorbet hues.

Each of the 12 rooms onsite is uniquely designed, with some offering views directly to the beach. As far as entertainment goes, there’s a beachside public bar, an indoor dining area and even a plush late-night club so you can really mingle with the locals.

Find out more about Hotel Ravesis or Book through Booking.com

4. Ovolo Woolloomooloo | Woolloomooloo

Location: Woolloomooloo, Sydney
Neighbourhood: Woolloomooloo Wharf
Rooms: 100 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary, colourful interiors inside a restored heritage wharf
Family-friendly: Spacious suites and pet-friendly accommodation; check family occupancy
Wellness: Fitness centre and massage services
Pool: Indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi
Dining: Bar Woolloomooloo
Best for: Couples, design lovers and travellers seeking a waterfront stay near the CBD
Prices starting from: Approximately AU$300 per night

Trendy hotel brand Ovolo has won over many a heart at its Woolloomooloo property. Sitting right on the harbour, the fresh, modern and totally Instagrammable interior here is the stuff that Instagram dreams are made of.

Guestrooms feature quirky and colourful design details, with some offering views of the Sydney skyline. There’s even a split-level suite (complete with cocktail bar) with views over the wharf. Dine at Alibi or feast on room service and don’t miss taking a dip in the 24-hour indoor pool.

Learn more about Ovolo Woolloomooloo or Book through Booking.com

5. Crystalbrook Albion | Surry Hills

Location: Surry Hills, Sydney
Neighbourhood: Surry Hills
Rooms: 35 individually designed rooms
Style: Contemporary design with heritage features, curated artwork and distinctive furnishings
Family-friendly: Limited family-specific facilities; check room occupancy before booking
Wellness: Gym access through an external fitness facility
Pool: No pool
Dining: Honour Bar; numerous restaurants and cafés are nearby
Best for: Couples, design enthusiasts and travellers seeking an intimate boutique stay
Prices starting from: Approximately AU$250 per night

Part of the Crystalbrook Collection that has properties across Byron Bay, Cairns and Sydney, Crystalbrook Albion is a design lovers paradise. Positioned in the artsy Surry Hills district of the city, this boutique hotel is housed in a heritage building that was once a school convent.

No two of the guestrooms are the same, and the hotel has been designed to feel like your home away from home. The interior design here blends modern and classic effortlessly, with a range of textures and colours giving each space its own vibe. Or book the entire house, featuring 35 rooms and sleeping 70, and enjoy it for your very own special event or sleepover.

Read more about Crystalbrook Albion or Book through Booking.com

6. Paramount House Hotel | Surry Hills

Location: Surry Hills, Sydney
Neighbourhood: Surry Hills
Rooms: 29 rooms
Style: Contemporary and vintage design in the former headquarters of Paramount Pictures
Family-friendly: Limited family-specific facilities; check room configurations
Wellness: Paramount Recreation Club, with fitness facilities and group classes
Pool: No swimming pool
Dining: Paramount Coffee Project, Poly, A.P Bakery and Golden Age Cinema Bar
Best for: Design enthusiasts, film lovers and food-focused travellers
Prices starting from: Approximately AU$300 per night

Calling all cinema lovers! This rare beauty is housed in the former headquarters of Paramount Picture Studios. Offering a range of guestrooms all thoughtfully designed in a blend of contemporary and vintage styles, we love the fact the mini bars are packed full of locally-sourced beers, wine and cheeses.

Co-tenants of the property include Golden Age Cinema (for all your movie needs), Paramount Coffee Project (for caffeine injections) and Paramount Recreation Club, the rooftop space that features a fitness pavilion where guests can enjoy a range of small group classes during their stay.

Learn more about Paramount House Hotel or Book through Booking.com

7. Establishment Hotel | CBD

Location: Sydney CBD
Neighbourhood: Bridge Lane, near Wynyard
Rooms: 31 rooms and suites, including two penthouses
Style: Contemporary interiors with Japanese influences, exposed beams and industrial details
Family-friendly: Better suited to couples and adults
Wellness: Fitness centre and treatment services
Pool: No pool
Dining: Establishment Bar, Sushi e, Mr Wong and other adjoining restaurants and bars
Best for: Couples, nightlife enthusiasts and travellers who want dining and entertainment nearby
Prices starting from: Approximately AU$250 per night

If you like to discover hidden gems, then Establishment Hotel should definitely be on your Sydney must-stay list. Nestled away on a lane that is home to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars, this beautifully designed property perches above, hidden in plain sight.

Home to 31 suites, this unique hotel is housed in a historic building that was once the home to a well-known publishing house. Guests can expect exposed rustic beams, high ceilings and stunning cast iron fixtures here, as well as spacious guestrooms with all the mod-cons.

Find out more about Establishment Hotel or Book through Booking.com

8. Hotel Palisade | CBD

Location: Millers Point, Sydney
Neighbourhood: Millers Point, near Barangaroo Reserve
Rooms: Eight individually designed rooms
Style: Heritage pub interiors with bespoke furnishings and hand-painted marine murals
Family-friendly: Limited facilities; check room suitability before booking
Wellness: No dedicated wellness facilities
Pool: No pool
Dining: Henry Deane cocktail bar and Public House
Best for: Couples, harbour-view seekers and travellers who enjoy historic neighbourhoods
Prices starting from: Approximately AU$250 per night

Oh-la-la! Hotel Palisade brings beautiful design to its port-side location, with each room imbued with perfect finesse. Just eight guestrooms are on offer here, each featuring hand-painted seascape murals by artist Neil Mallard. Some of the rooms have sweeping views of the harbour, while others loo onto neighbouring Bangaroo Reserve.

Hungry? Eat at the adjoining Public House or take cocktails at Henry Deane, whatever you do, you’ll be living life up well at Hotel Palisade.

Learn more about Hotel Palisade or Book through Booking.com

9. Sydney Park Hotel | Newtown

Location: Newtown, Sydney
Neighbourhood: Newtown, on King Street
Rooms: Eight guest rooms, including the two-bedroom Terrace House
Style: Heritage pub accommodation with original artwork, vintage furniture and bespoke details
Family-friendly: The Terrace House has two bedrooms, a kitchen, laundry and private courtyard
Wellness: No dedicated wellness facilities
Pool: No pool
Dining: Sydney Park Hotel pub and bar
Best for: Families booking the Terrace House, couples and travellers exploring Newtown
Prices starting from: Approximately AU$180 per night

Fancy checking-in at a heritage pub? Sydney Park Hotel has been a working-class drinking hole for decades, and that still remains the primary focus of this boutique accommodation that sits on the corner of Newtown’s King Street. Sitting across the street from St Peters train station, this property is the perfect base to explore the city and the building itself is heritage listed.

Upstairs however, a floor of eight beautifully designed guestrooms are begging to be stayed in, complete with original art pieces, a blend of vintage and bespoke furniture and locally sourced ephemera to give an extra pop of love to the place. The Terrace House, the largest of them all, features two bedrooms, a lounge, a kitchen, a laundry and even a wee courtyard in which to gather at the end of the day.

Read more about Sydney Park Hotel here or Book through Booking.com

10. The Urban Newtown | Newtown

Location: Newtown, Sydney
Neighbourhood: Newtown, near King Street and Enmore Road
Rooms: Studio-style accommodation; exact room count not confirmed
Style: Industrial-inspired interiors with practical, apartment-style features
Family-friendly: Kitchen facilities and larger room options make it practical for some families
Wellness: No dedicated wellness facilities
Pool: No pool
Dining: No full-service restaurant; cafés, pubs and restaurants are nearby
Best for: Longer stays, independent travellers and guests who want a kitchenette
Prices starting from: Approximately AU$180 per night

It’s all about location, location, location at this Sydney gem. Sitting pretty in the eclectic Newtown district, this hotel has some of the best F&B experiences at its doorstep. Inside, an industrial design aesthetic has been used across the boutique studio rooms giving an edgy feel to the accommodations. Each guestroom also has a kitchenette complete with Nespresso machine and facilities for making easy meals.

Discover more about The Urban Newtown or Book through Booking.com

11. Little National Hotel Sydney | CBD

Location: Sydney CBD
Neighbourhood: Wynyard, near Barangaroo
Rooms: 230 rooms
Style: Japanese and Scandinavian-inspired minimalism, with compact rooms and thoughtful design details
Family-friendly: Limited suitability for families; rooms are compact and extra beds are unavailable
Wellness: 24-hour gym
Pool: No pool
Dining: Rooftop lounge and bar; cafés and restaurants are nearby
Best for: Solo travellers, couples and business travellers who prioritise location and design
Prices starting from: Approximately AU$220 per night

Home to 230 rooms and in the heart of the bustling Barangaroo district, Little National Hotel Sydney offers guests a welcome respite from the bustling city. The rooms here are compact but don’t compromise on design or amenities, with local Australian brands such as Appelles Apothecary & Lab and Who Gives a Crap products in the bathroom. Head to the rooftop bar to unwind after a day of exploring and enjoy the open fire in the cooler months.

Learn more about Little National Hotel Sydney or Book through Booking.com

12. Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel | Watsons Bay

Location: Watsons Bay, Sydney
Neighbourhood: Watsons Bay, on the South Head peninsula
Rooms: 32 rooms
Style: Relaxed coastal interiors with design details by Sibella Court
Family-friendly: Suitable for a relaxed family stay; confirm room configurations
Wellness: No dedicated wellness facilities
Pool: No pool
Dining: Beach Club, Watsons Bay Hotel restaurant and bars
Best for: Beach holidays, couples and travellers seeking a waterfront escape
Prices starting from: Approximately AU$250 per night

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If it’s a quintessential Sydney beach vacay that you’re hunting down, look no further than the iconic Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. Famed for its year-round events, sun seekers will love the fresh seafood platters, beverages, and relaxed vibes here. Home to just 32 rooms, guests can expect a laidback approach to the interiors, envisioned by designer Sibella Court.

Learn more about Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel or Book through Booking.com

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