Ace Hotel Sydney – Hotel Review

The 10th hotel in the Ace franchise has opened south of the equator for the first time.  Perched on the border of Sydney's bustling CBD and stylish Surry Hills, the 18-storey Ace Hotel Sydney is a home away from home. The hotel is expansive, with 257 rooms, and the food scene is still expanding, with the lobby bar and neighbourhood restaurant Loam already open. 

Ace Hotel is a lively institution, a classic neighbourhood spot for people to gather in the lobby bar over a beer or to indulge in the seasonal menu at Loam. A Stansborough New Zealand wool blanket in every room adds a cosy touch, while the welcoming staff on the ground floor create a sense of community.  Designed in partnership with Flack Studio, the contemporary Australian artworks on the hallway walls and the colour palette of burnt oranges and walnut brown are a blend of Australian Outback and urban cool. The hotel pays tribute to the building's history as the iconic Tyne House brick factory with the lobby’s 1970s-inspired design, complete with cane chairs, exposed brick and sunken leather lounges. 

Where is Ace Hotel?

If Sydney’s CBD is where you need to be, the Ace Hotel is within walking distance to many of the city's attractions without the noise of the main streets. Darlinghurst, Redfern and Surry Hills itself are a stroll away. The airport is a 15-minute train ride from Central Station, a brisk 10-minute walk from the hotel. 

What’s near Ace Hotel?

Immerse yourself in the fast-paced city with a five-minute walk to Chinatown or 10-minute bus ride to Circular Quay. Redfern’s neighbourhood and ever-expanding cafe scene are a 20-minute walk, or check out contemporary Chinese art at the White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale (also about a 20-minute walk). Be sure to factor in extra time to visit the many boutique stores. 

Room types

There are a total of 10 room types across the hotel’s 257 rooms. They range from Small and Medium rooms with or without city views to spacious suites and, for an additional fee, your furry friends can even check in too.  

All rooms bask in natural light throughout the day with large windows in each room. Book the Terrace room for a panoramic view of the city from your own private terrace. The Double Double is designed for a family and the Ace Suite is the most luxurious. It has a large lounge area, its own kitchen and bar and the Ace x Rega turntable will transport you back to the 70s. 

Restaurants and bars 

The star of the Ace is Loam, a low-lit, lavish 65-seat restaurant open daily for lunch through to dinner. Executive chef Heidi Flanagan has created a seasonal menu that heroes sustainable seafood and meat while still being produce focused. Try the portobello mushroom tonkatsu burger and charred octopus with smoky eggplant. Loam is also open for breakfast from 7am. The Lobby Bar is a little more casual and the perfect place to sink into the lounges with friends over a craft cocktail and cheesy pickle toastie. 

Mitchell Orr is set to open Rooftop restaurant Kiln on the 18th floor in the coming months. Laneway cafe Good Chemistry is already open during the day until 3pm, with the wine bar and night menu set to follow soon.

Sustainability

Towels and sheets will only be changed if guests ask. All rooms are fitted with a master key slot to make sure all power is off when guests leave the room. 

Travel for work 

With free wi-fi in all rooms and public areas, remote work is made easy. Take a meeting from the study nook in your room or tap into the creativity of the casual surrounds of the lobby bar with a negroni in hand.

Gym  

Found on level one, full of natural light and Technogym equipment. 

What you need to know 

If your dog is an essential on your packing list, Ace Hotel is happy to host them. For an extra charge of $120 per pet and a max of two per room, your dog won't be getting holiday FOMO.

SEE ALSO: The Best Hotels in and Around Sydney CBD