From its long history as an industrial area where workers assembled newspapers and other goods to becoming a hub for modern-day creatives looking for inspiration, Surry Hills, located at the edge of the city, has become one of Sydney’s most spirited and exciting neighbourhoods to explore.
With unique boutiques, local galleries, and a bustling street life of coffee houses, cafes, restaurants, and bars, the area has become renowned for being rich in culture and creativity, attracting many professionals from the media and design industries.
Personally, Surry Hills is best explored on foot, so you don’t miss out on any of the buzzing streetscapes. You will stumble across the vibrant street art scene, featuring colourful and political murals and graffiti from some of the city’s best local artists, or you will find something totally unique in one of the eclectic boutiques or vintage shops.
There’s always something new to find, and the hotel scene in Surry Hills has really stepped up. It's boutique, minimal, with a sense of cool. Here are Locay's Top 7 Boutique Hotels, and we suggest you check in for the night amongst all the action.
Combining all things hospitality, design, and culture, the first Ace Hotel south of the equator calls Surry Hills home.
Nestled within the rejuvenated Tyne House Brick Factory, this lively boutique hotel experience is more than a place to lay your head at night. It features a thriving lobby bar and restaurant on the ground floor, a day-to-night cafe and bar and the award-winning rooftop restaurant and bar called Kiln, which offers a mesmerising view of the city's skyline and a contemporary fusion style menu.
Each room is carefully curated with bespoke artwork and custom-made furniture, making it the perfect place for the modern day traveller. It’s an eight minute walk from Central Station and walking distance to nearby neighbourhoods Redfern, Hyde Park, Darlinghurst, and the CBD.
Cool fact - Did you know that you can almost purchase everything you see in your room at the Ace?
There’s always something going on at Hotel Harry’s.
Whether it’s a comedy night, Super Bowl, happy hour or a house party vibe on the first floor - Harry’s will always entertain you and that is exactly why we love it. In fact, Hotel Harry's have hosted some of the biggest parties in Sydney for the Aria’s, Vivid and World Pride just to name a few. This is a hotel that packs a fun, casual energy and gives guests a great insight to how locals chill out and spend their time in the area.
Guest rooms are contemporary, modern and simple, each situated above the public bar and restaurant.
In under 20 minutes by foot guests can reach Central Station, Hyde Park and the CBD. Great for travellers wanting a vibrant place to stay.
The former headquarters of Paramount Picture Studios has been restored into a beautiful, contemporary, boutique-style hotel in one of the most well-known streets in Sydney's Surry Hills, Commonwealth Street.
This style of concept hotel is home to more than just rooms; it shares its space with an old-school-style cinema called the Golden Age, an industrial concrete-style cafe called The Paramount Coffee Project, and a recreational rooftop. One of the best bakeries has recently taken over the menu now offered at the top of this uber cool precinct and is without a doubt one of the favourites amongst foodies when visiting Sydney.
Breakfast and lunches are worth checking out, and every single calorie involved!
When staying at the Paramount House, you can always guarantee access to cultural or neighbourhood events in and around you, with the team actively updating local 'Whats on' boards and providing some of the most niche event information available.
An intimate, art-deco boutique hotel located on the Elizabeth Street side of Surry Hills.
It offers elegant rooms and an atmosphere of absolute discretion.
With only 38 guest suites, this makes it a slightly larger boutique accommodation concept, but protected by personalised service to ensure the efficiency of a larger hotel. Think easy arrivals, smooth check-ins, and privacy.
Unwind in the courtyard garden, lose yourself in the scenic views over the city from the rooftop, and enjoy a drink from the meticulously curated menu, or venture into the heart of Sydney's most vibrant neighbourhood, Surry Hills.
202 Elizabeth is walking distance from Sydney's Pitt St., Haymarket, and China Town areas and just steps away from Sydney's Central Station.
Housed in an Italian Renaissance building with Art Deco elements, Hotel Morris is a nostalgic bar and boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown.
It epitomises the blend of old and new, light and dark, Italian design, and Australian influence. The interior architecture of Hotel Morris is modern and luxurious, with a nod to classic design.
This newly formed boutique hotel features a variety of suites and rooms that have been designed with comfort and convenience in mind.
Make sure you enjoy an aperitivo and snacks at Bar Morris, an intimate and Italian-style wine bar that is now becoming a favourite with the city locals and corporate crowd, headed up by rising star Rosy Scatigna, originally from the South of Italy, Puglia.
Crystalbrook Albion an urban guest house located in the bustling Surry Hills neighbourhood, is a cool and award-winning spot to stay in Sydney.
The 35-room boutique hotel is designed with dark-coloured timber, brass fittings, and marble surfaces, creating a modern and chic atmosphere for guests.
One unique aspect of Little Albion is its eschewing of in-house room service in favour of an Uber Eats account, curated by the staff to reflect the best offerings in Surry Hills. When your food package arrives, it's transferred to a wooden tray with gold-coloured cutlery, salt, pepper, and napkins, bringing a touch of luxury to your mealtime! Additionally, guests can enjoy the Honour Bar's selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
The art, mostly chosen by Vogue and GQ alumni, Nicholas Samartis, adds a local touch to the space, while portraits of local icons by former Archibald Prize portrait artist, Ann Cape, bring a sense of identity to the guest house.
Overall, Little Albion's architecture and attention to detail make it a standout spot for anyone looking to stay in urban Sydney.
Step into a world of urban cool at this award-winning boutique hotel.
While it is not quite considered Surry Hills, Chippendale backs onto the neighbourhood of Surry Hills and delivers very much the same industrial, residential feel.
The stylish, award-winning decor of The Old Clare mixes vintage fixtures with contemporary pieces for a unique design partnership that brings to life its large, polished guest rooms.
For dining options, there's a high-end restaurant serving delicious cuisine in a chic warehouse space, as well as a minimalist European eatery. If you're in the mood for a drink, head to the bar in the lobby or by the heated rooftop pool. For those who like to stay fit, there's a 24/7 gym at your disposal.
With a prime location, you're within walking distance of Spice Alley, where you'll find a selection of cheap eats bursting with flavour. Or, you can head to Haymarket, home to Sydney's Chinatown district, which is also just a stone's throw away.
Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or simply seeking a punchy, heavily curated hotel experience, this industrial art deco gem is sure to impress.
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