I flew to Sydney in early November to fulfil a teenage dream: seeing Oasis live in concert for the final show of their Australia tour. With only two nights in the city, I wanted my hotel to be convenient and filled with character. Booking.com suggested Ace Hotel, and it turned out to be the perfect place to experience a blend of music, culture, and a bit of exploration.
Located in Surry Hills, a neighbourhood that feels like it’s always on the verge of its next chapter, the hotel embodies that vibrant energy. Even from the street, my first impression was that this was going to be somewhere special—and I wasn’t wrong.
Walking into the glass-fronted lobby of Ace Hotel, I immediately sensed the building’s history and how it could be sympathetically worked into the hotel’s industrial chic aesthetic. Originally built in 1916 as the Tyne House brick factory, much of that character remains intact. The exposed brick, tall windows, and warm timber create a grounded, lived-in atmosphere. It’s stylish yet approachable, effortlessly cool, and instantly comfortable.
Design Details
What adds to the hotel’s charm is how much of its past has been preserved. The building has served various purposes over the last century: a pottery and kiln, a pharmaceutical warehouse, a garment factory, and even a youth centre.
Instead of covering up this history, the design team at Bates Smart architects retained the original façade and seamlessly integrated modern additions that feel respectful and natural. Inside, the original brickwork is a continuous presence, providing a sense of authenticity rarely found in hotels.
Once you start to notice the details, the building’s history reveals itself everywhere. The brickwork hints at its past as one of Australia’s first ceramic kilns; the thoughtfully chosen custom furniture adds character; and the reddish stone staircase in the lobby beautifully contrasts with the raw textures surrounding it. The artworks feel intentionally placed rather than merely decorative, and the overall design complements the building rather than competes with it.
Melbourne-based interior designer David Flack and his team at internationally renowned Flack Studio were the masterminds behind the hotel’s stylish interiors, creating a warm and familiar atmosphere. He used Albert Namatjira’s paintings of the Australian landscape to inspire the palette that embraces earthy Australian tones—rust, deep green, and soft neutrals—while the furniture combines sculptural shapes with cosy textures.
“Hotels always look like hotels”,’ says Flack in an interview in The Guardian, but he wanted this to feel “like a big share house in Surry Hills.”
You can get a true sense of Flack’s home-from-home vision in the lounge in the lobby, which invites guests to relax with a drink, open their laptops, or simply watch people come and go. This space has a relaxed rhythm that makes you feel right at home. The public areas are spacious and comfortable, designed for easy navigation and relaxation without feeling overly curated or rigid.
The Room
Due to limited hotel availability during the concert weekend, we stayed in one of the Small Rooms. Although the layout is compact, it’s well-executed and really welcoming. Everything feels intentional and tidy, and the textures bring personality to the space. The green-tiled bathroom was a delightful surprise, and the windows allowed enough light to make the room feel more open than its size might suggest.
If you’re someone who spends most of the day exploring and only needs a comfortable, well-designed place to recharge, this room is ideal. I was able to do some quick laptop work from the bed without any issues, though anyone needing a full desk setup might want to consider a larger room. For a weekend stay, the size felt just right.
Dining & Drinking
The hotel’s dining spaces reflect its relaxed warm personality. We started our post-show Sunday morning with a delicious breakfast at LOAM, where my husband proclaimed it to be the best coffee he’s ever tasted. The setting is inviting, and the food is thoughtfully prepared without being overly fussy, setting a perfect tone for the day.
The lobby transforms throughout the day. In the morning, it’s quiet and calm, making it a perfect spot to enjoy coffee while planning your day. As the day progresses, it becomes a more social area without ever feeling crowded or noisy.
Good Chemistry on Foy Lane is great for a quick bite or a refreshing break between outings. Its casual atmosphere fits the neighbourhood perfectly, allowing you to either sit briefly or linger comfortably.
Kiln, located on the rooftop, offers a completely different experience. The views of the city are breathtaking, and the menu features culinary influences from Italy, Japan, and Southeast Asia. The ambience is lively without becoming chaotic, and the food is as vibrant as the skyline.
Location Location Location
Ace Hotel Sydney boasts an excellent location for exploration. Surry Hills is home to some of the best cafés, boutiques, galleries, and wine bars in the city, all within a short walking distance. Central Station is nearby, which made our trek out to Accor Stadium at the Olympic Village an easy one. The CBD, Darlinghurst, and Paddington are also within easy reach, ensuring you never feel far from the action.
Final Thoughts
I came to Sydney for a weekend of music and culture, and Ace Hotel made the entire trip smoother, easier, and more enjoyable. The thoughtful design is refreshing without being ostentatious, the rooms are comfortable and cleverly arranged, and the lively atmosphere makes you feel like you’re in the right place.
For anyone with an appreciation for design and a passion for places deeply connected to their surroundings, Ace Hotel Sydney serves as both a perfect base and a charming retreat. Book your stay at Ace Hotel Sydney with Booking.com.
This article was produced in partnership with Booking.com.
