Built on the site of a former brick factory, Tyne House, the Ace Hotel Sydney pays homage to its past – whilst looking to the future – over 18 floors in central Sydney. 

With 257 rooms, rooftop restaurant and bar, ground-floor restaurant and bar, a cafe and communal lobby, the Ace Hotel Sydney is the new go-to for local and jet setting creatives. 

Built in 1916, the former brick factory is considered to be one of the first ceramic kilns in the country, and therefore the facade remains untouched. Inside however, Flack Studio have reinvented the space and created a world within itself. With the help of a $350 million development budget in partnership with Golden Age Group, the hotel has spared no expenses. 

Stylish interiors and designer lighting – along with varied tones and textures – makeup the Ace Sydney, a microcosm of creativity. Ace Hotel around the world is known for its cultural programming, it always provides a space for creatives to launch a project or exhibit works, but in Ace Hotel Sydney it’s all about the creative energy in the hotel’s spaces exchanged between visitors. 

This is the first outpost of the US hotel chain in Australia, and they’ve chose a fitting city for their offering. Walking distance from Central Station, and next to Sydney’s Surry Hills filled with restaurants and bars, the positioning allows the hotel to straddle both commercial and boutique status. With 257 varied rooms available, in addition to the multiple dining spaces, the hotel is always abuzz. 

THE DESIGN

Melbourne-based studio Flack (founded by David Flack) were commissioned to transform the entire building’s interiors, and they’ve done it more than justice. 

Starting with a “cinematic colour palette of Australia” as inspiration, the various textures and tones are a feast for the senses. Original red brickwork is left exposed, blending in seamlessly with brown and black leather, cane furniture and 70s lighting and mustard tiles. Modernised with marble tabletops and counters, a splash of luxe is blended in, and the design comes full circle. Flack Studio’s style has been perfect for this project. 

On our visit we noticed key designer works and original artworks dotted around the place. Paintings by Jason Phu were found (the artist had a residency at the hotel, where he painted the works) as was a large Akari lantern (Noguchi) on the ground floor. Right around the corner hung the hotel’s centrepiece light: a stunning vintage Tobia Scarpa light next to the sunken lounge and cocktail bar. The sunken lobby bar is the ultimate place to hangout, from morning to night, there’s always a good vibe here.

The hotel’s design is so strong, it’s imprinted in our minds. Flack Studio really hit the nail on the head.

DINING

On the hotel ground floor find Loam, the 65-seat restaurant which is open daily from breakfast through to dinner. The restaurant is a crowd pleaser with a menu to suit anybody, anytime of day. At the helm, Executive chef Heidi Flanagan. She’s designed a seasonal menu featuring fresh, modern dishes with Australian produce and comfort foods such as the portobello mushroom tonkatsu burger.

On the hotel’s rooftop 18 floors up, restaurant Kiln occupies the entire floor. Chef Mitch Orr oversees the wood-fired restaurant, which focuses on regional produce, meats and seafood, whilst Mike Bennie has overseen the wine list.

Food is also available in The Lobby Bar, where small plates (think cheese and pickle toastie-toastie) and cocktails combine. Behind Loam, laneway cafe Good Chemistry supplies caffeine and pastries during the day, and at night opens as a wine bar. 

THE ROOMS 

With a total of 257 rooms in the hotel, there is a variation of 10 room types to choose from: small, medium, with or without city views, and suites. There is also a Terrace room with panoramic views, the Double Double room which is best for families, and the Ace Suite which is the largest (with its own kitchen, bar and lounge area).

Pet-friendly, there are rooms that can also accommodate those travelling with their furry children (for an extra charge).

To note: make sure you book a room with a city view facing North, since South faces the neighbouring building metres away (and its occupied offices) just behind the hotel. For the price of the rooms – average $400 a night – it would be worth the request. 

Some rooms – like ours was – are fitted with record players and a selection of vinyl to utilise. We’re all for this, especially when fumbling for the aux cable or connecting to bluetooth usually takes way too long.

The hotel does its best towards sustainability in hospitality, only changing towels when requested by guests, and they only use refillable amenities bottles by UKA, made in Japan. All guests receive a master key which they slot in when entering the room, it automatically turns off when guests leave the room.

Fitness wise, there is a fully-equipped gym (with Technogym equipment) on the first floor.

THE VERDICT

A central hub that acts as a meeting point for both local and global creatives, the Ace Hotel Sydney is where the action is at. 

With all facilities under one roof, it’s a one-stop-shop for those jet setters with limited time in the city. A good time is guaranteed.

Ace Hotel Sydney
47 – 53 Wentworth Ave,
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

For more Australia destinations, click here.
 #champ_sydney #champ_australia 

Text: Monique Kawecki
Images: As credited