Inside Sydney’s hottest new stay: 25hours Hotel The Olympia

The new five-star hotel putting Sydney’s landmark theatre back on the map.

It’s almost knock-off on a muggy Thursday when I step into the lobby of 25hours Hotel The Olympia , the buzz of Sydney’s Oxford Street instantly replaced by soft, crooning jazz. I feel the tension in my shoulders ease a little. The coolness of the air-conditioning hits my skin as the music swells, dialing up the anticipation I’ve been building all week.

The excitement of my arrival here is twofold. Not only does today mark the grand opening of the global brand’s first Australian property, but it also breathes new life into the historic West’s Olympia Theatre, a Sydney stalwart since 1915.

Location

25Hours Hotel The Olympia in Sydney, NSW — The new hotel sits on Sydney’s vibrant Oxford Street.

The new 25hours Hotel The Olympia sits on a corner where some of Sydney’s hottest neighbourhoods – think Surry Hills, Paddington and Darlinghurst – converge. The bustling suburbs of Moore Park and Kings Cross are also easily accessible, with the city’s iconic art galleries and a plethora of its best bars nearby, too.

It’s the latest hotel to join Sydney’s impressive line-up of luxury accommodation, with its prime location on Oxford Street meaning guests have the entire city at their fingertips. The heart of the CBD, as well as the nearest train station (Museum), is just a 10-minute walk away, while buses ferry commuters along Oxford Street all day.

Style and character

An unexpected wave of nostalgia hits as I head for the reception desk, a surprising sensation considering the five-star stay only officially opened earlier in the day. It feels like a giant Blockbuster video store of the ’90s has been cleverly disguised as a sleek hotel lobby. Brown leather couches mingle with magenta lounges and lime-green love seats. Newspapers lie askew on black plastic side tables.

But the most obvious homage? The wall behind reception is lined with what looks like every DVD produced in the early 2000s. Each colourful plastic cover is cast in a subtle shade of red, thanks to the bold neon sign that reads ‘VIDEOS’ above it.

It’s a theme that carries throughout the new hotel, from the exposed brick walls and glowing room numbers to the Tetris-patterned carpets and Dada-inspired photomontage art featured in the rooms.

No matter where you look, vintage touches have been effortlessly infused into the hotel’s sleek, contemporary design. Flat-screen TVs broadcasting black-and-white shows from decades ago sit opposite a staggered bookshelf, its eclectic assortment including The Oxford Companion to Australian Folklore and Old Sydney Buildings, Bill Bryson’s The Body Illustrated and a biography on Bob Dylan.

While the playful-meets-professional aesthetic is a hallmark of the 25hours brand, it’s also a nod to the building’s former incarnation as a 1915 arthouse cinema. Here lies proof of the company’s ability to strike the perfect balance between its trademark visual identity and the energy of the city it inhabits.

Facilities

Outside in the communal courtyard, the eccentric decor of the lobby is replaced with a modern minimalism that works in its favour. A descending garden is dotted with broad-leafed zebra plants, native rough tree ferns and hardy silver plum plants, a ground cover flowering in purple providing a pop of colour. Outdoor furniture offers plenty of seating for digital nomads taking advantage of the quiet afternoon.

Back inside, the 25hours Shop acts as the hotel’s own mini mart. It’s great for those forgetful few, selling everything from wine, tea and sweets to sunnies, skincare and souvenirs. There is also a fleet of Schindelhauer bikes available to rent for those keen to explore on two wheels.

Although I didn’t have time to check them out, the hotel does offer versatile event spaces that are also inspired by its past as a theatre. From important business meetings to lavish celebrations, there’s a venue to suit all occasions – big or small.

Rooms

The 109-key stay offers a wide variety of guestrooms, including Medium Plus, Extra Large and Gigantic suites. Each one captures the hotel’s history as an arthouse cinema with Dada-esque works by local artist and graphic designer, Kubi Vasak .

From large-scale Marilyn Monroe murals featuring vintage motifs to colourful collages that reflect psychedelic dreamscapes, each piece works to personalise a usually uniform space.

My Medium Courtyard Queen suite feels more LA hideaway than inner-city hotel, its olive-green hues, pops of red, golden accents and striking Vasak mural evoking a touch of old-Hollywood glamour. As the name suggests, a floor-to-ceiling window overlooks the courtyard below, high enough for privacy and wide enough to let natural light flow in.

Like all rooms at 25hours Hotel The Olympia, I have access to a free minibar (although unstocked), high-speed wi-fi, a Bluetooth speaker and flat-screen TV. In the bathroom, a rain shower, separate toilet and skincare products from Australian brand The Skills round out a comfortable stay.

Food and drink

The newly opened hotel isn’t the only newcomer on the block. Its four dedicated dining spaces are also debuting, headlined by signature restaurant The Palomar. Led by head chef Luke Davenport and culinary director Mitch Orr, the intimate eatery delivers flavours from Southern Europe, North Africa and the Levant using Aussie ingredients.

Next door, The Mulwray beckons. With its ambient lighting, cosy couches, carefully crafted cocktails and a 100-strong wine list, it’s a must for a post-meal tipple.

Onsite cafe Jacob the Angel is the perfect spot for early risers. Bathed in natural light, the street-facing space serves specialty coffee and freshly baked pastries from Lune, alongside a small but impressive menu of brekkie favourites.

Up on level five, rooftop bar Monica blends Bondi energy with New York attitude. It’s unpretentious yet effortlessly cool, and all set against the backdrop of the city skyline. Inside is airy and bright – salmon-pinks meet burgundy accents and painted swirls along the walls blend well behind statement fringed lighting. The laidback menu of share-style plates pairs perfectly with tap-poured craft beers and a curated wine and cocktail list.

But in my opinion, it’s the outdoor terrace that really shines. Saturated in blush pinks and dotted with striped couches, beach umbrellas and hardy cacti, the scene imbues a coastal Med charm.

It’s here I find myself this afternoon, perched on a bar stool and sipping a picante margarita. Mellow electronic beats float across the terrazzo tiles, and that previously muggy languor is replaced with an easy, breezy lightness. Knock-off doesn’t get much better than this.

Does 25hours Hotel The Olympia have access for guests with disabilities?

The hotel and its dining spaces all cater to those with mobility needs and wheelchair-accessible rooms are available upon request.

Is 25hours Hotel The Olympia family-friendly?

Children are welcome to stay. Kids under the age of seven sleeping in their parents’ room stay free of charge. However, an additional bed must be booked for children aged between seven and 11, with those aged 12 and up considered fully paying guests.

Details

Best for: Creatives looking for an inner-city escape close to the action.

Address: 1 Oxford Street, Paddington

Price: Room rates vary, check website for details. 25hours Hotels is part of the global Dis-loyalty scheme, with members receiving up to 50 per cent off.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.