Ace Hotel Sydney Is A Cool Urban Escape With Art, Style And Soul

Sydney’s Ace Hotel might just be the ultimate inner-city retreat, blending modern comforts with a gritty, creative aesthetic that nods to the local art scene.

With an effortlessly cool vibe and a central Sydney location, Ace Hotel Sydney attracts a youthful crowd that appreciates design, culture and the occasional rooftop cocktail. Offering far more than just a place to stay, Ace is a destination for locals and travellers alike, whether for the art on the walls, the food on the table or the dining scene on the rooftop.

Location

Ace Hotel Sydney is located in the heart of Surry Hills, one of the city’s most vibrant suburbs, renowned for its art galleries, hip cafes and boutique shopping. The hotel is just a few minutes walk from Central Station, making it a breeze for travellers to explore further afield. Surry Hills itself is a destination, a suburb where old warehouses meet cutting-edge design, and it’s not uncommon to spot a gallery opening or a pop-up event just around the corner.

The surrounding neighbourhood has a rich industrial past, with many of its buildings still standing as refurbished spaces, lending the area a sense of raw authenticity. For food lovers, there’s no shortage of options, with everything from artisanal bakeries to cosy wine bars within walking distance. If you’re in the mood to explore, you’ll find that Sydney’s major attractions, like the Opera House, Darling Harbour and Circular Quay, are easily accessible by public transport.

Ace Hotel Sydney exterior — Ace Hotel Sydney is located in the heart of Surry Hills.

Style and character

The hotel’s design is inspired by the neighbourhood’s history, from the exposed brick walls and concrete ceilings to the soft, warm lighting and plush furnishings that create a cosy atmosphere.

Every corner of the hotel exudes creative energy, with a curated mix of artwork, custom furniture and locally crafted pieces adding to its distinct character. The lobby doubles as a social hub, where locals and guests mingle over coffee or cocktails, creating an inviting community vibe.

Ace’s signature style is one of laid-back luxury, where industrial chic meets bohemian comfort, perfect for those seeking a space that feels both edgy and welcoming.

Ace Hotel Sydney interior — Every corner of the hotel exudes creative energy.

Facilities

Ace Hotel Sydney caters to the needs of guests with its impressive range of facilities. The rooftop is undeniably a highlight, with Kiln providing a focal point for social gatherings and intimate dinners. But beyond the food and drinks, the hotel boasts a 24-hour fitness centre that allows guests to keep up with their routines, no matter the time of day. This well-equipped gym offers everything from cardio machines to weights, perfect for those wanting to squeeze in a quick workout between sightseeing or business meetings.

Ace Hotel Sydney gym — Hit the gym during your stay.

For those on a working holiday, Ace’s lobby is a modern co-working space, blending casual seating with a bustling energy that makes it ideal for freelancers or remote workers. The hotel’s meeting spaces are also versatile, catering to anything from creative brainstorming sessions to formal business presentations.

Art enthusiasts will be pleased to find that the hotel’s walls are adorned with rotating exhibitions featuring works by local and international artists, creating a gallery-like atmosphere in the hallways.

Ace Hotel Sydney Lobby Bar — Ace’s lobby is a modern co-working space.

Rooms

Ace Hotel Sydney’s rooms are a masterclass in contemporary luxury, offering a thoughtful blend of industrial chic and cosy comfort. Inspired by the suburb’s industrial heritage, the interiors feature raw concrete, timber panelling and exposed brick walls, while soft linens and locally curated artwork bring warmth to the space. Every room has an eclectic yet harmonious vibe, thanks to custom-designed furniture, vintage touches and an impressive attention to detail.

Ace Hotel Sydney Large Suite — Some rooms come equipped with record players and a curated vinyl collection.

Room categories range from the small rooms , which are compact but cleverly designed, to the loft suites , where you can enjoy sweeping views of the Sydney skyline from your very own seating area. For music lovers, some rooms even come equipped with record players and a curated vinyl collection, enhancing the feeling that you’re staying in a creative hub rather than a traditional hotel. The minibars are stocked with locally sourced treats and beverages, reinforcing Ace’s commitment to supporting local artisans and producers.

Ace Hotel Sydney Loft Suite — The loft suites are nice and spacious.

Food and drink

Dining at Ace Hotel Sydney is an experience in itself and nowhere is this more evident than at Kiln, the hotel’s iconic rooftop restaurant . More than just a place to grab a drink, Kiln offers a dining experience that showcases the best of contemporary Australian cuisine, with a focus on wood-fired cooking. Helmed by renowned chef Mitch Orr, Kiln’s menu is inventive, using traditional techniques with a modern twist, where each dish is treated as a canvas for bold, creative flavours.

Kiln Rooftop at Ace Hotel Sydney — Kiln is an unmissable part of Ace Hotel Sydney. (Image: Pablo Veiga)

Sitting 18 floors above the city, Kiln not only provides stunning views of Sydney but also a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Dishes are designed to share, with highlights like Jatz with smoked butter and anchovy, dry-aged ribeye and roasted vegetables stealing the show. The cocktail menu is equally impressive, crafted with the same creativity that permeates the rest of the hotel. Whether you opt for a classic martini or one of the more experimental cocktails, like a mushroom old fashioned, you’ll find yourself lingering long after your meal is done.

Kiln food including oysters, scallops and Jatz with smoked butter and anchovy — Dishes are designed to be shared at Kiln. (Image: Nikki To)

For a more relaxed dining experience, Loam, located on the hotel’s ground floor , is an all-day eatery that focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu leans into simple but beautifully prepared dishes that showcase the quality of Australia’s local produce. Loam is ideal for a casual breakfast, light lunch or late-afternoon coffee, and the setting itself mirrors the cool vibe of the rest of the hotel.

Ace Hotel Sydney Loam — Loam is a more relaxed dining experience.

Access for guests with disabilities?

Designed with inclusivity in mind, Ace Hotel Sydney provides spacious accessible rooms , with widened doorways and roll-in showers for ease of movement. Accessible pathways throughout the hotel ensure that all common areas, including the restaurant, rooftop and lobby, are easily navigable for wheelchair users. Lifts are available for access to all floors.

Family-friendly?

While Ace Hotel Sydney’s vibe leans more towards adults and young creatives, it’s still welcoming to families. Though not specifically designed as a family-oriented hotel, its central location, easy access to public transport and proximity to attractions make it a convenient base for families exploring the city.

The hotel provides cots and rollaway beds upon request, and the larger loft suites offer more space for those travelling with children. However, families should be aware that the overall atmosphere is trendy and vibrant, so it may appeal more to those with older children or teenagers.

Ace Hotel Sydney yellow bathroom — Ace Hotel Sydney is not specifically designed as a family-oriented hotel.

Details

Best for: Trendy travellers, creative professionals and food enthusiasts looking for a stylish, centrally located hotel with excellent dining options.

Address: 47-53 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills NSW

Phone: (02) 8099 8900

Cost: Rooms from $300 per night depending on season and availability.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

Sydney is a cool urban escape with art, style and soul