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The Sydney CBD stay that feels more like your dream apartment

A night in the city that feels less like a hotel stay and more like slipping into your own Sydney sanctuary. 

When my friend, her 10-year-old daughter and I checked into Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall , it wasn’t for a big occasion, just a girls’ night in the city. But by the time we’d kicked off our shoes and flopped onto the living room sofa, it felt like we’d stumbled into the kind of sleek, light-filled apartment we’d all secretly like to live in.  

Equal parts practical and polished, Adina Town Hall doesn’t just offer you a bed for the night – it hands you the keys to your own little slice of Sydney. 

Where is Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall?

Adina apartment hotel location
The apartment hotel’s convenient location is one of its major drawcards.

Tucked on Kent Street, just a few steps from Town Hall Station, Adina’s location couldn’t be more convenient. We were less than a 10-minute stroll from Pitt Street Mall and Darling Harbour, meaning we could shop, wander or grab dinner without even thinking about public transport. It’s about 2.5 kilometres from the heart of Circular Quay, but when the city skyline is sparkling outside your window, you’re right in the thick of it. 

Despite being in the middle of the CBD, there’s a surprising sense of calm once you’re inside. We’d slip out for late-night snacks, then return to the hush of our apartment like we’d crossed an invisible border between the bustle and our own private sanctuary. 

What is the style and character of Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall?

Adina Town Hall
The design strikes a balance between city sophistication and home comfort.

Adina Town Hall has had a glow-up recently, and you can feel it from the moment you walk in. The design strikes a balance between city sophistication and home comfort – rich wood tones, soft lighting and olive-green accents give the apartments warmth and texture without losing that polished, modern edge. 

I’ve stayed in plenty of hotels where you feel compelled to sit upright on the bed because there’s nowhere else to perch, but this isn’t one of them. There’s room to breathe. A proper lounge for sprawling with snacks and Netflix, a balcony where we could sip wine while the lights of Bathurst Street flickered below, and a kitchen that actually makes you want to cook (or at least pour cereal in the morning). 

It’s hotel living without the hotel fuss – and that’s exactly why it works. 

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What facilities does Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall have?

Adina hotel indoor pool
Relax and unwind by the pool.

The appeal of Adina Town Hall lies in the way it quietly gives you everything you need, without making a big deal about it. There’s a heated indoor-outdoor pool that became our 10-year-old’s happy place, a compact but well-equipped gym and 24-hour reception that always seemed to have someone friendly on duty.

We could make coffee and breakfast in the apartment before heading out for the day, do a quick load of washing when we got back (because kids + pool = endless towels), and still feel like we were in the middle of Sydney’s action. It’s those small touches – the full kitchen, the washer and dryer, the easy access to cafes and convenience stores – that make a one-night stay feel like a mini homecoming. 

What are the rooms like at Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall?

Adina Town Hall studio room bedroom
Our two-bedroom apartment was designed for actual living.

Our two-bedroom apartment was exactly what we’d hoped for: generous, bright and designed for actual living. The bedrooms had doors that gave us privacy once my friend’s daughter was asleep, and the separate lounge meant we could stay up chatting without whispering like we were in a hostel. 

The balcony was our sweet spot – we sat out there in the evening breeze with glasses of wine, watching the city move below. The space itself felt considered: thick curtains for proper sleep-ins, a full-sized fridge (a luxury in itself), a dishwasher, and a surprisingly chic dining setup. The bed was plush, the pillows were Goldilocks-level perfect, and even after one night we were plotting a return visit. 

What dining facilities does Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall have?

San Marzano Adina hotel
San Marzano is the small onsite Italian Enoteca.

The beauty of Adina’s apartment-style setup is the freedom it gives you. We didn’t need to commit to restaurant reservations or room service – we had the option to whip up pasta or spread out takeaway from Chinatown, which is just around the corner. Late-night snacks were a mix of chocolate and fruit from the fridge, eaten in pyjamas with the balcony doors open to the hum of evening traffic below. 

Breakfast was relaxed at San Marzano, the small onsite Italian Enoteca serving coffee, breakfast, lunch and aperitivi downstairs.  

But honestly, with Sydney’s food scene right at your doorstep, you’re spoiled for choice. From Korean barbecue to cocktail bars, everything we craved was within walking distance. 

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Does Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall have access for guests with disabilities?

adina hotel lobby
It’s best to confirm specific accessibility needs when booking.

Accessibility has been thoughtfully considered at Adina Town Hall, though it’s best to confirm specific needs when booking. The hotel offers wheelchair-accessible rooms with step-free entry, roll-in showers and grab rails on request. Lifts connect all floors, the pool and gym are accessible, and accessible parking is available. The pathways throughout the property are wide and smooth, and the front desk staff are quick to offer assistance. 

While some features may vary depending on room configuration, it’s clear that Adina’s goal is to make every guest’s stay comfortable – whether you’re a wheelchair user, travelling with a mobility aid, or simply appreciate barrier-free spaces. 

Is Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall family-friendly?

Adina Hotel living area
The layout is perfect for a grown-up sleepover.

Absolutely. Travelling with a child can be chaos, but this felt like a calm, grown-up sleepover that still had room for fun. The apartment-style layout was perfect: separate sleeping zones, a lounge room big enough for dance-offs, and a pool that kept the 10-year-old entertained. 

We made popcorn, watched a movie, and still had enough space to unwind once she was in bed. The staff didn’t blink when we asked for extra blankets, and the location – so close to family-friendly attractions like Darling Harbour – sealed the deal. It’s an easy, flexible choice for parents who want space and style in equal measure. 

The verdict

Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall living room
Adina Sydney Town Hall was a staycation that felt like coming home.

Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall isn’t just another CBD stay; it’s a city escape that feels lived-in in the best possible way. You get the independence of an apartment, the polish of a hotel and a location that makes the whole of Sydney feel within reach. For our little trio, it was the perfect mix of grown-up luxury and easy comfort – a staycation that felt like coming home, just with better lighting and a much nicer view.

Details

Best for: Families or groups of friends wanting the comforts of home with a city skyline backdrop. Perfect for those who love self-contained stays without sacrificing design or location.
Address: 511 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Cost: From around $400 per night for a one-bedroom apartment (rates vary by season and room type). 

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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8 ways to discover a new side of Port Stephens

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
    Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

    You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

    All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

    1. Stockton Sand Dunes

    Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

    Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

    Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape.
    Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

    2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

    A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

    History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

    Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens.
    Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

    3. Watch out for whales

    You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

    And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

    A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface.
    Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

    4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

    Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary  to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

    Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

    Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile
    See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

    5. Diving Port Stephens

    Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

    Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

    At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

    A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure.
    Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

    6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

    Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

    Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

    Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay.
    Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

    7. Fish the estuaries

    Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

    If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

    three men fishing on a boat in port stephens
    Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

    8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

    With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

    Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

    Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

    A plate of fresh oysters.
    Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .