Hotel Morris Sydney Is An Underrated Art Deco Gem

This ultra-stylish hotel embodies the phrase “small but mighty".

While abundant amenities and expansive guestrooms are typical of large hotels, Hotel Morris Sydney – Handwritten Collection , proves that smaller establishments can be just as impressive, especially if you’re a design lover.

This boutique property celebrates Sydney’s rich architectural heritage and contemporary hospitality, a place where attention to detail is woven throughout. Having opened its doors in June 2023, it has quickly established itself as a standout addition to Sydney’s hotel scene, particularly appealing to style-savvy travellers.

Here’s everything to know before booking your stay whether you’re visiting Sydney or in need of a staycay.

Location

Hotel Morris is nestled in bustling Haymarket, at the southern end of the Sydney central business district. This puts you in a prime location to access major attractions such as Central Station, Capital Theatre, and Chinatown. Haymarket is very close to the city centre and boasts a diverse culinary offering, with over 200 Asian eateries for you to choose from. Sydney Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

the building exterior of Hotel Morris Sydney — The prominent Hotel Morris sign has been sensitively restored to its former 1930s glory.

Style and character

Hotel Morris exudes Art Deco charm merged with 21st-century amenities. Originally opened in 1929, it stood as Australia’s tallest hotel for 34 years. Designed by architect Virgil Dante Cizzio in his signature Inter-War Palazzo style, this building has undergone various transformations before a significant restoration turned it into the chic accommodation it is today.

the interior details of Hotel Morris Sydney — The accommodation is part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection.

The slim building stands proudly with arched windows that mimic the original design and prominent signage that has been sensitively restored to its former 1930s glory. Guests step through 1930s steel-framed doors and are welcomed by a space that impeccably blends historic and contemporary design, thanks to interior design firm Tom Mark Henry. The foyer is shared with the onsite restaurant Bar Morris. Here, an amalgamation of rich reds, pastel pinks, natural stone, original ornate moulding, handmade tiles, and Venetian plaster create an opulent yet welcoming ambience. Art Deco Murano chandeliers add an element of glamour to the space.

a bedroom with arched windows at Hotel Morris Sydney — Arched windows flood natural light into guestrooms.

The guest hallways feature custom wallpaper with playful graphics, while the guestrooms offer a lighter palette that’s a chic extension of the aesthetic established in the public spaces.

Overall, the design-led interiors reflect a thoughtful balance between preserving the building’s heritage and introducing modern elegance.

the bathroom interior at Hotel Morris Sydney — Ensuite bathrooms are sleek and contemporary.

Facilities

As Hotel Morris is on the smaller side, you unfortunately won’t find a gym, swimming pool, or parking on site. However, no visit is complete without a snack and tipple at the on-site dining venue Bar Morris.

Rooms

There are 82 compact but well-appointed rooms ranging from the cosy Bambina to the luxe Grande King rooms. These stylish accommodations are decorated in rich ochre and red tones, modernist furnishings, Art Deco-style lighting, colourful artworks from local artists, and bold textures—all of which create a welcoming ambience. All rooms feature walk-in showers, custom-designed beds and luxurious IIUVO soigné bathroom amenities.

Those looking for a bit more indulgence and room should book one of the Grande King rooms which feature a spacious lounge area with Art Deco-style seating, waffle-weave robes, and expansive arched windows.

a mirror on the wall of the bathroom, Hotel Morris Sydney — This stylish hotel is brimming with sophisticated Art Deco-inspired details.

Food and drink

Downstairs in the foyer is the hotel’s 40-seat Italian wine bar and restaurant, Bar Morris. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner this intimate space is perfect for a quick bite, afternoon tipple, or relaxed night in.

For breakfast, guests can choose from a continental spread with fresh fruit, pastries, and yoghurt, as well as à la carte like avocado toast and eggs and Italian eggs benedict.

the intimate dining at Hotel Morris Sydney — Slink into the elegant bar and restaurant for an intimate meal.

From 11am, the bar offers a tight list of deli-style bites to keep you fueled throughout the day. Snack on a baguette filled with mortadella, salami, pickles and romesco sauce or a sourdough sandwich of tuna steak arrabbiata, charred eggplant and zucchini.

Come evening, enjoy Italian classics such as mafaldine with pork shoulder ragu and pecorino and Spaghetti Alle Vongole. These are to be paired with Italian-style aperitifs like the Ocean’s Depth Martini with Seven Seasons green ant gin, dry vermouth, house brine and Sicilian olives. and a host of Australian and Italian wines.

Don’t miss taking advantage of the hotel’s Negroni Trolley service from 4pm to 6pm where you can choose from six varieties of Negronis made right outside your room.

a spread of food on the table at Hotel Morris Sydney — The menu has an array of offerings, from Italian classics to deli-style bites.

Accessibility

Rooms that are fully equipped with accessible support for wheelchair users are available.

Family-friendly?

Hotel Morris is better suited for couples and business travellers rather than families.

Details

Best for: Business travellers, solo travellers, couples

Address: 412 Pitt St, Haymarket

Find other amazing places to stay in Sydney in our Accommodation Guide.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

Hotel Morris Sydney: an underrated Art Deco gem in the city