Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney: Where history meets modern charm

Sydney’s historic wool store offers a unique stay with Basque-inspired dining.

Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection, is a boutique gem that seamlessly blends its 19th-century heritage with modern hospitality. Set in a restored wool store in Pyrmont, this hotel delivers a vibrant mix of history, design and personalised service. With chic rooms, Basque-inspired dining at Percy and a prime location near Darling Harbour, it’s a standout choice for travellers seeking style and substance.

Location

City views featuring King Street Wharf, Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour and the Sydney CBD. — Darling Harbour is just a 10-minute walk away. (Image: Destination NSW)

Perfectly positioned in Pyrmont, the hotel sits just a 10-minute walk from Sydney’s International Convention Centre and Darling Harbour. This central location offers easy access to iconic attractions, from the Sydney Lyric Theatre to waterfront dining. Pyrmont itself is a vibrant neighbourhood brimming with cafes, galleries and scenic views of the harbour, making it an ideal base for both leisure and business travellers.

Style and character

interior style of Hotel Woolstore 1888 — This charming hotel is made with creatives in mind.

Housed in a restored 1888 wool store, Hotel Woolstore 1888 beautifully marries its historical significance with contemporary design, thanks to the expertise of renowned interior design firm Luchetti Krelle. Known for crafting some of Australia’s most stylish hospitality spaces, Luchetti Krelle brings an industrial-chic aesthetic to life, celebrating the building’s heritage as the fourth oldest of 21 surviving wool stores in Sydney.

Adding another layer of cultural depth, the hotel features artworks by Australian artists, seamlessly integrating modern creativity into its historical framework. These curated pieces are thoughtfully displayed throughout the property, offering guests an immersive experience that connects them to local art and culture.

The lobby, much like the rest of the hotel, is a striking showcase of design. Paying homage to its Victorian-era roots, it features exposed ironbark beams and original brickwork to create a warm, industrial feel, while contemporary furnishings and bespoke lighting provide a polished, modern edge. The space is both inviting and sophisticated, setting the tone for the stylish experience awaiting guests. The hotel’s warm, inviting atmosphere is reflective of Accor’s Handwritten Collection ethos, prioritising intimate, human-centred experiences.

Facilities

Boutique in size, Hotel Woolstore 1888 balances its compact nature with a thoughtful selection of amenities, although it does slightly underdeliver in some areas. The inviting lounge area offers a comfortable spot for guests to unwind, complete with plush seating and an industrial-chic design that mirrors the hotel’s overall aesthetic. While there’s no pool or rooftop bar, the hotel makes up for it with its focus on personalised service and access to nearby attractions. The lack of recreational facilities such as a gym or spa reinforces that this property is best suited for those planning to explore Sydney’s vibrant neighbourhoods rather than settle in for a resort-style staycation.

Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s cultural and artistic touches, such as the curated artworks by Australian artists displayed throughout the common areas, creating an atmosphere of refined creativity. For those seeking convenience, concierge services are available to assist with bookings and insider recommendations, ensuring a seamless Sydney adventure.

Rooms

Shearer's Suite in Hotel Woolstore 1888 — The rooms reflect the building’s wool store heritage.

The hotel’s 90 rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed to reflect the building’s wool store heritage. Each room features exposed brickwork, timber beams and large windows that flood the space with natural light, giving a nod to the building’s historic roots while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.

I stayed in the Shearer’s Suite , which was spacious, relaxing and perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring Sydney. The suite’s industrial character was complemented by plush bedding, stylish furnishings and a modern bathroom that featured a walk-in rain shower that was especially delightful after a long day.

While the room was comfortable overall, there was a strange issue with the air-conditioning. The control pad in the room wasn’t functional, meaning I had to call reception to adjust the temperature – a minor inconvenience that slightly marred the otherwise seamless experience.

Rooms are equipped with high-speed wi-fi, a convenient workspace for business travellers and a minibar that includes a standout item: a bottle of Hartshorn Sheep Whey Vodka. Thoughtful touches, like welcome gifts inspired by the hotel’s heritage, enhance the guest experience. However, one notable omission was the lack of a smart TV, which might be a consideration for guests planning a cosy movie night.

Food and drink

tapas and wine bar at Hotel Woolstore 1888 — Percy showcases authentic Basque flavours.

The standout feature of Hotel Woolstore 1888 is Percy , a vibrant tapas and wine bar inspired by the pintxos culture of San Sebastián and Barcelona. The menu showcases authentic Basque flavours, from Percy’s Gilda skewers, mussels in carrot escabeche and artichoke fritters to heartier plates like flank steak and spatchcock picante. The wine list champions organic and minimal-intervention Spanish varietals, while cocktails like the margarita picante (hello spicy marg) add a playful touch.

The restaurant’s laid-back yet stylish atmosphere makes it perfect for both casual bites and celebratory meals. Located in the hotel lobby, Percy’s design reflects the hotel’s industrial-chic theme with communal seating and intimate nooks perfect for savouring its Basque-inspired menu.

Access for guests with disabilities

Hotel Woolstore 1888 is committed to accessibility, with step-free access throughout the property, including the entrance, lobby and restaurant. Select rooms are designed for guests with mobility challenges, offering wider doorways, grab rails and accessible bathrooms. Staff are on hand to assist with any additional needs, ensuring a seamless stay for all guests.

Family-friendly?

Young boy enjoying his visit to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour. — The hotel is a convenient base for exploring family-friendly attractions like the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. (Image: Destination NSW)

While the hotel’s boutique size and chic design cater more to couples and solo travellers, families are welcome. Larger rooms and suites can comfortably accommodate small families, and the hotel’s central location makes it a convenient base for exploring Sydney’s family-friendly attractions like Darling Harbour and the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

Details

Best for: Travellers seeking a stylish, boutique stay with a touch of history
Address: 139 Murray Street, Pyrmont, NSW
Cost: Rooms start from $250 per night

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 .