Accommodation prices in Sydney can certainly be on the pricier side. But when there’s a long weekend? They soar. IKEA is turning the tables on holiday home fees by giving Sydneysiders the ultimate staycation opportunity in a designer residence, without the hefty price tag. Across 3–8 June, guests can spend the night in an architecturally stunning inner Sydney home furnished with some of IKEA’s new PS 2026 collection. The best part? It’s just $19.95 a night.
“A night away in Sydney over a long weekend can easily cost hundreds of dollars, so opening an extraordinary designer home for $19.95 is intentionally disruptive and a big nod to our core values of affordability and cost-consciousness," said Patricia Routledge, Head of Communications at IKEA Australia and New Zealand.
The nightly rate is an homage to the year IKEA PS first launched, 1995.
IKEA are furnishing an architectural home with their new PS 2026 collection.
The collection comprises 43 pieces.
The home
Sydney-based practiceDownie North reimagined a former corner store building into a modernist home in Camperdown, utilising a materials palette of exposed brickwork, burnished concrete floors, timber panelling and hand-painted steel windows. The light-filled home sleeps up to six guests across three bedrooms, making it perfect for a family staycation or a night with friends. There’s plenty of space, with two bathrooms, kitchen, laundry and sunny courtyard with lush plantings.
IKEA’s PS 2026 collection
IKEA’s PS 2026 collection will add bold, Scandi flair to each room, showcasing that you can easily incorporate affordable, practical and stylish design into your own home.
“The IKEA PS 2026 collection delivers that ‘wow, I didn’t see that coming’ moment, something surprising, optimistic, playful and brave, while always staying affordable," said Routledge. “This collection brings playful functionality to life through small, smart ideas that can brighten everyday moments. That’s why we’ve created IKEA Staycation, so people can experience the joy and functionality of the collection in a real-life setting, at an affordable price for so many."
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
The modernist building was conceived by Downie North.
The home features a chic kitchen and dining space.
There are two modern bathrooms onsite.
The home sleeps up to six guests.
Enjoy a relaxed evening in the courtyard.
The 10th iteration of the collection will be available in stores from 4 June and comprises 43 playful, multifunctional designs.Key pieces include a retro inflatable chair, lounge chair that folds out into a bed, hidden-storage furniture, rocking bench and bold textiles and glassware.
The staycation offers a unique chance to stay in a high-end property without the price tag and leave with some fabulous design inspo.
How to book
Bookings open from 9:00am AEST on Wednesday 27 May via IKEA Australia, with bookings strictly limited to one night.
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
A great night out doesn’t need a road trip, just the right bar. Swap the long drive for an evening at these standout Sydney venues.
If you’re thinking of a staycation or a long weekend (with foodie benefits), you can’t get much better than the bright lights and beautiful vistas of Sydney. From tucked-away bars to late-night hidden hangs, Australia’s (unofficial) favourite city is packed full of venues that make staying local feel like an adventure.
And with Vivid lighting up the sky this winter, there’s no better time to find the perfect cosy spot to enjoy the views or escape the crowds.
1. El Vista, Circular Quay
Enjoy tasty cocktails and gorgeous Sydney views. (Credit: Mario Francisco)
This welcoming bar by the Maybe Sammy team offers a fun buzz and jaw-dropping harbour views. Part of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, this lounge bar sits above Circular Quay with the harbour on one side and the Botanical Gardens on the other. You may start here for pre-dinner drinks, but you won’t want to leave before the early hours. If the 1960s Acapulco vibe isn’t enough, the views will be – the Sydney Harbour Bridge is so close it hardly fits in the window, while ferries glide by all night.
2. Bar Allora, CBD
Settle in for a taste of Italy.
Inspired by Milan in the 1980s, Bar Allora brings Italian style and culture to the CBD. Although it’s officially part of the Mantra 2 Bond Street hotel, it’s designed to look and feel like you’ve travelled to Italy for all-day dining. Think espresso in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon and Negronis late into the night. Accompany your liquid diet with Italian-style small plates and pastas with a modern twist.
3. Percy, Pyrmont
Spanish-style tapas and wine is the name of the game. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)
Taking centre stage in the luxe foyer of the Woolstore 1888 Hotel in Pyrmont, Percy is a popular Spanish-style tapas and wine bar serving food that makes you want to linger. The restored 138-year-old wool store creates an atmospheric backdrop to your glass of merlot with exposed timber beams, brick and the echoes of Sydney’s past. With an air of Barcelona, expect low conversations, creative dining and the city moments away.
4. The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD
Seafood lovers should head to The Crudo Bar. (Credit: Nikki To)
Grab a seat at the beautifully designed crudo bar, taking centre stage of Giovanni Pilu’s latest CBD restaurant, Flaminia. Enjoy a glass of chilled Vermentino from Sardinia or prosecco from the hills of Treviso, matched with freshly shucked oysters. Complement your seafood with a range of special dressings, influenced by iconic Italian port cities. It’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post- glass of wine before visiting the Sydney Opera House.
5. Mee So, Sydney Central
Enjoy Japanese-influenced food and drinks.
For something a little different, Mee So is a modern, neon-lit Japanese-influenced bar in the Ibis Sydney Central. Serving bold flavours and umami-heavy dishes alongside sake and yuzu-infused cocktails, this Tokyo-esque venue offers an escape from the busy streets outside. Order steaming ramen, a Japanese whisky and make a corner of Mee So yours for the night.
6. Bar Morris, Haymarket
Settle into old-world European glamour.
Housed in a 1929 heritage-listed building, Bar Morris brings old-world European glamour to the Hotel Morris Sydney, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. More of a destination than a pitstop, this bar leans into its Art Deco past with velvet features, intimate lighting and bold brass finishes. Here you can order smaller plates like burrata, cured meats, and seasonal seafood to match your martini.
7. Pumphouse, Darling Harbour
Enjoy a tipple inside a building from the 1880s.
When you first walk into Pumphouse, you’ll quickly notice the high ceilings, exposed brick and industrial style decor. Officially part of the busy Novotel Darling Square, this busy local hang doesn’t feel like it; it’s housed inside a former hydraulic pumping station from the 1880s – hence the name – and a local institution. Grab a seat if you can and order off the classic modern Australian menu, before trying one of the many craft beers on tap to wash it down.
8. Wentworth Bar, CBD
Drink where the celebrities once did.
Designed for big groups and late-night cocktails, this open-air terrace bar is part of the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth – one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels. Once the watering hole of royals and celebrities, this mid-century building has recently been refurbished to be sleek, modern and inviting. The stunning rooftop bar attracts Sydneysiders who love to watch the sunset with a table full of Vietnamese and French-inspired dishes.
9. Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington
See the city skyline, drink in hand.
Sitting pretty on top of a restored 110-year-old theatre, Monica is a Hollywood-style rooftop bar with views across Paddington and the city skyline. Part of the 25hrs The Olympia hotel, this isn’t a quick drink kind of place, it’s a ‘let’s stay all night’ kind of venue. Weekend DJs will take you from sunset to late-night conversations, while you graze on ceviche, grilled meats or sharing plates.
