Surry Hills is one of those suburbs in Sydney that everyone falls in love with at first visit. It’s a cultural hub for the local fashion and cafe scene, and there’s that sense of community and inclusiveness with every pub, art gallery or market you explore. And along Wentworth Avenue is Ace Hotel, occupying a 1915, Chicago-style brick historic warehouse that was Australia’s first ceramic kiln discovery. The 19-storey, 264-room hotel was designed by Flack Studio, and debuted in 2022. The scheme is warm and homey, with a space that draws you in to want to discover more.
Above: The Lobby at ace sydney. shot on leica m11.
We love the hotel’s unique history, and even more so what it has become — a boutique hotel that serves the discerning traveller craving an experience more than what the typical chain hotel offers; but still with the luxuries that you’ll want in this modern age (eg. complimentary Wifi, restaurants on-site and a full free-standing bathtub in some of the larger rooms).
Above: One of the cosy room setups in ace sydney. shot on leica m11.
Ace Hotel Sydney has a bit of a rock-and-roll theme going on, with a turntable and curated vinyls in select rooms, and you can even request a D Angelico acoustic guitar to play with during your stay. These little touches are special, and you can’t help but feel like part of the cool crowd while staying here.
Above: the interior for the large room. shot on leica m11.
There are different types of accommodations to choose from based on budget (starting from AUD338/night as an Ace Member), and number of pax, of course. For example, if you’re bunking with a best friend, you can get a Double Double room that has a pair of double beds (from AUD462); for a couple with a young child, there’s a large two-room Suite for more space (from AUD730); and our personal pick — the Terrace (from AUD462) with floor to ceiling windows and a balcony to chill in with a glass of wine in hand, and to just breathe in the winter air to remind yourself you’re not in Singapore anymore.
Above: corridor to the bedrooms. shot on iphone 15 pro max.
While Surry Hills has an abundance of cool cafes and restaurants, several of them reside within the hotel’s premise itself. There’s KILN (named after the history of the building, of course), which is a restaurant and bar located 18 stories above Ace Hotel Sydney, and helmed by Chef-Partner Mitch Orr. The dishes are rooted in contemporary Australia cuisine, with hints of Italian, Japanese and Southeast Asian influences.
Above: the chef wasn’t around when we visited, so here’s a portrait of the beautiful franck who was at the reception desk at kiln. shot on leica m11.
Then there’s Loam, which serves All Day Breakfast from 7am to 2.30pm, and Australians do an incredible breakfast. You can count on toasted sourdough, free range eggs done any way, roast tomatoes, smashed avocado, full bacon rashers, potato rosti and more.
Above: loam restaurant in ace sydney. shot on leica m11.
If you want a quick sandwich and a coffee (or perhaps a draft beer with that sandwich), Good Chemistry, situated along Ace Hotel Sydney’s Foy Lane entrance is open daily from 7am to 3pm.
Above: good chemistry in ace sydney where i spent most of my time eating a blt and having coffee. shot on leica m11.
Above: it was an excellent blt. would go back to the hotel just for the food. shot on iphone 15 pro max.
Above: part of the lobby area where i met with friends for drinks. shot on leica m11.
Ace Hotel Sydney is located at 47-53 Wentworth Ave, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. Visit ACEHOTEL.COM for reservations.
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