Review Author

Britney Eschelman

Contributing Writer & Editor

Sydney is no stranger to stylish boutique hotels and buzzy hospitality haunts that cater to trendsetting locals and travel-savvy visitors alike—look at the former Paramount Studios turned urban guesthouse,Paramount House Hotel. Around the corner, its Surry Hills neighbor, Ace Hotel Sydney, offers an equally compelling stay, especially for those who love the brand.

In sync with its Ace name, the Aussie outpost delivers a fashion-forward experience where every corner and detail contributes to its narrative. Entering from Wentworth Avenue—the thoroughfare linking Surry Hills to the Central Business District—guests check in at a striking, polychromatic glazed-brick art installation doubling as the reception desk. Directly across, the hotel’s signature retail collection, curated by the in-house creative team Atelier Ace, tempts with baseball caps, duffle bags, shoulder totes, keychains, and even acoustic guitars—making it hard to leave empty-handed.

Beyond the bold, art-filled foyer, elevators whisk guests to their rooms and suites across ten floors. Upstairs, a new tale unfolds: the vibrant palette below gives way to a modern-industrial aesthetic, nodding to the structure’s storied past as the Tyne Building situated above the city’s first kiln factory, later a garment warehouse, and eventually an independent high school for underprivileged children. Ace seamlessly honors this history while transforming it into a hip, style-driven retreat.

Spread across ten floors, the 257 guestrooms feel refreshingly spacious—unlike the compact guest chambers typical of other mega-metropolises like New York City. These minimalist rooms embrace an earthy aesthetic, boasting raw materials such as terracotta-hued carpets, exposed concrete ceilings, oak wood headboards, and sage green couch cushions. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, accentuating the warm, organic tones.

A stylish cupboard in the corner doubles as a minibar, its glossy black marble countertop housing a record player—perfect for spinning one of the vinyls from the floating shelf. As you get ready in the open-layout bathroom with its discreetly tucked-away rain shower, sip a drink and snack on treats from the curated selection (think peanut M&M’s, a Snickers bar, and Serious Food Co popcorn). 

Once you’re ready for a night out, you might find it hard to leave—the on-site dining and bar scene is just as enticing as anything beyond the hotel. Downstairs atThe Lobby, a chic cocktail lounge and gathering space, recessed shelves lined with browse-worthy books and bespoke ceramics by Flack Studio frame plush black leather banquettes and marble tables, inviting you to settle in for a drink (or two). On weekends, a DJ spins vinyl house music and classic rock, setting the tone for lingering conversations under the warm glow of Isamu Noguchi’s mood lighting. If you prefer, sidle up to the red-marbled bar, where oak-accented stools and cozy armchairs invite you to sip on one of their expertly crafted libations.

For a more relaxed setting, head toLOAM, a stylish café and bar behind the sunken lounge. Open from morning to night, it’s a go-to for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a laid-back yet elevated dining experience. Locally sourced ingredients shine, with produce-forward dishes like fresh Stracciatella with grilled peaches, pistachio pesto, and flatbread, or Pea & Prosciutto Rigatoni, served in a vibrant, creamy green sauce. The Clean Greens Bowl is another standout, featuring a medley of avocado, green beans, broccolini, spiced seed crunch, and a miso tahini dressing for a flavorful kick.

If the sun is shining, a reservation atKiln—the rooftop eatery and bar—is a must. Created by architectFiona Lynch, the space celebrates Australia’s diverse landscape, with native grasses, sandstone plateaus, and eucalyptus. The innovative design also honors the building’s former life as a garment factory, using salvaged materials crushed into pigments that now color the linens. The result? A striking yet inviting open-air dining experience. As for the food, Chef Beau Clugston’s fusion of local produce, meats, and seafood takes center stage, with dishes like bone marrow with wasabi leaf and Southern calamari in lobster sauce.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to ‘The Harbour City’ or a local, Ace Hotel Sydney feels like a neighborhood gathering spot—where something’s always happening, and everyone’s invited.

Top Takeaways

Location: Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia

Address: 47-53 Wentworth Ave, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Rating: 5-Star

The vibe: An urban escape in Surry Hills, Ace Hotel Sydney blends retro fashion with local Aussie flair.

Our favorite thing about the hotel: Aside from the music-centric, social-focused atmosphere, we loved the vintage photo booth on the ground floor—an Ace Hospitality signature that adds a fun, nostalgic touch.

Food + Drink: Ace Hotel Sydney offers an exceptional range of dining experiences from head to toe. Start with coffee and a zucchini-ricotta tart from Good Chemistry on Foy Lane. Grab a Wagyu patty burger at LOAM, paired with the Borrowed Time cocktail (gin, dry vermouth, mezcal, cucumber, and lemon) for lunch. In the evening, enjoy dinner with a view at Kiln, the rooftop bar 18 stories up, then finish the night with a DJ-spun nightcap at The Lobby.

Amenities: Fitness center; Room service; 3 Restaurants; Bar; Boutique on-site; Good breakfast; 24-hour front desk

What’s nearby? Hyde Park Sydney; The Royal Botanic Gardens; Bondi Beach; Sydney Opera House; Harbour Bridge

Any personal neighborhood recommendations? Bondi Beach is just a hop, skip, and a jump away, so it’d be remiss not to mention a stop atBondi Icebergs Bistro for a casual lunch or a visit upstairs to theIcebergs Dining Room and Bar, where Tiffany blue décor sets the stage for a sophisticated dining experience with iconic views. Similarly, the Sydney Opera House is about a 30-minute walk from the hotel—there’s no better way to get your bearings than by strolling through the neighborhood, if you ask us.

Rooms: 257 guest rooms, including six suites.

Pricing: Rates start at $166 per night.

Closest Airport: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport