Ace Hotel Sydney Is A Cool Urban Escape With Art, Style And Soul

Sydney’s Ace Hotel might just be the ultimate inner-city retreat, blending modern comforts with a gritty, creative aesthetic that nods to the local art scene.

With an effortlessly cool vibe and a central Sydney location, Ace Hotel Sydney attracts a youthful crowd that appreciates design, culture and the occasional rooftop cocktail. Offering far more than just a place to stay, Ace is a destination for locals and travellers alike, whether for the art on the walls, the food on the table or the dining scene on the rooftop.

Location

Ace Hotel Sydney is located in the heart of Surry Hills, one of the city’s most vibrant suburbs, renowned for its art galleries, hip cafes and boutique shopping. The hotel is just a few minutes walk from Central Station, making it a breeze for travellers to explore further afield. Surry Hills itself is a destination, a suburb where old warehouses meet cutting-edge design, and it’s not uncommon to spot a gallery opening or a pop-up event just around the corner.

The surrounding neighbourhood has a rich industrial past, with many of its buildings still standing as refurbished spaces, lending the area a sense of raw authenticity. For food lovers, there’s no shortage of options, with everything from artisanal bakeries to cosy wine bars within walking distance. If you’re in the mood to explore, you’ll find that Sydney’s major attractions, like the Opera House, Darling Harbour and Circular Quay, are easily accessible by public transport.

Ace Hotel Sydney exterior — Ace Hotel Sydney is located in the heart of Surry Hills.

Style and character

The hotel’s design is inspired by the neighbourhood’s history, from the exposed brick walls and concrete ceilings to the soft, warm lighting and plush furnishings that create a cosy atmosphere.

Every corner of the hotel exudes creative energy, with a curated mix of artwork, custom furniture and locally crafted pieces adding to its distinct character. The lobby doubles as a social hub, where locals and guests mingle over coffee or cocktails, creating an inviting community vibe.

Ace’s signature style is one of laid-back luxury, where industrial chic meets bohemian comfort, perfect for those seeking a space that feels both edgy and welcoming.

Ace Hotel Sydney interior — Every corner of the hotel exudes creative energy.

Facilities

Ace Hotel Sydney caters to the needs of guests with its impressive range of facilities. The rooftop is undeniably a highlight, with Kiln providing a focal point for social gatherings and intimate dinners. But beyond the food and drinks, the hotel boasts a 24-hour fitness centre that allows guests to keep up with their routines, no matter the time of day. This well-equipped gym offers everything from cardio machines to weights, perfect for those wanting to squeeze in a quick workout between sightseeing or business meetings.

Ace Hotel Sydney gym — Hit the gym during your stay.

For those on a working holiday, Ace’s lobby is a modern co-working space, blending casual seating with a bustling energy that makes it ideal for freelancers or remote workers. The hotel’s meeting spaces are also versatile, catering to anything from creative brainstorming sessions to formal business presentations.

Art enthusiasts will be pleased to find that the hotel’s walls are adorned with rotating exhibitions featuring works by local and international artists, creating a gallery-like atmosphere in the hallways.

Ace Hotel Sydney Lobby Bar — Ace’s lobby is a modern co-working space.

Rooms

Ace Hotel Sydney’s rooms are a masterclass in contemporary luxury, offering a thoughtful blend of industrial chic and cosy comfort. Inspired by the suburb’s industrial heritage, the interiors feature raw concrete, timber panelling and exposed brick walls, while soft linens and locally curated artwork bring warmth to the space. Every room has an eclectic yet harmonious vibe, thanks to custom-designed furniture, vintage touches and an impressive attention to detail.

Ace Hotel Sydney Large Suite — Some rooms come equipped with record players and a curated vinyl collection.

Room categories range from the small rooms , which are compact but cleverly designed, to the loft suites , where you can enjoy sweeping views of the Sydney skyline from your very own seating area. For music lovers, some rooms even come equipped with record players and a curated vinyl collection, enhancing the feeling that you’re staying in a creative hub rather than a traditional hotel. The minibars are stocked with locally sourced treats and beverages, reinforcing Ace’s commitment to supporting local artisans and producers.

Ace Hotel Sydney Loft Suite — The loft suites are nice and spacious.

Food and drink

Dining at Ace Hotel Sydney is an experience in itself and nowhere is this more evident than at Kiln, the hotel’s iconic rooftop restaurant . More than just a place to grab a drink, Kiln offers a dining experience that showcases the best of contemporary Australian cuisine, with a focus on wood-fired cooking. Helmed by renowned chef Mitch Orr, Kiln’s menu is inventive, using traditional techniques with a modern twist, where each dish is treated as a canvas for bold, creative flavours.

Kiln Rooftop at Ace Hotel Sydney — Kiln is an unmissable part of Ace Hotel Sydney. (Image: Pablo Veiga)

Sitting 18 floors above the city, Kiln not only provides stunning views of Sydney but also a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Dishes are designed to share, with highlights like Jatz with smoked butter and anchovy, dry-aged ribeye and roasted vegetables stealing the show. The cocktail menu is equally impressive, crafted with the same creativity that permeates the rest of the hotel. Whether you opt for a classic martini or one of the more experimental cocktails, like a mushroom old fashioned, you’ll find yourself lingering long after your meal is done.

Kiln food including oysters, scallops and Jatz with smoked butter and anchovy — Dishes are designed to be shared at Kiln. (Image: Nikki To)

For a more relaxed dining experience, Loam, located on the hotel’s ground floor , is an all-day eatery that focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu leans into simple but beautifully prepared dishes that showcase the quality of Australia’s local produce. Loam is ideal for a casual breakfast, light lunch or late-afternoon coffee, and the setting itself mirrors the cool vibe of the rest of the hotel.

Ace Hotel Sydney Loam — Loam is a more relaxed dining experience.

Access for guests with disabilities?

Designed with inclusivity in mind, Ace Hotel Sydney provides spacious accessible rooms , with widened doorways and roll-in showers for ease of movement. Accessible pathways throughout the hotel ensure that all common areas, including the restaurant, rooftop and lobby, are easily navigable for wheelchair users. Lifts are available for access to all floors.

Family-friendly?

While Ace Hotel Sydney’s vibe leans more towards adults and young creatives, it’s still welcoming to families. Though not specifically designed as a family-oriented hotel, its central location, easy access to public transport and proximity to attractions make it a convenient base for families exploring the city.

The hotel provides cots and rollaway beds upon request, and the larger loft suites offer more space for those travelling with children. However, families should be aware that the overall atmosphere is trendy and vibrant, so it may appeal more to those with older children or teenagers.

Ace Hotel Sydney yellow bathroom — Ace Hotel Sydney is not specifically designed as a family-oriented hotel.

Details

Best for: Trendy travellers, creative professionals and food enthusiasts looking for a stylish, centrally located hotel with excellent dining options.

Address: 47-53 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills NSW

Phone: (02) 8099 8900

Cost: Rooms from $300 per night depending on season and availability.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

Sydney is a cool urban escape with art, style and soul