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.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

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