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.

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

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