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The Sydney CBD stay that feels more like your dream apartment

A night in the city that feels less like a hotel stay and more like slipping into your own Sydney sanctuary. 

When my friend, her 10-year-old daughter and I checked into Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall, it wasn’t for a big occasion, just a girls’ night in the city. But by the time we’d kicked off our shoes and flopped onto the living room sofa, it felt like we’d stumbled into the kind of sleek, light-filled apartment we’d all secretly like to live in.  

Equal parts practical and polished, Adina Town Hall doesn’t just offer you a bed for the night – it hands you the keys to your own little slice of Sydney. 

Where is Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall?

Adina apartment hotel location
The apartment hotel’s convenient location is one of its major drawcards.

Tucked on Kent Street, just a few steps from Town Hall Station, Adina’s location couldn’t be more convenient. We were less than a 10-minute stroll from Pitt Street Mall and Darling Harbour, meaning we could shop, wander or grab dinner without even thinking about public transport. It’s about 2.5 kilometres from the heart of Circular Quay, but when the city skyline is sparkling outside your window, you’re right in the thick of it. 

Despite being in the middle of the CBD, there’s a surprising sense of calm once you’re inside. We’d slip out for late-night snacks, then return to the hush of our apartment like we’d crossed an invisible border between the bustle and our own private sanctuary. 

What is the style and character of Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall?

Adina Town Hall
The design strikes a balance between city sophistication and home comfort.

Adina Town Hall has had a glow-up recently, and you can feel it from the moment you walk in. The design strikes a balance between city sophistication and home comfort – rich wood tones, soft lighting and olive-green accents give the apartments warmth and texture without losing that polished, modern edge. 

I’ve stayed in plenty of hotels where you feel compelled to sit upright on the bed because there’s nowhere else to perch, but this isn’t one of them. There’s room to breathe. A proper lounge for sprawling with snacks and Netflix, a balcony where we could sip wine while the lights of Bathurst Street flickered below, and a kitchen that actually makes you want to cook (or at least pour cereal in the morning). 

It’s hotel living without the hotel fuss – and that’s exactly why it works. 

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What facilities does Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall have?

Adina hotel indoor pool
Relax and unwind by the pool.

The appeal of Adina Town Hall lies in the way it quietly gives you everything you need, without making a big deal about it. There’s a heated indoor-outdoor pool that became our 10-year-old’s happy place, a compact but well-equipped gym and 24-hour reception that always seemed to have someone friendly on duty.

We could make coffee and breakfast in the apartment before heading out for the day, do a quick load of washing when we got back (because kids + pool = endless towels), and still feel like we were in the middle of Sydney’s action. It’s those small touches – the full kitchen, the washer and dryer, the easy access to cafes and convenience stores – that make a one-night stay feel like a mini homecoming. 

What are the rooms like at Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall?

Adina Town Hall studio room bedroom
Our two-bedroom apartment was designed for actual living.

Our two-bedroom apartment was exactly what we’d hoped for: generous, bright and designed for actual living. The bedrooms had doors that gave us privacy once my friend’s daughter was asleep, and the separate lounge meant we could stay up chatting without whispering like we were in a hostel. 

The balcony was our sweet spot – we sat out there in the evening breeze with glasses of wine, watching the city move below. The space itself felt considered: thick curtains for proper sleep-ins, a full-sized fridge (a luxury in itself), a dishwasher, and a surprisingly chic dining setup. The bed was plush, the pillows were Goldilocks-level perfect, and even after one night we were plotting a return visit. 

What dining facilities does Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall have?

San Marzano Adina hotel
San Marzano is the small onsite Italian Enoteca.

The beauty of Adina’s apartment-style setup is the freedom it gives you. We didn’t need to commit to restaurant reservations or room service – we had the option to whip up pasta or spread out takeaway from Chinatown, which is just around the corner. Late-night snacks were a mix of chocolate and fruit from the fridge, eaten in pyjamas with the balcony doors open to the hum of evening traffic below. 

Breakfast was relaxed at San Marzano, the small onsite Italian Enoteca serving coffee, breakfast, lunch and aperitivi downstairs.  

But honestly, with Sydney’s food scene right at your doorstep, you’re spoiled for choice. From Korean barbecue to cocktail bars, everything we craved was within walking distance. 

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Does Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall have access for guests with disabilities?

adina hotel lobby
It’s best to confirm specific accessibility needs when booking.

Accessibility has been thoughtfully considered at Adina Town Hall, though it’s best to confirm specific needs when booking. The hotel offers wheelchair-accessible rooms with step-free entry, roll-in showers and grab rails on request. Lifts connect all floors, the pool and gym are accessible, and accessible parking is available. The pathways throughout the property are wide and smooth, and the front desk staff are quick to offer assistance. 

While some features may vary depending on room configuration, it’s clear that Adina’s goal is to make every guest’s stay comfortable – whether you’re a wheelchair user, travelling with a mobility aid, or simply appreciate barrier-free spaces. 

Is Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall family-friendly?

Adina Hotel living area
The layout is perfect for a grown-up sleepover.

Absolutely. Travelling with a child can be chaos, but this felt like a calm, grown-up sleepover that still had room for fun. The apartment-style layout was perfect: separate sleeping zones, a lounge room big enough for dance-offs, and a pool that kept the 10-year-old entertained. 

We made popcorn, watched a movie, and still had enough space to unwind once she was in bed. The staff didn’t blink when we asked for extra blankets, and the location – so close to family-friendly attractions like Darling Harbour – sealed the deal. It’s an easy, flexible choice for parents who want space and style in equal measure. 

The verdict

Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall living room
Adina Sydney Town Hall was a staycation that felt like coming home.

Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall isn’t just another CBD stay; it’s a city escape that feels lived-in in the best possible way. You get the independence of an apartment, the polish of a hotel and a location that makes the whole of Sydney feel within reach. For our little trio, it was the perfect mix of grown-up luxury and easy comfort – a staycation that felt like coming home, just with better lighting and a much nicer view.

Details

Best for: Families or groups of friends wanting the comforts of home with a city skyline backdrop. Perfect for those who love self-contained stays without sacrificing design or location.
Address: 511 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Cost: From around $400 per night for a one-bedroom apartment (rates vary by season and room type). 

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
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3 vintage train journeys to step back in time and explore NSW

(Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

From country landscapes to the coast, Vintage Rail Journeys blends the grandeur of the golden age of rail travel with immersive local experiences.

Travelling aboard the historic Southern Aurora train is the ultimate scenic journey through regional NSW. Operated by Vintage Rail Journeys, the former Southern Aurora is a step back in time, from the lovingly restored carriages to the Off Train Experiences that spotlight local history, artisanal crafts and regional producers.

Once the overnight express that ferried passengers between Sydney and Melbourne throughout the 1960s, this train has been revived to its former mid-century glory, from the cabin layouts to the original lettering. Today, the train takes passengers on scenic and historic five-day journeys – starting and ending in Sydney – through three distinct regions of NSW: The Riverina, Golden West and North Coast.

Vintage Rail Journeys Southern Aurora train carriage
Be transported into the golden age of travel. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

One of the most magical parts of travelling with Vintage Rail Journeys is waking up on the train. Each night, the train stables at a station so guests can enjoy a restful night’s sleep in stillness, before departing again at dawn. Passengers awake to the gentle motion of the carriage, flicking open the blinds to watch the landscape unfold at sunrise. There is no better way to start the day.

The onboard experience come evening time is just as picturesque. Guests enjoy the all-inclusive food and beverages, nursing cocktails in the Art Deco-inspired lounge carriage or lingering over a three-course dinner in the dining carriage. Outside the window, Eastern grey kangaroos bound across open plains and flocks of cockatoos scatter from the gumtrees. It’s an old-world way of travelling, a slower pace that’s increasingly rare amid the frenzy of modern life. From coastal sojourns to adventures through agrarian landscapes, these are the multi-day Vintage Rail Journeys itineraries transporting guests back in time.

The Riverina

Vintage Rail Journeys Southern Aurora train travelling through nsw
Travel through the agricultural heartland of NSW. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

The Riverina is the agricultural heartland of NSW. Over five days, Vintage Rail Journeys takes passengers through the region to experience its celebrated produce, wines and local history. Travelling in a loop through the Central West, guests can sample sweets at the Junee Liquorice & Chocolate Factory, housed inside a former flour mill, tour an olive grove alongside a second-generation olive farmer, and enjoy tastings at family-owned wineries where the grapes are harvested mere metres away.

The Riverina is also a region shaped by passionate local historians. The Fairground Follies museum in Bowral houses one of the world’s largest collections of mechanical music and carnival memorabilia – a riot of colour and nostalgia tucked away where you’d least expect it. Meanwhile, Temora Rural Museum offers a glimpse into the history of everyday life in rural NSW. It’s home to the NSW & ACT Ambulance Museum (yes, a museum within a museum), packed with ambulances that span the past 120 years (including horse-drawn!). And seeing it all aboard a vintage train makes it feel not just like you’re visiting history, but living inside of it.

North Coast

Forest Sky Pier
Take in the views from Forest Sky Pier. (Credit: Destination NSW)

This five-day journey is all about ocean views and slowing down in tune with the rhythm of coastal life. As you make your way north from Sydney, the water is never too far from sight, whether Vintage Rail Journeys is tracing the Gloucester River or travelling alongside sweeping stretches of coastline. You’ll want to sit by a window as the train passes through the Coffs Harbour region – it’s one of the most scenic stretches of the whole journey.

Guests can also disembark at Coffs Harbour to take in the beauty of the Great Dividing Range at the Forest Sky Pier – a surreal lookout point that looks like a runway disappearing into the sky. The train continues onward to Byron Bay, where guests can disembark to explore the iconic beach town at their own pace. And on the return journey to Sydney, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins – they’re known to frequent the Kooragang Wetlands near Newcastle, which guests visit on a lunch cruise on the final day.

Golden West

winery experience in new south wales
Jump off the train for a winery experience. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

Travelling through the Golden West by rail is like stepping into a Frederick McCubbin painting – a nod to the golden era of rail travel. This five-day journey evokes the era of Australian Impressionism, passing through some of the country’s most painterly landscapes while tracing a path through history.

Starting in Sydney, the train makes its way to the Hawkesbury River, where the train crosses a historic rail bridge over the bronze, glassy waters below. Guests disembark here to cruise the brackish inlet aboard a historic postal boat before returning to the train to continue into Gold Rush country. Ahead lie grand heritage towns and historic estates, including the 1870s Abercrombie House in Bathurst.

Special event journeys

meal onboard Vintage Rail Journeys Southern Aurora train
Enjoy all-inclusive dining and beverages on the way to special events. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

Regional NSW is home to some truly one-of-a-kind events, and Vintage Rail Journeys offers a memorable way to get there. Planning a trip to the Bathurst Repco 1000? Vintage Rail Journeys’ special itinerary combines accommodation, dining and transport into one seamless experience. Guests take the scenic route to Bathurst, where the train becomes a unique home base for the event, complete with transfers, all-inclusive dining and beverages, and three days of reserved grandstand seating before returning to Sydney Central Station.

For something a little more playful, guests can also join fellow Elvis enthusiasts on a special overnight journey to Parkes for the town’s iconic annual Elvis Festival. It’s a vintage rail journey – with a little added rock ‘n’ roll.

Step back into the golden age of rail travel at vintagerailjourneys.com.au.