Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney: Where history meets modern charm

Sydney’s historic wool store offers a unique stay with Basque-inspired dining.

Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection, is a boutique gem that seamlessly blends its 19th-century heritage with modern hospitality. Set in a restored wool store in Pyrmont, this hotel delivers a vibrant mix of history, design and personalised service. With chic rooms, Basque-inspired dining at Percy and a prime location near Darling Harbour, it’s a standout choice for travellers seeking style and substance.

Location

City views featuring King Street Wharf, Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour and the Sydney CBD. — Darling Harbour is just a 10-minute walk away. (Image: Destination NSW)

Perfectly positioned in Pyrmont, the hotel sits just a 10-minute walk from Sydney’s International Convention Centre and Darling Harbour. This central location offers easy access to iconic attractions, from the Sydney Lyric Theatre to waterfront dining. Pyrmont itself is a vibrant neighbourhood brimming with cafes, galleries and scenic views of the harbour, making it an ideal base for both leisure and business travellers.

Style and character

interior style of Hotel Woolstore 1888 — This charming hotel is made with creatives in mind.

Housed in a restored 1888 wool store, Hotel Woolstore 1888 beautifully marries its historical significance with contemporary design, thanks to the expertise of renowned interior design firm Luchetti Krelle. Known for crafting some of Australia’s most stylish hospitality spaces, Luchetti Krelle brings an industrial-chic aesthetic to life, celebrating the building’s heritage as the fourth oldest of 21 surviving wool stores in Sydney.

Adding another layer of cultural depth, the hotel features artworks by Australian artists, seamlessly integrating modern creativity into its historical framework. These curated pieces are thoughtfully displayed throughout the property, offering guests an immersive experience that connects them to local art and culture.

The lobby, much like the rest of the hotel, is a striking showcase of design. Paying homage to its Victorian-era roots, it features exposed ironbark beams and original brickwork to create a warm, industrial feel, while contemporary furnishings and bespoke lighting provide a polished, modern edge. The space is both inviting and sophisticated, setting the tone for the stylish experience awaiting guests. The hotel’s warm, inviting atmosphere is reflective of Accor’s Handwritten Collection ethos, prioritising intimate, human-centred experiences.

Facilities

Boutique in size, Hotel Woolstore 1888 balances its compact nature with a thoughtful selection of amenities, although it does slightly underdeliver in some areas. The inviting lounge area offers a comfortable spot for guests to unwind, complete with plush seating and an industrial-chic design that mirrors the hotel’s overall aesthetic. While there’s no pool or rooftop bar, the hotel makes up for it with its focus on personalised service and access to nearby attractions. The lack of recreational facilities such as a gym or spa reinforces that this property is best suited for those planning to explore Sydney’s vibrant neighbourhoods rather than settle in for a resort-style staycation.

Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s cultural and artistic touches, such as the curated artworks by Australian artists displayed throughout the common areas, creating an atmosphere of refined creativity. For those seeking convenience, concierge services are available to assist with bookings and insider recommendations, ensuring a seamless Sydney adventure.

Rooms

Shearer's Suite in Hotel Woolstore 1888 — The rooms reflect the building’s wool store heritage.

The hotel’s 90 rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed to reflect the building’s wool store heritage. Each room features exposed brickwork, timber beams and large windows that flood the space with natural light, giving a nod to the building’s historic roots while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.

I stayed in the Shearer’s Suite , which was spacious, relaxing and perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring Sydney. The suite’s industrial character was complemented by plush bedding, stylish furnishings and a modern bathroom that featured a walk-in rain shower that was especially delightful after a long day.

While the room was comfortable overall, there was a strange issue with the air-conditioning. The control pad in the room wasn’t functional, meaning I had to call reception to adjust the temperature – a minor inconvenience that slightly marred the otherwise seamless experience.

Rooms are equipped with high-speed wi-fi, a convenient workspace for business travellers and a minibar that includes a standout item: a bottle of Hartshorn Sheep Whey Vodka. Thoughtful touches, like welcome gifts inspired by the hotel’s heritage, enhance the guest experience. However, one notable omission was the lack of a smart TV, which might be a consideration for guests planning a cosy movie night.

Food and drink

tapas and wine bar at Hotel Woolstore 1888 — Percy showcases authentic Basque flavours.

The standout feature of Hotel Woolstore 1888 is Percy , a vibrant tapas and wine bar inspired by the pintxos culture of San Sebastián and Barcelona. The menu showcases authentic Basque flavours, from Percy’s Gilda skewers, mussels in carrot escabeche and artichoke fritters to heartier plates like flank steak and spatchcock picante. The wine list champions organic and minimal-intervention Spanish varietals, while cocktails like the margarita picante (hello spicy marg) add a playful touch.

The restaurant’s laid-back yet stylish atmosphere makes it perfect for both casual bites and celebratory meals. Located in the hotel lobby, Percy’s design reflects the hotel’s industrial-chic theme with communal seating and intimate nooks perfect for savouring its Basque-inspired menu.

Access for guests with disabilities

Hotel Woolstore 1888 is committed to accessibility, with step-free access throughout the property, including the entrance, lobby and restaurant. Select rooms are designed for guests with mobility challenges, offering wider doorways, grab rails and accessible bathrooms. Staff are on hand to assist with any additional needs, ensuring a seamless stay for all guests.

Family-friendly?

Young boy enjoying his visit to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour. — The hotel is a convenient base for exploring family-friendly attractions like the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. (Image: Destination NSW)

While the hotel’s boutique size and chic design cater more to couples and solo travellers, families are welcome. Larger rooms and suites can comfortably accommodate small families, and the hotel’s central location makes it a convenient base for exploring Sydney’s family-friendly attractions like Darling Harbour and the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

Details

Best for: Travellers seeking a stylish, boutique stay with a touch of history
Address: 139 Murray Street, Pyrmont, NSW
Cost: Rooms start from $250 per night

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.