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

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.