When I stay in the city, I want somewhere that breaks the mould of a typical hotel. Of course, I enjoy crisp white sheets, a big bed and nice views, but I want charm, excitement and something a little out of the ordinary. Much to my delight, I got all this and more during my stay at Hotel Woolstore 1888.
Located just a street away from Darling Harbour, Hotel Woolstore 1888 drops you right in the heart of the action, with the city’s endless activities and dining experiences at your doorstep.
Originally opened to meet the demand for wool storage in 1888, the building is Sydney’s oldest surviving wool store, beautifully restored as a boutique hotel in recent years.
Upon arrival, I was met with something I can only describe as a vibe. The ironbark beams and timber furniture – remnants of the building’s past – are on full display, creating a unique aesthetic that’s inviting and intriguing.
After a ride in the glass elevator to the top floor, I mounted a further set of stairs to the High Country Suite, where I was met with not only a fantastic room, but fantastic views of the city as well. The High Country Suite pairs luxury with unique charm, as seen in the bright coloured furniture and decor. The room was equipped with everything you could need, and things you wouldn’t have even thought of. I must say, a highlight for me was the shower, which was considerably larger and more powerful than mine at home, and I found the hotel’s sustainability efforts to be endearing.
Another feature of the High Country Suite is the sizeable deck with stunning views overlooking Darling Harbour. Not to worry if it’s too cold outside though , the suite features floor to ceiling windows so you can enjoy the city views in comfort.
After settling into the suite, my partner and I headed downstairs to Percy, the hotel’s inbuilt restaurant and bar, for a delectable tapas style meal. With so many options to choose from, we ordered enough to keep us full for the next few days at least. A clear favourite for me was the Gambas Al Ajillo, Prawns cooked in extra virgin Olive Oil and Garlic, and the Pan Con Tomate, crushed Tomatoes and Garlic served on thick cut sonoma Sourdough.
Seeing as though no meal is complete without a beverage to accompany it, my partner enjoyed a Toasted Cinnamon and Yuzu Non-Alcoholic Wine, while I relished in a custom cocktail made from Gin, Vodka, Kava and Orange juice.
Of course, despite our full stomachs, dessert was a must. Narrowing down the list, we opted for the Lemon Sorbet topped with Olive Oil and Lemon zest, as well as the Churros served with rich Dulce De Leche and Vanilla Gelato.
Thoroughly impressed and full to the brim, we happily headed back upstairs to enjoy the king size bed. Whether you are staying at Hotel Wooolstore or not, I highly recommend Percy for a delicious and relaxed evening.
The next day, we ventured into the city to the Australian Museum, making several stops for coffee, pastries and lunch along the way. Sydney has such a diverse array of dining options, you can truly get anything your heart desires. After a long day of traipsing around Sydney, we recovered for a few hours on the deck, before heading out again to one of our favourite restaurants for dinner.
Vapiano, an Italian restaurant known for its delicious and expansive menu, was a must-do for us.
From their fantastic cocktail list to the ease of dietary requirements, dining here is always an enjoyable date night.
After a big day of being a tourist in our own city, we wanted nothing more than to come home and relax on a big bed and watch some TV, which is exactly what we did.
On the last morning of our stay, we headed down to Percy to check out their breakfast menu. Again, we were very impressed with the delicious coffee, gigantic croissants and of course, helpful and kind staff.
As it sadly came time to check out, the process was smooth and effortless, the hotel’s staff being helpful and competent, making the check-out morning rush a breeze.
If you want a hotel that stands out, Hotel Woolstore 1888 is it. From the room, to the views, to the restaurant and staff, every minute was prefect, and it was evident the work that’s been done to make Hotel Woolstore as great as it is. So do yourself a favour and book!
Maddie Dantier loves travelling the world and exploring new destinations.