ACE HOTEL SYDNEY – A CREATIVE GEM IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
Transitioning from the remote expanses of the Red Centre to the lively Surry Hills of Sydney feels like a bit of a shock to the system, however, the blend of natural hues adorning Ace Hotel Sydney, notably the staircase ascending through the lobby, serves as a reminder of the rich, iron-oxidized red landscapes we’ve recently traversed, including the iconic Uluru.
After immersing ourselves in the captivating outback of Australia’s Northern Territory for a week, stepping into the vibrant Ace Hotel Sydney brings us straight back into city life. It’s the pioneering venture for the brand in the southern hemisphere, and it’s evident from the get-go that it’s something special.
Scott Duncan’s piece ‘Ohio Star Shine’ on display in Loam in the ceramic gallery
Design and Art
Artistry infuses every corner of the hotel, adorning walls, cascading along staircases, and accentuating shelves, ensuring a feast for the eyes at every turn. Curated by Flack Studio, the collection stands as a testament to contemporary Australian artistry.
“The art program is brash, playful and no holds barred. We consider it a fine match for the verve of Surry Hills, and a luminous showcase of Australia’s renegade artistic spirit.” And we couldn’t agree more.
Far from an afterthought, the artists and their creations were integral to the hotel’s development over its four-year journey. As a result, Flack’s curation celebrates a diverse array of cultures and mediums, offering a captivating glimpse into contemporary Australia while encapsulating Ace’s distinctive flair, all while honouring the building’s heritage.
Jason Phu’s quirky affirmations are peppered throughout the hotel
The artworks span a spectrum of styles, materials, and forms, inviting guests on an eclectic journey through the realm of both emerging and established creatives. Jason Phu’s quirky scribes, affirmations and doodles found along the corridor walls were a particular favourite of ours.
The Medium Plus room is an ideal city centre base
Rooms
Exposed concrete ceilings are almost expected in design hotels, but here, they’re tastefully juxtaposed with sage green walls, wooden furnishings, and vibrant accents, fostering a snug, home-away-from-home ambience. Our ‘Medium Plus’ room, included a king bed, alongside an inviting daybed in emerald green, a generously sized walk-in shower, a thoughtfully curated minibar stocked with pre-mixed cocktails and snacks, a casting-compatible high-definition wall-mounted television, and a custom Tivoli radio for streaming favourite playlists.
Eco-conscious bath products from UKA smell delicious, while the plush, oversized dressing gowns, available at the ACE store in reception, are perfect for lounging.
Avoid disappointment and book ahead if you want a seat at the popular rooftop restaurant Kiln
Food & Drink
Our attempt for an impromptu visit to the rooftop bar and restaurant, Kiln, on a bustling Saturday evening at 9 pm, proved futile. Despite our eagerness to check out the renowned culinary offerings by Chef Mitch Orr (with a cuisine style they call ‘Italian-ish, with nods to Japan and Southeast Asia) amidst the breathtaking skyline views, we found ourselves faced with a daunting waitlist – even to just prop up the bar. Disappointed yet undeterred, we descended to street-level Loam, where we found a convivial, mixed-age crowd relishing the cocktail menu.
Sharing snacks are perfect washed down with a local IPA on the bar at Loam
The building chosen by Ace for their first home in Australia is a former historic Tyne House brick factory, that housed the city’s very first Kiln, so it is great to see the quirky ceramic pieces adorning the bar and restaurant space at this open plan bar, diner, restaurant. Offering an array of dishes, from leafy greens to casual burgers and seafood, alongside an impressive cocktail and craft beer selection, Loam embodies the essence of laid-back easygoing vibes with plenty enough wellness ingredients to feel good about your choices.
The Green Goddess is a perfect start to the day
Location
Strategically situated against the backdrop of Surry Hills and bordering the Central Business District, Ace Hotel Sydney serves as an ideal launchpad for exploration. We strolled from the hotel, meandering through Hyde Park, past the Anzac Memorial and St Mary’s Cathedral, before immersing ourselves in the cultural treasures of the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the serene beauty of the Royal Botanical Gardens, all with the iconic Opera House in view.
With top-notch shopping, dining, and sightseeing mere steps away, and convenient access to public transportation, Ace ensures that discovering Sydney’s many must-see attractions is effortless. A quick 15-20 minute Uber ride to Bondi Beach, at less than $20, further underscores the hotel’s prime location, offering the perfect blend of urban convenience and coastal charm.
