The Best Places to Stay That You Can Book in Paddington, Sydney

The Arts Hotel has been family-owned for 22 years, so they must be doing something right. The simple rooms have two single beds or a queen-size, and are the ideal crash pad for busy visitors who want to be in the heart of the local bar and club action – and it’s particularly popular during Mardi Gras. There’s also a lovely garden to chill out in, an outdoor pool and complimentary bikes to explore the local area, which is brimming with bookshops, cinemas, art galleries, cafes, pubs and restaurants, as well as cutting-edge fashion boutiques.

Guests are invited to make themselves at home in one of the 30 air-conditioned rooms at this centrally located B&B. Formerly a bank, the building has a great location amid boutiques, bars and restaurants, so you won’t have far to go after a hard day’s shopping or night on the town. Mrs B’s is also conveniently situated on the 33 bus route, which goes to the harbour in one direction and Bondi in the other.

With a proud Victorian heritage, the Hughenden Boutique Hotel is set within a stately home in the exclusive Woollahra district with its tree-lined streets, antique stores and classy cafes. Guests are welcomed with a portrait of Dame Edna in the lobby as an homage to Australia – and the decadence continues with heavily framed artworks, crystal carafes, chesterfields and plush carpets throughout, giving it a palatial vibe.

If you’re looking for something upmarket – but are on a budget – the Bayswater Boutique Lodge may tick your boxes. Ideally situated to explore Sydney by public transport, it’s only a five-minute walk from Kings Cross train station and three minutes to Rushcutters Bay Marina, with plenty of eateries, bars and supermarkets in the vicinity. Each of the 16 private rooms are decorated in neutral tones and provide everything you need for a self-catering stay, including a kettle and microwave. It’s great for sharers or couples, but note that some rooms are ensuite, while others share bathrooms.

You are welcomed to the Manor Boutique Hotel by fluttering international flags and two lion statues guarding the impressive gate of a beautiful former home, which sets the scene for the decadence inside. The hotel has retained its original features dating back to the 1850s – and the converted mansion now offers 19 quirky guest rooms spread over two storeys, complete with creaky floorboards, ornate ceiling roses, sparkly chandeliers and quirky antique furniture. Enjoy relaxing in the courtyard atrium – which sometimes hosts piano recitals – or choose a book from the library and chill out on a chesterfield in the lobby.

Set in a former convent down a discreet lane in the hipster district of Surry Hills, the Crystalbrook Albion is anything but stuffy – pets are welcome, and it even boasts an honesty bar complete with cocktail essentials including orange rind, olives and lemon. Guests are made to feel at home in the period-style building, which mixes art deco-style furniture, plush velvet furnishings and mirrors with specially commissioned portraits which adorn the stairwells. There’s something for everyone in the room offerings, as each of the 35 rooms is unique – varying in size from tiny crash pads to spacious suites with kitchenettes and dining areas.

Reminiscent of Studio 54, the 57 Hotel has taken all the best bits from the ’70s and combined them in a bustling location in Surry Hills. Everything from the zebra-stripe wallpaper, moody lighting and cowhide rugs in the lobby to the disco balls in the lift give a unique feeling of sophistication that appeals to the party crowd. Catering for solo travellers – there are rooms with a single bed – as well as to sharers who can get their groove on in the larger Dancing Queen rooms, the modern, streamlined facilities will ensure you get a good sleep – even if you don’t hit the hay until dawn.