The Best Hotels to Book in Surry Hills, Sydney

The Old Clare Hotel is one of the top places to stay in Surry Hills, Sydneys coolest neighbourhood
The Old Clare Hotel is one of the top places to stay in Surry Hills, Sydney's coolest neighbourhood | Courtesy of the Old Clare Hotel / Expedia
Sue White

Surry Hills has cemented its reputation as the coolest neighbourhood in the most populous city in Australia. This inner-Sydney suburb promises ample dining, drinking, shopping and people-watching opportunities – here are the top hotels in Surry Hills, all bookable with Culture Trip.

1. ADGE Apartments, for cool condos

Apartment, Hotel

Stylish loft apartment with leather seating, colourful striped carpet and balcony at ADGE Apartments, Surry Hills
Courtesy of ADGE Apartments / Expedia

ADGE is an apartment-style hotel that prides itself on its funky design and proximity to the world-famous restaurants and shops of Oxford Street. When it comes to hotels in Surry Hills, it has the advantage of independent living. Its one‒, two and three-bed self-contained suites all have living, dining and cooking areas. For a real treat, opt for one of two loft-style penthouses, both with balconies with stunning city views, each sleeping four in two bedrooms. You might say they’ve got the “adge” over the competition.

2. Zara Tower Hotel, for longer stays

Apartment

Industrial-chic living room with leather couch, hanging chair, jute rug and cement walls at Zara Tower Hotel, Surry Hills
Courtesy of Zara Tower Hotel / Expedia

This slick Surry Hills hotel is great for those staying in Sydney more than a couple of days. Opened in 2013, its variety of different sized rooms is helpful for catering to any size of party, from Sky Rooms (up to two people), Soho Suites (up to five) and Luxe Apartments (up to eight, in the glamorous three-bed penthouse). The slickly comfortable decor with all the mod cons is pitched just right for urban 20-somethings, who will enjoy being within walking distance of shops, restaurants and the CBD.

3. Vibe Hotel Sydney, for a central location

Chain Hotel

Chic lounge with graphic flower-print wallpaper, blue velvet chairs, leather sofas and parquet floors at Vibe Hotel Sydney
Courtesy of Vibe Hotel Sydney / Expedia

This chic property, in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, is a dream for exploring the city beyond. Hyde Park, Surry Hills and Chinatown are all close by, while there’s a choice of train stations to whisk you further afield. Back at the hotel, there’s a gym, swimming pool and restaurant, with 198 smart rooms decked out in slate grey, brass and splashes of mustard.

5. 57Hotel, for free and flaky pastries

Independent Hotel

Lounge space with dark leather seating, striped brown and tan carpeting and large windows to street at 57Hotel, Sydney
Courtesy of 57Hotel / Expedia

As all real estate agents know, location is king, and that’s one of 57Hotel’s main draws: it’s less than a five-minute walk from Central Station. While the trains aren’t far, you’ll be unlikely to need them. It’s a short (hilly) stroll to the hub of Surry Hills, and while en route, you should wander along Crown Street with its many small cafes. Heading farther afield? Within 15 minutes, you’ll be in the centre of the CBD. Don’t forget to grab one of the free pastries on your way out to explore – they’re excellent.

6. The Ultimo, for a spiritual stay

Boutique Hotel

Brick exterior of corner building housing the Ultimo in Haymarket, Sydney on a sunny day
Courtesy of the Ultimo / Expedia

With rooms ranging in size from single to triple, the Ultimo fits the bill for solo travellers and groups alike. They are characterised by monochromatic decor and exposed brick walls, and they come with all the amenities needed for a hassle-free stay without overcomplicating things. These include tea and coffee facilities, mini bars and private en-suite bathrooms. Astrology fans will be right at home here, too; the hotel curates experiences based on your star sign, and there’s even an in-house astrologer to guide you through your stay.

7. Rydges Sydney Central, for a tried-and-trusted hotel

Hotel

Rooftop lounge space with grey chairs around cocktail tables and panoramic skyline views at Rydges Sydney Central
Courtesy of Rydges Sydney Central / Expedia

If you’re looking for a trusted brand in a great location, Rydges Sydney Central is a good bet. The wide range of rooms means there are options for everyone, from business types after an executive suite to families or groups of friends looking for a room with a balcony. The undercover parking isn’t cheap but, given the location, it can be worth it. There’s also an indoor pool – the perfect place to relax after a hard day’s shopping at the many boutiques in Surry Hills.

8. Veriu Central, for big city vibes

Chain Hotel

Hip lounge with varied designer velvet seating, marble tables, bar area and stylish light fixtures at Veriu Central
Courtesy of Veriu Central / Expedia

Veriu Central, on Wentworth Avenue, feels more like a CBD option than a hidden Surry Hills treasure. Don’t let this put you off, though. Its proximity to Central Station makes this hotel undeniably convenient (and surprisingly quiet). The rooms are on the small side, but the facilities are great, and if you need a bit more space to hang out, you can just head to the hotel’s stylish bar area.

9. The Old Clare Hotel, for thoughtful touches

Independent Hotel, Boutique Hotel

Upscale covered deck area with grey-cushioned seating and potted palms at the Old Clare Hotel, Chippendale, Sydney
Courtesy of the Old Clare Hotel / Expedia

Though not strictly in Surry Hills (it’s just a short walk away in Chippendale), the Old Clare Hotel wins hearts for its stylish vintage designer touches. Rooms are all about exposed brick, wood panelling and pops of colour, while bathrooms come with walk-in showers or deep-soaking tubs – a welcome retreat after a day of sightseeing. Even the outside of the property is of interest: the Old Clare stretches across two iconic heritage-listed buildings.

Want to stay in Sydney in style? See the best luxury hotels in Sydney and book with Culture Trip.

Molly Codyre, Siobhan Grogan, and Sarah Warwick contributed additional reporting to this article.

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