Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour, Pyrmont, Sydney, Australia - Hotel Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"How did it strike you on arrival? Set in a converted circa-1888 wool warehouse, Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour is an impressive heritage building, but once inside you’ll find colourful modern updates. Nice. What’s the crowd like? This social media-friendly Hong Kong-born hotel appeals to Instagrammers, the young at heart and fans of arty design. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. The 90 rooms and suites have exposed brick walls, contemporary furnishings and vibrant red, yellow and blue murals by local artist Jasper Knight. Sizes range from the super-compact Shoebox (15 square metres) to spacious Junior Suites (35 square metres). Top-tier suites Shaken and Stirred feature a cocktail bar and rooftop patio respectively. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us? Custom-designed comfy queen and king beds ensure happy snoozing, with neutral bedding and chic grey headboards. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase? Your free in-room minibar includes alcohol. Recycled timber workstations and a smart TV with Media Hub help you work, rest and play. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down. Walk-in rain showers come with natural Australian-made Biology products. Junior Suites feature a separate bath, and you can request one in a King Deluxe. The Shaken suite has a luxe couple’s tub with overhead rain shower. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word? Free high-speed Wi-Fi targets the social media crowd. Room service: Worth it? Graze on gratis in-room snacks, with free Continental breakfast buffet and daily Happy Hour in the lobby’s Lo Lounge if you book direct online. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why? Staff can show you the best selfie spots! Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you. Work out with free 24-hour access to nearby Snap Fitness Pyrmont gym. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay? From the popping art to the high-ceilinged heritage interiors, this is a striking stay. Useful freebees help you make the most of it, including the daily Happy Hour (5.30 p.m.-6.30 p.m.) with freeflowing wine, beer and canapés in the atmospheric Lo Lounge. Drop by for all-day coffee, nibbles, drinks or share plates for dinner (at extra cost). Bottom line: worth it, and why? The family-focussed Darling Harbour location may not appeal to everyone, but it’s handy for checking out The Star casino’s diverse dining, seafood fixes at Sydney Fish Market, or strolling Chippendale, Chinatown and Pyrmont’s waterfront. The Powerhouse Museum, celebrating design, fashion and technology, and Australian National Maritime Museum are also nearby." - Sophie Davies