Where to Stay in Sydney // Ovolo Woolloomooloo
The Ovolo Woolloomooloo is A hotel that will make you pause,
and not just because it might take a try (or two) to get the name down right. Ok, it might have taken me more than two tries, but who’s counting when there are more important things to talk about (like complimentary cocktails!!)?
The Ovolo Woolloomooloo is an urban hotel with artistic details, striking decor, modern updates and plenty of nods to it’s heritage roots. Besides lots of extra vowel’s in its’ name, the Ovolo Hotel also comes with plenty of extra freebies (which I’m dishing all the deets on below), the perfect waterside location, friendly staff and a luxurious atmosphere that feels far above it’s reasonable price points. In other words, it’s easy to see why this property received a Traveller’s Choice Award this year, as well as being one of the #1 hotels in Australia.
Keep scrolling to find out all about the property and why it’s definitely worth checking out for a night or two in Sydney.
WITH YOUR STAY
WIFI
Continental BREAKFAST
Daily happy hour with light snacks + specialty cocktails
24 hour gym + indoor Pool
mini bar with free drinks + snacks
In-room iPad and smart tv
self-laundry
LOCATION
6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011, Australia
Woolloomooloo is an inner-city suburb on the eastern side of Sydney, located right along the harbor. It’s filled with history, art, heritage pubs and colonial characteristics that remind me of Charleston or New Orleans. The overall vibe is relaxed, chill and definitely not as touristy as other parts of Sydney.
As for the hotel itself, it is nestled among trendy restaurants right on the infamous Finger Wharf which just so happens to be one of the world’s longest timber wharves.
THE ROOM
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
The team at the Ovolo was kind enough to leave us this fun map as a way to get our bearings and check out all the fun things around the neighborhood, including L'Expresso House for coffee and breakfast bites, the infamous Harry’s Cafe de Wheels and The Tilbury Hotel. Pott’s Point is a cute nearby neighborhood with lots of great options, as well (like The Butler or The Apollo), but, if you don’t want to go too far, China Doll, Aki’s + Otto are all restaurants located right on the wharf.
If you’re looking for things to do, you can go check out Artspace, which is a small contemporary art studio + gallery located in a warehouse, close to the hotel. Or, you can catch a production at the nearby Old Fitz Theater.
THINGS TO KNOW
It’s conveniently located just a 20-30 minute ride away from the airport.
It’s housed in what was once a wool mill, but has since gone through plenty of restorations and revamps to bring it to its’ current state where heritage meets modern luxury.
It’s kid-friendly so if you’re looking to book a family vacation, this is a great spot to check out.
The in-room mini bar is stocked with free drinks and snacks.
Not only is the pool indoors, it’s also heated and family friendly.
The hotel’s restaurant, Alibi Kitchen, has a menu curated by well-known plant-based chef, Matthew Kenney, meaning everything that is served is plant-based and vegan (with lots of gluten-free options available, too).
THE PROPERTY
WHAT I LOVED
After spending the night at Ovolo Woolloomooloo it’s easy to see why it’s snagged the top stop as the #1 hotel in Sydney (and Australia). It’s conveniently located, it’s right on the water front, it’s affordable and there are so many free perks included with your stay.
We were able to easily walk to many things from the hotel because of where it was located, and, because we only had 1 night here, that central location factor came in real clutch for maximizing our time.
I also couldn’t get over all the freebies included with our stay. Sure, many hotels these days include things like a wine hour or breakfast. But a happy hour with specialty cocktails crafted with homemade syrups? I felt more like I was at a fancy bar than the lounge of my hotel’s lobby. And the breakfast sitch was on a whole other level. Like, this wasn’t just some sliced bread and bananas sitch. It was a full on spread with yogurts, fruits, toppings, cereals, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and multiple kinds of bread with multiple kinds of toppings. I mean, honestly, the breakfast alone is enough for me to want to stay here again.
Of course, leave it to me to gravitate towards all the freebies having to do with food (because why wouldn’t I?!), but there are tons of other perks included with your stay (Hello 24 hour indoor pool!). I only wish we had had more than a day to take full advantage of them all. Just an excuse to come back again, right?!