Art-Deco Gem in Midlothian Opposite Beach

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about this place? I walked up Victoria Road expecting another generic waterfront hotel, but this Art-Deco beauty actually stopped me in my tracks. The building itself is this gorgeous throwback to the 1930s – all those clean lines and geometric details that make Double Bay feel like it has some real character beyond just expensive shopping.

The location is honestly perfect if you want to feel like you’re living in Sydney rather than just visiting it. You’re literally across from the beach (and I mean literally – no “short walk” nonsense), but you’re also right in the thick of Double Bay’s café culture. I’d walk out in the morning and grab coffee from that little place on Cross Street, then spend the afternoon people-watching from the beach. The ferry wharf is maybe two minutes away, which means you can actually get around Sydney without dealing with traffic – something I wish I’d known about earlier trips. Plus, you’re close enough to Woollahra and Paddington that you can explore some of the quieter, more residential parts of the eastern suburbs.

Inside, they’ve really nailed that Art-Deco vibe without making it feel like a museum. The rooms have these beautiful period details – the bathroom tiles, the light fixtures, even the way the windows frame the harbor views. I mean, a 9.4 rating doesn’t happen by accident, and you can tell they’ve put thought into the small stuff. The beds are actually comfortable (not always a given in boutique places), and the whole building has this lovely quiet feel even though you’re right on a main road. I was worried about noise, but honestly, the double-glazed windows do their job well. The staff seemed to know the neighborhood inside and out too – they pointed me toward this incredible wine bar in Woollahra that I never would have found on my own.

What really makes this place special though is how it sits in the neighborhood. Double Bay gets a reputation for being all flash and no substance, but staying here you realize there’s actually a proper community. You’ve got families heading to the beach in the morning, locals doing their shopping, people meeting for long lunches that stretch into the afternoon. The hotel fits right into that rhythm rather than feeling like some isolated tourist bubble. And honestly, for a 4-star place with those kinds of ratings, you’re getting something pretty special without the stuffiness you might expect from fancier spots in the city center.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $294. Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Very good – Debra from Australia – 30 June 2025 (8/10)

  What could be improved: The people in the upstairs apartment were very noisy

• Clean & comfortable well maintained home close to everything – Coleen from Australia – 10 May 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, walking distance to shops, cafes, beach & transport. Quiet. Comfortable bed. Well equipped kitchen. Spacious living area, plenty of space in bedroom. Inviting & welcoming vibe – not at all sterile feeling like a hotel. Well maintained property.
  
  What could be improved: A box of tissues & face washer flannel are the only things I would have liked that was not supplied

• Great apartment that feels like a real home – Karl from Austria – 12 January 2025 (9/10)

  Very nice apartment, in a great area of Sydney. It's a real home of the people who usually live there, so it is furnished nicely and equipped with everything! Everything was clean and worked properly. This place feels like a real home. Just a few steps from the beach and also with good public bus connection to the center.
  The house is an old, charming apartment building with only 12 units. This apartment is on the ground floor but is very bright and has plenty of lights and beautiful plants when you look outside.
  
  What could be improved: The walls and ceilings are a bit thin, so there can be some noise from neighbors in the mornings.

• Lovely apartment, generous hosts. Great location. – Nick from Australia – 20 January 2025 (10/10)

  Great location. Amenities in the house were generous. Decor and books were lovely.
  
  What could be improved: I realise this was out of the control of hosts, but neighbours were a bit noisy.

• Exceptional – Penny from Australia – 28 December 2024 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities