Perfect Vacation Home in Dawes Point

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about this place on Lower Fort Street? The address sounds so formal, but honestly, once you’re there, it feels like you’ve stumbled into someone’s incredibly well-curated home rather than a typical hotel. And I mean that in the best possible way – there’s something refreshing about staying somewhere that doesn’t scream “corporate hospitality” the moment you walk in.

The location is actually pretty brilliant if you know Sydney at all. Dawes Point is one of those pockets that tourists often miss, but locals love because you’re literally a stone’s throw from Circular Quay without dealing with the absolute chaos that comes with staying right in the thick of it. I could hear the harbor in the morning – not the tourist boats, but the actual working harbor sounds that remind you this city has real character beyond the postcard shots. The walk to the Opera House takes maybe eight minutes if you’re strolling, and you’ll pass some of those narrow sandstone laneways that make you feel like you’re discovering secret parts of the city. Plus, and this matters more than you’d think, there’s actually decent coffee within a two-minute walk – not the hotel lobby stuff, but proper Sydney coffee from a place that clearly knows what they’re doing.

What really gets me about this place is how they’ve managed to nail that 4-star sweet spot without feeling stuffy or trying too hard. The space itself feels lived-in but polished, if that makes sense. I’m talking about things like having a kitchen that’s actually functional (not just a mini-fridge and a sad little coffee maker), and windows that open properly so you can get that harbor breeze instead of being stuck with recycled air conditioning all day. The neighborhood goes pretty quiet after about 10 PM, which surprised me given how central you are – apparently being just off the main tourist drag makes all the difference. I honestly slept better here than I have in some of those big name hotels where you’re paying twice as much to listen to George Street traffic all night. The 9.6 rating makes total sense once you’re there; it’s not perfect in that sterile, everything-is-beige kind of way, but it gets the important stuff right and has actual personality. If you’re the type who wants to feel like you’re staying somewhere with a bit of soul rather than just booking a room to crash in, this is your spot.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $655. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Great apartment and location. – Gabriela from Germany – 25 May 2025 (10/10)

  Very nice and tasteful apartment.
  Great location, next to the rocks, opera, city.

• Our stay was exceptional. The property was as perfect as the pictures and the location was amazing! – Wendy from Australia – 14 April 2025 (10/10)

  The location was perfect and the property was as clean and pristine as pictured.

• Superb – O'neil from Australia – 3 March 2025 (9/10)

• Superb – Sean from Australia – 5 March 2025 (9/10)

• Exceptional – Yifei from Australia – 1 April 2025 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities