‘Simply Sydney’ City Living off Wharf Roadway

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Simply Sydney? The location is absolutely killer – and I mean that in the best way possible. Woolloomooloo gets overlooked by a lot of tourists who stick to the Circular Quay area, but honestly, that’s their loss. This place sits right where the city energy meets the harbor calm, and you can actually walk to the Royal Botanic Gardens in like five minutes (I timed it because I’m weird like that). The building itself has this modern apartment vibe that doesn’t scream “tourist hotel,” which I loved. Check-in was smooth – the staff actually seemed to know the neighborhood instead of just rattling off generic recommendations.

Here’s the thing about staying in Woolloomooloo: you’re close enough to everything that matters, but far enough from the cruise ship crowds that you can breathe. I’d walk down to Harry’s Café de Wheels for a late-night pie (it’s literally a Sydney institution and right there), then stroll along the wharf watching the fancy yachts. The rooms at Simply Sydney feel more like a friend’s well-designed apartment than a hotel room – clean lines, good lighting, and thank god, blackout curtains that actually work. The kitchen setup is legit too, not one of those sad mini-fridges with a hot plate. I mean, you’re not going to cook elaborate meals, but grabbing groceries from the Woolworths Metro nearby and having proper coffee in the morning? Game changer. The whole area gets pretty quiet after 9 PM, which was perfect for sleeping, though you might hear some harbor activity early morning if you’re a light sleeper.

What really sold me on this place was how it felt authentic to Sydney living. You’re not stuck in some tourist bubble – you’re walking the same streets as locals heading to work, discovering little cafes tucked away on back streets, and getting that real sense of what the city actually feels like. The walk to Circular Quay takes maybe 15 minutes along the harbor (gorgeous, by the way), and you can catch ferries to Manly or wherever from there. But honestly, I found myself hanging around Woolloomooloo more than I expected. There’s this whole strip of restaurants along the wharf, and the vibe is just… relaxed. Less frantic than the main tourist areas. The hotel staff seemed to get this too – they’d give you directions to places that weren’t necessarily the most famous, but were definitely where you’d want to be. For a 4-star place, it punches above its weight, especially at that rating of 9 (which, having stayed there, totally makes sense). It’s not trying to be flashy or impress you with over-the-top amenities – it’s just really, really good at being exactly what you need for exploring Sydney properly.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $281. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Superb – Claire from United States – 8 March 2025 (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities