Sleek Chinatown Pad in the Heart of the CBD

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about this place? The moment you step inside, you completely forget you’re in the middle of one of Sydney’s busiest neighborhoods. I mean, Chinatown can get pretty intense – especially on weekends when the night markets are going full swing and Dixon Street is packed with people hunting for late-night dumplings. But somehow, this sleek little spot manages to feel like a proper retreat.

The design is honestly quite smart. They’ve gone for that modern minimalist thing without making it feel cold or sterile, which is a trap a lot of CBD hotels fall into. The rooms have these floor-to-ceiling windows that actually make you appreciate the urban chaos below rather than hide from it. I stayed on the seventh floor and could watch the lanterns swaying in Dixon Street Mall while sipping coffee in the morning – there’s something oddly peaceful about observing the city wake up from that vantage point. The beds are properly comfortable too, not just Instagram-worthy, and the blackout curtains actually work (trust me, this matters when you’re dealing with those bright neon signs from the restaurants below).

What really sets this place apart is how well it connects you to the real Sydney experience. You’re literally a two-minute walk from some of the best Chinese BBQ spots in the city – I’m talking about the places where locals actually eat, not just the tourist traps. Market City is right there if you need to grab anything, and honestly, being able to walk to Central Station in about eight minutes makes everything so much easier. The hotel staff seemed to get this too; they had these handwritten notes about which dumpling places to hit up and when the markets are less crowded (apparently Tuesday afternoons are golden). The only minor thing I’d mention is that it can get a bit noisy on Friday and Saturday nights – not unbearably so, but you’ll definitely hear the street life. Then again, that’s sort of part of the charm if you’re into that authentic city vibe. The check-in was smooth, parking is available in the building next door (which they’ll sort out for you), and the whole experience just felt… well, genuinely Sydney rather than generically international, if that makes sense.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $181. Standard Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• was everything I needed for my stay – Kim from Australia – 13 November 2023 (8/10)

  location was great, easy to access and to find keys
  
  What could be improved: lift was slow at times if busy, but that can be common with apartments

• Very good – Robert from Australia – 25 March 2024 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities