‘the Enmore’ – In The Heart Of Everything Newtown

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in plenty of Sydney hotels, but the Enmore actually gets it right in a way that surprised me. It’s tucked right into the thick of Newtown – and I mean properly in the heart of it, not some sanitized version where they’ve filtered out all the character. You’re literally surrounded by King Street’s chaos, which honestly is exactly what you want if you’re bothering to stay in this neighborhood.

The thing about the Enmore is that it feels like someone who actually lives in Sydney designed it. You know how some boutique hotels try too hard to be quirky? This place just… fits. The building itself has this great bones – you can tell it’s been around, but they’ve done the renovation thoughtfully. My room had these lovely high ceilings that made everything feel more spacious than it actually was, and the windows opened properly (rare these days). The street noise is there, obviously – you’re on King Street, what do you expect? – but it dies down after midnight most nights, and honestly, the sound of Newtown settling into its late-night rhythm is sort of comforting.

What really sold me was the staff’s local knowledge. The guy at check-in didn’t just hand me a generic tourist map – he actually marked up spots based on what I mentioned I was into. Told me which nights to hit certain venues, warned me about the weekend crowds at the good brunch spots. That kind of insight you can’t Google. And speaking of food, you’re genuinely spoiled for choice here. I mean, you’ve got Guzman y Gomez practically next door for late-night munchies, but also some of Sydney’s best hole-in-the-wall spots within stumbling distance. The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, but honestly, why would you need one when you’re surrounded by this much good eating?

The rooms themselves are well thought out – decent shower pressure (always a gamble in older buildings), good lighting for actually reading, and the beds are properly comfortable. Nothing fancy, but everything works. I appreciated the little touches like proper hangers and enough power outlets near the bed. The Wi-Fi was solid throughout, which matters when you’re trying to figure out your day or upload photos of your Newtown adventures.

Parking’s a bit of a mission, as it is anywhere in the inner west, but there’s a decent-sized car park behind the building if you’re driving. Most people I met were using public transport though – Newtown station is a quick walk, and you’re basically connected to everything from there. The area gets properly busy on weekends, especially Saturday afternoons when the vintage shops and markets are humming, but that’s part of the appeal.

Here’s the thing – if you want to experience Sydney beyond the harbour views and tourist traps, this is your base camp. The Enmore puts you right in the middle of actual Sydney life, where locals go to eat, drink, and hang out. It’s not trying to be the fanciest place in the city, just the most genuine. And after a few nights there, wandering back through the street art and late-night energy of King Street, you’ll feel less like a tourist and more like you’re coming home.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom House with 2 × 1 queen bed for 4 adults

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities