While most hotels provide travellers with a wholesome breakfast every morning, Ovolo Hotels takes it a step further. Besides sparing you annoying Wi-Fi charges, they even indulge you with a fully stocked, free-of-cost minibar. If that doesn’t do it for you, head to their Lo Lounge for one too many coffees or chardonnays with nibbles, all on the house. Take your pick from the bridge-facing Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour and the wharf-side Ovolo Woolloomooloo.
Housed in the century-old Finger Wharf, Ovolo Woolloomooloo (heheh!) is a blend of pop culture and modernity. Each of their 100 guest rooms has a unique design with a striking piece of local art. If you’re there with a big group, book yourself into one of the rock-inspired penthouse suites. Our fave is the AC/DC suite, which features a stunning view of the city, a dance floor, a well-appointed cocktail bar, walk-in showers and vintage Playboy magazines to really get down and dirty.
The Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour will call out to the art fiend in you. We’re talking a boutique hotel with all the quirks: a prop equipped photo area, a mini ball game court under the lift and clever shadows to show room numbers. Check yourself into one of their Shaken rooms, which come with a private entrance directly from the street, cocktail bar and a little outdoor area for in-room breakfast under the sun. Make sure you try their homemade granola, too.
MUST DO: Sign up for the Sydney Bridge Climb for a view of the entire city from above the Harbour Bridge. Love seafood? Head to the Sydney Fish Market for a taste of a vast collection of fresh catch. Spend your evening strolling in the Royal Botanical Gardens before you stop for a drink at the Opera Bar (Tel: +612 9247 1666), situated right next to the picturesque Opera House. Make sure you make dinner reservations in advance at the Red Lantern (Tel:+612 9698 4355) for the city’s best Vietnamese food plated up by celebrity chef Luke Nguyen.
