57 Hotel

The 57 Hotel stands out from its neighbors on Fovreaux Street, which are a mix of converted warehouses and Victorian sandstone terraces. Its theme is inspired by New York City's infamous '70s club, Studio 54. The shimmering beaten copper frontage certainly conveys the feel of a nightclub, and inside, decor is dark and intimate. Attention to detail is incredible, with every aspect impeccably styled -- from the satin button-upholstered front desk to the beautifully curved copper ceiling designs. Black velvet and leather chairs fill cozy nooks and fine zebra print paper lines the walls, creating an interesting dappled effect. It's all very cool, and guests are often young couples or in-the-know professionals in town on business.

For travelers looking to experience all things up-and-coming, the Surry Hills location -- or simply Surry, as it's known locally -- is hard to top. It's a buzzy neighborhood that has been recently reinvented and now throngs with trendy hipsters. There are bars and restaurants all around, especially on Crown Street, which is a five-minute walk away. Oxford Street is one of Sydney's best shopping and nightlife areas -- with a good mix of designer, boutique and vintage shops all the way down to Paddington Market. It's a 10-minute walk from the hotel. It's also where the annual LGBT Mardi Gras Parade happens, and the area has lots of gay nightlife year-round. The hotel is a five-minute walk from Central Station as well, which links to attractions like the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Botanic Gardens, and Government House in about 15 minutes. Famous Bondi Beach is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, or about 45 minutes by bus from Oxford Street.

Rooms at the 57 Hotel are small but well-designed. Decor is less stylized than the rest of the disco-themed hotel, but is still sharp -- with eye-catching modern art on the neutral walls, and designer velvet striped armchairs. The hotel makes no pretense about the functional size of the rooms, with entry-level rooms named The Shoebox and The Disco Double. In fact, even higher category King Rooms are compact. Standard features include iPads, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and safes. There are no electric kettles. Bathrooms are unusually placed at the end of rooms, meaning they often contain the only window. Glass walls and light curtains separate them from the sleeping areas, but this may not be discreet enough for all travelers. They include rainfall showers plus stylish angular sinks, funky dog towel rails, hairdryers, and Urban Skincare Co. toiletries. 

Features of the Hotel 57 are few, but well thought out. There's a coffee machine and free iced water in the lobby, and a selection of pastries and fruit are set out for breakfast. Guests receive free 24/7 access to a local gym, which has an excellent range of equipment. Although there is no on-site restaurant, a neighboring restaurant provides room service. The free Wi-Fi is fast, and available throughout the building.