Ovolo Woolloomooloo

The Ovolo Woolloomooloo occupies part of a heritage building along Finger Wharf on Woolloomooloo Bay. Once used for shipping cargo and wool, the Edwardian structure is the longest timber-piled wharf in the world. These days, in addition to the hotel, it's also filled with upscale restaurants and bars that tend to attract well-heeled couples and business travelers. But these travelers are also drawn to the stylish hotel itself, where interiors are vast, bright, and open; high ceilings and exposed beams are a nod to the wharf's past. The industrial features make for a striking juxtaposition with the colorful contemporary decor by interior design firm Hassell. In the foyer, a cozy nook features a pair of high-backed purple chairs topped with blue cushions. Continuing through the space, two potted trees adorned with white lights flank a wide stairway leading up to Lo Lounge. Here, low-lying couches in shades of mauve and pink are lit overhead by filament bulb chandeliers. It's a great spot for casual business meetings or drinks and it's all visible from the open purple-carpeted hallways above. 

The Ovolo sits on 100-year-old Finger Wharf on Woolloomooloo Bay. It's an interesting and somewhat exclusive area that is less known to tourists than to locals -- and to celebrities like Russell Crowe who have homes here. The city is visible from one side of the wharf where million-dollar yachts are docked, while the other side looks onto a naval base. Restaurants stretch up the length of the structure and there are plenty more across the lightly trafficked road. Still more restaurant and pub options are in the popular nearby areas of Potts Point (an eight-minute walk) and Kings Cross (an 11-minute walk). However, tourists hoping to spend time in the center of Sydney may want to drive or take a taxi. Hyde Park is an eight-minute ride or 15- to 20-minute walk away. Sydney Opera House is an 11-minute drive or a 25-minute walk. The Harbour Bridge is 10 minutes away by car or a 35-minute walk. The Art Gallery of New South Wales is just 10 minutes away on foot, however, and it's a pleasant, 25-minute stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens to reach Circular Quay. Farther out, Bondi Beach is a 17-minute drive while family-friendly Manly Beach is about a half-hour away by car. The nearest train stations is Kings Cross Station, an 11-minute walk from the hotel. Buses depart from Central Station, an 11-minute drive away; Bus 311 leads to the hotel. Sydney Airport is about a 20-minute drive away. 

Rooms at the Ovolo vary in size, but all have decor that recalls the industrial-meets-artsy look of the hotel's common spaces. A soothing palette of pale- and dark-gray is accented with bright-white and pastel- and neon-pink and citron. Overhead beams and metal panels or fixtures are visible in some rooms, while others have vaulted ceilings or lofted bedrooms. Beds are ultra-comfy and feature decorative screens in place of headboards. Low-lying sofas sit beside windows dressed in wide white blinds and sheer white curtains. The in-room tech is impressive and includes flat-screen Smart TVs with Apple TV, iPads, electric blinds, and free Wi-Fi. Another big bonus: free minibar drinks and free snacks on arrival. All rooms also have coffee/tea facilities and some have capsule coffeemakers. Open closet spaces hold robes, safes, and ironing facilities. Bathrooms have glossy or subway-style gray and white tile and matte black fixtures. Some only have shower stalls while others have separate showers and tubs. Hairdryers and Biology brand toiletries are provided. Rooms range from Superoo rooms at 323 square feet to Deluxaaroo King and Double Double rooms at 484 square feet. Lofted and Cityvoo rooms range from 538 to 592 square feet, while Ultravoo rooms measure a whopping 969 square feet and have views of the Sydney skyline. 

The Ovolo serves free continental breakfast to guests at stylish Lo Lounge. The lounge also serves free coffee, beverages, and snacks throughout the day and free happy hour with appetizers, wines, cocktails, and beers every evening. The indoor lap pool and gym were upgraded in 2016 and are open 24/7. The hotel offers event-planning services and can host various types of business and social gatherings in its 10 private spaces with modern audio-visual equipment. Valet parking is available for a hefty fee. There's a self-laundry room with free detergent for guest use. The hotel offers flexible checkout, as well.