Indulgently cool and unique, spend a splendid night in one of Sydney’s unusual hotels!

A unique and unusual place to stay can add something special to any staycation or holiday, giving you a quirky setting to wake up and fall asleep in. Thankfully, Sydney has no shortage of unusual stays, whether it’s a quirky boutique hotel in the city’s CBD, all the way to bubble cottages out in the wilderness.

So for those looking to try something new and out-of-the-ordinary, we have curated a list of the best and most unique boutique hotels in Sydney that are ready to be discovered. Take a sleep on the wild side of Sydney with these unforgettable experiences!

<strong>Ace Hotel Sydney</strong>
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Ace Hotel Sydney

Renovating Surry Hills’ historic Tyne House, Ace Hotel Sydney has transformed the former brick factory into one of the most unique boutique hotels in Sydney. Wanting to stick to its roots, Ace Hotel has captured the earthy colour and texture of Australia, offering guests a way to inhabit history. Whether it be the heavy use of wood, red brick and straw throughout the lobby and guest rooms, few hotels capture the feeling of the land like the Ace Hotel. With a ground and rooftop bar, restaurants and an ideal location close to many of Sydney’s attractions, there’s no confusion as to why the Ace Hotel is considered as one of the best boutique hotels in Sydney.

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47/53 Wentworth Ave, Sydney, NSW 2000
<strong>Bubbletent Australia</strong>
Photographed by Mark Bean. Image via Destination NSW.

Bubbletent Australia

We’re pretty confident that you’ve never seen anything like Bubbletent before. Based in Capertee New South Wales, a two-hour drive from Sydney, Bubbletent is exactly what it looks like: a clear and inflatable tent in which you can sleep under the stars in superior comfort and convenience in the remoteness of the country. Situated on a secluded 1000 acre working farm and nestled between Lithgow and Mudgee, the tents are the ultimate escape; especially as they are overlooking the second biggest canyon in the world which doubles as one of the 50 IBA (Important Bird Area) sanctuaries around the globe for bird watching. Despite not being in Sydney, Bubbletent is still regarded as one of the best and most unique boutique hotels of 2022!

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NA, Capertee NSW 2846
<strong>Love Cabins, Blue Mountains</strong>
Photography by Sonny Mauricio. Image via Unsplash.

Love Cabins, Blue Mountains

If you’re looking to discover one of the best boutique hotels in Sydney, prepare to fall in love at the Love Cabins in the Blue Mountains. Gravity defying and heart stopping, Love Cabins specialises in romantic getaways for couples in adventurous locations. Pick from a treehouse, a cave, a tee pee and even four cabins in the bush. Secluded and each unique in their own sense, Love Cabins promises exclusive views that make your next romantic weekend away that little bit more special.

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88 Bulgamatta Rd, Berambing, NSW 2758
<strong>The Old Clare Hotel</strong>
Photographed by Dick Sweeney. Image via Destination NSW.

The Old Clare Hotel

The Old Clare Hotel, situated along the re-developed Kensington Street precinct, shows that the past can give life to a space in the present. It stretches across two iconic heritage-listed buildings – The Clare Hotel pub and the Carlton & United Breweries Administration Building – in which you can feel the history through the exposed walls, lofty ceilings, and unique lighting. Although no two of the 62 rooms are styled the same, each feature repurposed furniture giving a chic aesthetic while also reflecting the history of the original buildings. For a slice of renovated history, book your stay at one of the best boutique hotels in Sydney, The Old Clare Hotel.

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1 Kensington St, Chippendale, NSW 2008
<strong>Ovolo Woolloomooloo</strong>
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Ovolo Woolloomooloo

The Ovolo in Woolloomooloo is chic, cool and ultra-modern, combining art-infused interior design with rustic authenticity. The hotel is a refurbished warehouse stretched along the longest timber-piled wharf in the world in Sydney Harbour. The Ovolo Woolloomooloo has 100 rooms, each of which tells a uniquely Australian story through art infused interior design. The room rate includes Wi-Fi, a mini bar, happy hour, a continental breakfast, 24-hour pool and gym, self-service laundry and, as a bonus, one of the most amazing locations in Sydney. Plus, Ovolo is also home to one of the Best Spanish Tapas Bars and Restaurants in Sydney, Mister Percy.

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6 Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011
<strong>QT Sydney</strong>
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QT Sydney

Described as “part art deco masterpiece, part theatre, all Sydney,” QT Sydney is a rare treat showing off the city’s creative streak. Taking over an original 1920s art deco building, experience the whimsy and vibrancy of the era with mish-mashing styles, over-the-top class and eccentric personality. A short walk from the central shopping areas means you’re never too far away from the action, letting you explore Sydney at your own pace. Luxury amenities including a 20s era day spa, barber shop, room service and an Italian parlour make QT Sydney one of the quirkiest luxury hotels in Sydney!

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49 Market St, Sydney, NSW 2000
<strong>Roar and Snore, Taronga Zoo</strong>
Photographed by Taronga Zoo. Image via Destination NSW.

Roar and Snore, Taronga Zoo

If you’re looking for a fluffier experience, then Taronga Zoo has you covered. Featuring intimate animal encounters, fascinating keeper talks, delicious food and safari-style accommodation with spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour, the Roar and Snore is an ultimate must-do. As you’d expect staying the night at Taronga, you’ll get the chance to get up close and personal with the gorgeous wildlife at the zoo, including an exclusive night-time safari. Roar and Snore also offers a sip and taste experience, letting you enjoy a perfect view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. One of the most unique stays in Sydney, Roar and Snore should be on everyone’s bucketlist for 2022 and beyond!

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Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman, NSW 2088
<strong>The Ultimo</strong>
Photography by Pixel-Shot. Image via Shutterstock.

The Ultimo

The Ultimo was designed to make you feel more aligned with your star sign. From tailored city guides to more in-depth packages and consultations, The Ultimo will get you connected with your horoscope, or simply recommend the best places for you to explore, eat and drink based on your astrological sign. Titled as one of the most cool, unusual and unique hotels in Sydney; not only is The Ultimo found in a convenient location in the heart of Sydney’s Chinatown, but each of the boutique rooms are rustically chic. It goes without saying that the stars are aligning for you to visit The Ultimo!

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37 Ultimo Rd, Sydney, NSW 2000
<strong>The Urban Newtown</strong>
Photography by lilasgh. Image via Shutterstock.

The Urban Newtown

Situated in the bustling and bohemian suburb of Sydney’s inner west, The Urban Newtown brings an electric energy to its design that few other hotels in Sydney can match. Entering the hotel lobby you’ll be greeted by graffiti walls and plenty of greenery, inviting you to its unusual world. The bedrooms blend industrial design with a unique flair, including heavy reliance of cork and unusual art pieces. Step outside this boutique dwelling, and you’re a skip and step away from some of the Best Bars in Sydney’s Inner West.

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2-60 Enmore Rd, Newtown, NSW 2042
<strong>Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour</strong>
Photography by Justin Kwan. Image via Shutterstock.

Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour

Vibe checks are never needed at this trendy boutique hotel! Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour merges luxury and quirk including a heated infinity rooftop pool, a vibrant rooftop bar, and robust gym set-up. Located at the stunning Darling Harbour, Vibe Hotel Sydney gives you a stellar location close to Sydney’s many attractions. The rooms themselves offer a chic interior design, emphasising exposed brick and wood materials to give a hip and modern feeling. Embrace world-class splendour and oddball energy at Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour.

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319/325 Sussex St, Sydney, NSW 2000

Stop woofing around! We’ve found Sydney’s Best Pet-Friendly Hotel. Looking to experience all that Sydney has to offer? Here’s the only 7 Sydney Staycation Ideas You Need to experience.

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land mentioned in our article, the people of the Eora Nation, and we recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.

Feature image: Photographed by Neale Cousland. Image via Shutterstock.
This article was first published on May 20 2019. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on October 06 2022.
Editor’s Note: Our writers and contributors have independently selected and curated this article, and all opinions are their own. This article does contain affiliate links which allow us to make revenue off some purchases made by our readers.