When I think of Darling Harbour, I think of many interesting things: vibrant Vivid installations, epic old ships, celebrity wax figures and Nemo and Dory. Joining the list after my most recent expedition is Hotel Woolstore 1888. The heritage-listed-building-turned-luxury-hotel sets the scene for what was once Darling Harbour’s main claim to fame – exporting sheep wool from its wharves. You can see it in the sturdy brickwork of the Woolstore’s original exterior and the rustic wooden beams that frame the lobby. Today, it’s less about packing crates and more about packing suitcases. If you’re looking for a funky city stay that’s a little bit different, this is one to add to the list.
Why stay at Hotel Woolstore 1888?
Woolstore 1888 joined Accor’s ‘Handwritten Collection’ in late 2024, which is your first indication that this hotel stay is going to be of the quirky variety (in the most charming way possible). Those wooden beams I mentioned earlier are the exact same ones from when they originally built the store in, you guessed it, 1888. While the dark lobby alludes to the fact that the place is dripping with Sydney history, stepping into the rooms is a different story. Rustic exposed brickwork is contrasted by vibrant graffiti artworks and bright blue and yellow furniture. The modern touches are nice, and a welcome change from the typical beiges and greys of some other luxe hotels. The hotel’s restaurant, Percy, is an experience in itself, and I would visit the Woolstore again for that Spanish food alone, but more on that later…
What are the rooms like at Woolstore 1888?
There are 90 guestrooms in the Hotel Woolstore 1888, so it hits that Goldilocks’ sweet spot between a boutique and skyrise hotel. There are eight different room types, including four suites named for the hotel’s history – I’m spending the night in The High Country Suite. The rooms are all pretty new, beds are super comfy with multiple pillow choices, and The High Country Suite is really spacious. Not only is there a little sitting area, but a couch and a balcony with a dining table outside to enjoy some fresh air. I have to climb a flight of stairs to get to my room because it’s one of three rooms right at the top of the hotel, so if you’re looking for accessibility, steer clear of The High Country Suite and The Homestead Suites (the rest are easily accessible via the lift).
Décor is fun and funky, and wraparound curtains mean that I could have as little or as much light as I want. Despite being so high up, the views aren’t major due to the hotel’s location by terrace houses, but you get a lot more light streaming in here than in a hotel sandwiched by skyscrapers in the city.
The bathroom comes complete with a nice spacious rain shower and fluffy robes hanging on the door. Bottles by the sink and in the shower are filled with Woolstore 1888’s signature IIUVO Soigné soaps and lotions, a recent addition since the hotel joined the Handwritten Collection.
Which are the best dishes and drinks at Hotel Woolstore 1888’s restaurant, Percy?
Percy is Hotel Woolstore 1888’s restaurant, bar and breakfast joint all rolled into one. You’ll see it when you enter the lobby – it’s directly on the right, separated by some plants and dividers. It’s just as dark as the lobby, the bar illuminated neon and dripped candlewax creations everywhere.
The menu is a very welcome sight for those longing for the variety that the Spanish dining scene offers. Inspired by tapas dishes from Barcelona and San Sebastian, with some main courses for good Aussie measure, this dinner has me dreaming of my time in both European cities. I start with vinegary gildas, thick crunchy slabs of sourdough lathered with ’nduja butter and silky jamon serrano. The highlight of my main course is a juicy, sliced flank steak perfect for sharing. And when I thought patatas bravas couldn’t get yummier, Percy went and made the most delicious bravas sauce for French-fry dipping.
If you’re tossing up whether to get breakfast at the hotel, I say definitely go for it. You can book the breakfast add-on for $25, which gets you a cold drink, a hot drink and a dish off the a la carte menu. Usually I don’t like eating breakfast out because it’s the type of food you could easily make at home, but the big breakfast here, the Shepherders Breakfast, is inspired by what pastoral workers would eat before a big day, with yummy additions like crispy lamb sausage and baked potatoes. Even if you’re not a big breakfast person, I’d still pop in for a Sonoma croissant and nice barista-made coffee.
What’s the service like at Woolstore 1888?
The lobby of Woolstore 1888 is super small, which makes for friendly greetings by the concierge each time you head for the lifts to take you to your room. They’re around 24/7 and are super helpful with any enquiries I have about breakfast in the morning, or parking my car at the Wilson complex across the road (they help me validate my ticket, too). The attentive staff down at the restaurant are no different – at both breakfast and dinner, I’m greeted by multiple staff members who consistently check in to make sure I don’t help with anything.
Being part of the Handwritten Collection means guests of the Woolstore 1888 are welcomed to their rooms with a small knick-knack of some kind. I receive a cute little tin of lip balm adorned with Woolstore branding and made with lanolin, but this gift varies each stay. A little sign shares that packs of toothbrushes, shower caps and other sanitary products are available on request, which I think is a nice sustainable touch.
What facilities does Woolstore 1888 have?
Woolstore 1888 offers complimentary wifi for all guests, and parking across the road in the Wilson carpark. You just grab your ticket and bring it to reception – they will validate it for 24 hours (for $60), with multiple entries in and out should you choose. There’s also a section of Percy that can be curtained off if you’re looking for a meeting spot or private function.
What’s the area like around Woolstore 1888?
Woolstore 1888 is a funky alternative if you’re heading into town to attend a show at the Lyric Theatre or an event at the International Convention Centre (ICC) – both are only a short walk away. If you’re looking to be right in the middle of the CBD, Woolstore 1888 might not be the best hotel for you. It’s on the Pyrmont side of Darling Harbour, meaning you’d need to walk up to the ferry from the Star Casino Wharf to get into Circular Quay or walk a couple of minutes to Convention light rail stop to get to Central Station. While Woolstore 1888 doesn’t boast the same views as some of the hotels that line Darling Harbour’s waterfront, being a street back does make for a quainter, quieter experience (with lots of lovely trees). I’m here for Vivid, and it was a great base for exploring the festival without the huge crowds.
Why you should you book a stay at Hotel Woolstore 1888
If you’re an Accor member, this hotel is a no-brainer. You can score great discounts on your room and 50 per cent off the food bill. I think that’s a great bargain especially if you’ve decided to make a night of it watching a nearby show. Even if you’re not, I think the hotel’s location makes for a fresh take on a city stay, and is beautiful in both the warmer and colder months, being by the beautiful Darling Harbour. Families could benefit from all the nearby attractions without having to navigate thick crowds, and couples can enjoy a historical side to Sydney. Even on the weekend, Hotel Woolstore 1888 shows a quieter side to this bustling metropolis. It’s nice to get reacquainted with Sydney.
- Address: 139 Murray St, Pyrmont NSW 2009
- Price per night: Prices start at $216 a night
- Closest transport link: Convention Light Rail
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