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Despite how delicious and versatile Spanish cuisine is, good tapas spots aren’t as abundant in Sydney compared to their Italian and French counterparts. It’s a funny thing then that one of the most underrated places in the city to find chunky gilda skewers, padron peppers and house-made croquetas is in Pyrmont. It’s also convenient that said Spanish joint, Percy, is at the bottom of heritage-listed-building-turned-luxury-hotel Woolstore 1888, so you can have copious amounts of orange wedge-garnished vermut and chilled red before drifting up the lift to your comfy bed.
The historic structure may have started as a base for exporting sheep wool from Darling Harbour’s wharves, but 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, and a lot delicious, this is one to add to the list.
Why stay at Hotel Woolstore 1888?
Woolstore 1888 is dark, moody and of the quirky variety (in the most charming way possible). The sturdy brickwork of the Woolstore’s original exterior and the rustic wooden beams that frame the lobby are the exact same structures from when they originally built the store in, you guessed it, 1888. While the dimly lit 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, modern furniture, industrial lighting and super sleek bathrooms. The contemporary touches are nice, and a welcome change from the typical beiges and greys of some other luxe hotels. There’s a Spanish theme running through the hotel – from the Estrella beer in the rooms’ mini bars to the hotel’s fantastic restaurant, Percy.
What are the rooms like at Woolstore 1888?
Hotel Woolstore 1888 is far cosier than its skyscraper counterparts a few paces away on Darling Harbour’s waterfront. It has 90 guestrooms, and of those, eight different room types. The standard rooms are quite spacious for a good-value hotel stay, but if you want to live it up a bit, there are four different types of suites named for the hotel’s history – I’m spending the night in the Homestead Suite.
It’s got an entertaining area and bathroom on a lower floor, and small bedroom tucked upstairs. It’s an open design with the bed overlooking downstairs and feels like the perfect chill space to unwind. The bathroom has a really spacious bath (with plenty of room for two) and fluffy robes and slippers hanging by the double vanity. The bath is actually so big that by the time it takes to fill up (even on the hottest setting), it’s still a little lukewarm, so best sud up when it’s not too cold outside.
While my room is on the ground floor of the hotel, hidden behind a sliding door, it’s a loft so there are stairs leading down into the room, plus up to the bed. If you’re looking for accessibility, steer away from The High Country Suite and The Homestead Suites (the rest are easily accessible via the lift).
The two suites I have stayed in are extremely spacious and designed almost as if for hosting – while the High Country Suite has a bar counter and lounge area, the High County Suite has a balcony with a dining table outside to enjoy some fresh air. Both only sleep two people and have basic kitchenettes (and cute minibars), but they’d be great if you need some good vibes getting ready for a big event.
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. The first time I visited, I couldn't understand why it was so quiet, but it's nice to see virtually every seat filled now. Come for dinner, or just pop by for a drink and 'chipcuterie' – a highly Instagrammable plate of viral Spanish crips topped with jamon serrano, pickled guindilla peppers and grated Manchengo cheese for good measure.
The menu is inspired by tapas dishes from Barcelona and San Sebastian, with some main courses for good Aussie measure. It's just had a bit of a rejig when I dine so I opt for the ‘feed me’ menu ($99) to let the chef do his thing. I start with thick crunchy slabs of sourdough with a moreish, mild espelette chilli butter, silky jamon serrano and béchamel-based croquetes (tonight they’re stuffed with sweet quince jam). The highlight of my main course is a juicy, medium-rare lamb rub with a herby vinegary piquillo salsa. Hot chippies are always a classic that pair well with the meaty set menu, but if you’re a patatas bravas fan (who’s not, really?), here, each bite of potato is sauteed in bravas-based spices like paprika for a lovely earthy flavour.
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. The big breakfast here, the Shepherders Breakfast, is inspired by what pastoral workers would eat before a big day, with yummy additions like creamy goat's curd 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 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. Percy’s wine list is extensive, so take my reccomendation and throw caution to the wind, letting the bar staff choose your pairings for you. They nailed every glass from a herby vermouth to one of the smoothest chilled reds I’ve had.
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. I think it’s one of the best spots you could book for Vivid because you’ve got a front row seat to the action, but you’re just out of the crowd craziness. 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).
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 30 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 $278 a night
- Closest transport link: Convention Light Rail
Book now: Click here
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