Ovolo isn’t your regular luxury hotel. Spacious rooms meet sky high beams, reminiscent of the woolstore that the structure used to be. It’s quirky, it’s fun and it’s a little different to most Sydney hotels I’ve stayed at. Usually a city staycay brings to mind a bustling itinerary and skyscraper lights, but there’s something pleasantly refreshing about a wharfside dig in a surprisingly sleepy suburb. If you’re staying at the Ovolo Wolloomooloo, look forward to strolls by the pier, views of the water from your comfy bed and the chance to switch off – all an easy stroll from the city.
Why stay at Ovolo Woolloomooloo?
The Ovolo Woolloomooloo is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World: a special global collection of boutique hotels from around the world. Curated carefully, the list of high-end boutique hotels is revised each year to include digs that deliver an experience instead of your run-of-the-mill stay.
What’s the wow factor for the Ovolo Woolloomooloo? It’s part of the heritage-listed Finger Wharf Heritage building. What used to be a woolstore for Sydney’s bustling wool trade is now a luxury hotel and assortment of schmick restaurants and businesses. The charm of the building’s history is complemented by plenty of modern features like an ace swimming pool, spacious renovated rooms and lofts and a very pretty bar.
What are the rooms like at Ovolo Woolloomooloo?
Whether you’re in the lowest room category or the highest, you’re going to have a lot of space. We’re in the Cityvoo King – it’s got massive windows letting in lots of light (and electronic blinds which are a nice fancy touch), plus views of the water and city lights.
Our room is adorned with funky artworks and cool industrial lamps – even the bed’s headboard has artwork printed on it. The king bed is very comfortable and the pillows range in softness for a princess and the pea-approved night’s sleep.
The mini bar is well stocked with plenty of snacks and drinks to choose from (even bottled Maybe Sammy cocktails).
Already in the room are bathrobes, slippers, shampoo, conditioner and soap mounted in the bathroom, and, my personal favourite, magnesium bath salts. Most of the rooms at the Ovolo have a bath and it’s a nice touch. While it was pretty tricky to get the water temperature right, it was a relaxing soak. There’s also a sign letting us know if we need any other toiletries to just give reception a ring.
Which are the best restaurants at Ovolo Woolloomooloo?
Inside the Ovolo you’ll find Bar Woolloomooloo. It’s part breakfast buffet, part diner and part bar. It’s laid back, colourful and decked out in fairy lights for your next Instagram snap. I settle in for a cocktail – a Spicy Mango Margarita – and grab some casual plates for dinner. The entree portions are quite decent so you could get away with sharing them around with your crew.
Bar Woolloomooloo tends to rotate different specials – when we stay, they’re offering bottomless steak frites, and a ‘Dolce and Mare high tea’ for springtime arvo snacking.
Woolloomooloo Wharf, where the hotel is situated, is home to a slew of beautiful restaurants. We pop into Akti for a long lunch of dreams – views of the water, authentic Greek food and a Moreton Bay bug pasta to die for. There’s also China Doll for modern Asian cuisine, Otto Ristorante for waterside Italian dining, Kingsley’s Wolloomooloo for a fancy steak and seafood feed and a Harry’s Café de Wheels pop-up for when only a pie will settle your appetite.
What is the service like at Ovolo Woolloomooloo?
Service was laidback but efficient. There were a few minor bumps – our room wasn’t quite ready at check-in time, and there was a mix-up with our breakfast booking, but to the hotel’s credit, these were quickly resolved with minimal fuss (and, in one case, a well-timed complimentary drink). If you need valet parking, you can rest assured that your ride is in very good hands.
Is there a gym or pool at Ovolo Woolloomooloo?
Ovolo Woolloomooloo has a pretty awesome recreational space. If you head to the back of the hotel and take the lift down a level, you’ll find what look like brand new pool and gym facilities. The pool is toasty enough to swim in, even in winter, and you can watch the kids swim while you're in the gym because they’re right next to each other with glass doors.
The gym is well stocked with weights, treadmills, racks and more, and a welcome way to rest the muscles after your workout can be jumping in the bubbling jacuzzi. While the pool is indoors, more big glass doors lead to an outdoor area with adorable cabanas. Note that the pool and gym close at 10pm.
The hotel has some conference spaces as well, and the bar is full on my Friday night visit with city workers kicking back with a drink or two. The website also advertises massages at an add-on which I assume can be found in one of the adjoining shopfronts on the lower floor of the building.
What’s the area like around Ovolo Woolloomooloo?
If you’re looking for something quiet and picturesque, this is the spot for you. I think it’s a fantastic location for a weekend getaway that involves visits to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, leisurely strolls through the neighbouring Royal Botanic Garden or even a great spot to rest for the night if you’re going to an event at The Domain.
Woolloomooloo itself is an artsy, surprisingly sleepy neighbourhood, and Potts Point is an easy walk away if you’re in the market for a little more nightlife.
If you’re looking for a central city stay – Woolloomooloo isn’t the first spot I’d choose. To get into the CBD, you’ve got to either get a short cab, or walk about 15 minutes. The closest train station is Kings Cross which is a ten minute walk away – slightly inconvenient if you’ve got suitcases in tow.
Why you should you book a stay at Ovolo Woolloomooloo
The change of pace in Woolloomooloo was welcome – after a week full of rain in Sydney, a nice sunny day by the water is food for the soul. Spacious, light-filled rooms are a cosy place to lay my head for the night and enjoy my city staycay in all its glory instead of jetting off quickly to the next location.
Prices at the hotel are significantly lower during the week (and in winter). Starting at around $280, I think they’re really affordable for a luxury hotel. If you book direct with the hotel too, you’ll score a free tipple in their Apero Hour. Flash sales, seasonal deals, and free add-ons like breakfast happen pretty frequently here, so be sure to keep an eye out before you book.
- Address: 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
- Price per Night: From $287 a night
- Closest Transport Link: King’s Cross Station (12 minute walk)
- Book Now
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