Inside Sydney’s dazzling new compact hotel.
In a bustling city like Sydney, it’s rare to find accommodation that feels like a neighbourhood hotel. Aiden Darling Harbour does just that with friendly hosts, thoughtful design and boutique vibes, creating a welcoming oasis for travellers.
Set in a beautifully remodelled 1930’s Art Deco building, Aiden Darling Harbour offers 88 compact rooms with comfort and convenience in mind.
Step inside and discover that good things do come in small packages…
First Impressions
Behind the unassuming façade lies a dazzling lobby with art deco style and friendly faces ready to welcome you to their neighbourhood hotel. The cleverly designed lobby-meets-bar area includes a self-service kiosk for speedy contactless check-in with helpful team members on hand to assist weary travellers. The lobby bar is all sleek lines and rich textures with mosaic marble tiles, stylish leather bar stools and a striking custom-designed mesh cloud light twinkling above the bar meant to represent fishing nets from Sydney Harbour creating a sophisticated space that works from day to night.
Rooms at Aiden Darling Harbour
There is an array of rooms available at Aiden Darling Harbour ranging from Internal Mural View rooms to light filled City View rooms and a Balcony Room with commanding views over the city, and while the largest is just 36sqm, the compact proportions, thoughtful design and stylish interiors just works.
The standout feature is the hotel’s collection of bespoke artworks by Australian artist Jessica Le Clerc with vibrant hand-painted murals of native flora blooming above scalloped velvet bedheads. In addition to super comfy Sleepmaker beds you’ll find fabulous inclusions such as Dyson Supersonic hairdryers, a hanging steamer/iron ideal if you’re heading out on the town and need to press your gown, pod coffee machines, organic Love Tea and locally made goodies replenished daily.
Every guest room is configured a little differently which has us wanting to return and discover each of them including the secret Jessica Le Clerc mural visible from just a handful of rooms.
Sustainability
Single use plastics have been replaced by refillable glass bottles in every room and can be refilled with complimentary Moda sparkling and still water on tap at stations on each floor.
Motion sensors detect if a room is unoccupied to turn off air-conditioning and lighting. This was glitchy during our stay, or maybe we were just so relaxed and still it didn’t detect we were still there!
Each guest room includes a dual compartment waste and recycling bin and bathrooms boast full-size pump dispensers of luxurious Rituals amenities, available to purchase from reception.
Drinking & Dining at Aiden Darling Harbour
Downstairs, Wayfarer’s Bar & Café evolves from a buzzy breakfast spot to late night wine bar with an all day bar menu that hits the spot. Designed simply for sating busy travellers with a quick bite or gathering guests for a convivial pre-dinner drink, you're encouraged to explore the local neighbourhood eateries. While the menu is compact, there are some excellent vegetarian and vegan options such as the tofu scramble with turmeric, which we found to be the perfect wake up call to fuel up for the day ahead.
Stepping Out
Eschew the more touristy Darling Harbour in favour of Pyrmont with its surprisingly beautiful tree lined streets and village vibes contrasting against the usual grittiness of the city. The Aiden team can point you in the right direction, like neighbourhood favourite Quick Brown Fox eatery with an all day breakfast menu and restaurant style lunch dishes enjoyed in either the coveted courtyard or alfresco area looking out to the village square.
You’re also just moments from Sydney Lyric Theatre if you’re in town to catch a show and an easy walk to the International Convention Centre if you’re looking for accommodation near ICC Sydney.
The Verdict
Aiden Darling Harbour is our new favourite hotel in Sydney! Perfectly proportioned, exquisitely designed and genuinely warm and welcoming service, this hotel is nailing its motto “designed for travellers by travellers”.
Aiden Darling Harbour
45 Murray Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Book Aiden Darling Harbour here.
