‘Boutique’ is a term often bandied about by hotels to describe various sizes and styles of accommodation, but fits perfectly with the Kirketon. This stylish small hotel in fashionable urban Darlinghurst, feels somewhere between a chic Parisian guesthouse or Italian Pensione while maintaining a distinctive Sydney identity.
The hotel is part of the 8 Hotels collection, which includes such standouts as 1888 Hotel Sydney and Limes Hotel in Brisbane.
With a discreet façade, with just a shimmery “Kirketon” identifying you’ve arrived, it could easily head down the ‘too cool for school’ road, but instead you’re greeted warmly and all the staff I encounter during my stay offer genuine friendly service.
Taking the staircase to my first floor digs is easy along a red plush carpeted corridor designed in a minimalist aesthetic with only mirrors adorning the walls and a TV overhead playing old movies on rotation. As I duck in and out of my room during my stay, I catch snippets of the divine Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s which makes me want to linger longer. Initially concerned my room overlooked bustling Darlinghurst Road and there may be street noise, it was a great aspect to watch the street activity and double windows prevented any noise.
Rooms are compact, but this luxe for less option works if you’re looking for a base to head out and enjoy the Sydney nightlife and harbour city exploration. The room is furnished with style and simplicity in charcoal & white with a red ottoman adding a splash of colour. The bathroom has a rain shower and amusing amenities which claims I’ll be gorgeous, stylish & happy after using – winning!
A comfortable king bed is enhanced by a mirror behind the bed which doubles as a bedhead and creates the illusion of extra space. A small desk, mini bar & safe hidden in the wardrobe complete the simple setting. Oh, and did we mention free WiFi? A must for business travellers.
You’re simply spoilt for choice with Darlinghurst restaurants on your doorstep. For breakfast, nestled on the corner of Darlinghurst Road I get my caffeine fix at The Royal. The small circular tables make if feel quite Parisian and I’m pleasantly surprised to meet Triple J DJ and avid traveller Zan Rowe seated at the table next to me. Serving all day breakfast the small menu shows eclectic options such as Shakshuka eggs – baked eggs served in pan with sautéed onion & eggplant, Persian feta and spices.
Between meetings, I also head across the road to Latteria for a bite of lunch and more star spotting, this time the handsome Marcus Graham seated outside. Darlinghurst is certainly filled with celebrities and locals perched on milk crates enjoying coffee and conversation any hour of the day or night.
That evening I head downstairs at the Kirketon to Fu Manchu with its inviting vibrant red decor. It’s healthy fare, reasonably priced and the staff are very friendly. The sang choi bao with pork and beef tenderloin wok fry with ginger garlic with brown rice were filling and delicious and you can charge back to your room. My tip, leave room for famed Gelato Messina, just a stroll away from your hotel room, oh so dangerously close!
With a plethora of dining & entertainment choices, whether it’s sipping coffee at The Royal, Pain au chocolat at Infinity Sourdough or indulging at Gelato from Gelato Messina a stay at The Kirketon really does feel like you’ve been transported to a delightful Parisian boutique hotel for the weekend.
Book Kirketon Hotel on alluxia.com from $139 or browse our collection of Sydney accommodation.
The writer, Sally Scott was a guest of Kirketon Hotel.You Might Also Like: Top 5 Bondi Breakfasts
