Ovolo Woolloomooloo

Ovolo Woolloomooloo occupies part of the heritage-listed Woolloomooloo wharf, the long timber-piled Finger Wharf that stretches out into the harbour below the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The hotel keeps many of the building's original features and combines them with bright, contemporary design. It operates in partnership with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. The wharf was built in the early twentieth century and once handled cargo such as wool, and today it is home to apartments, restaurants and the hotel.

Rooms come in several styles. Horizon King rooms are the most compact, while Maritime rooms face the naval base and the water, and Urban rooms look back towards the city. Split-level loft rooms, in both Maritime and Urban categories, are a distinctive feature, and the Rockstar Suite is a split-level suite with its own cocktail bar and harbour views. Check the outlook and size of each category before booking.

Facilities include an indoor pool and jacuzzi with poolside cabanas, a gym and self-service laundry, and fast Wi-Fi throughout. Rooms come with a stocked in-room bar. Bar Woolloomooloo serves snacks, cocktails and Australian wines, and Bruno's is the hotel's dining option. The wharf itself has several restaurants along its length. That gives guests a choice of places for dinner without leaving the wharf.

Ovolo is known for its perks for guests who book directly, including discounts, flexible cancellation and a free drink at the hotel's evening Apero Hour. It also offers flexible check-in and check-out and a package for guests travelling with dogs. These extras make it good value compared with some larger hotels in similar locations.

The hotel suits couples, creative travellers and anyone looking for a hotel with character rather than a standard tower. It is a little away from the busiest streets, which makes it quieter at night. Harry's Café de Wheels is at the entrance to the wharf, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Royal Botanic Garden are a short uphill walk away.

Kings Cross station is about ten minutes' walk, and the city centre and Opera House can be reached on foot through The Domain or along the harbour foreshore in around twenty to thirty minutes.