Our Cozy Stay At The Ultimo Hotel In Sydney, Australia

Nestled in Sydney’s China Town district – right in the heart of the city – The Ultimo is the world’s first astrology hotel. The Ultimo Team has worked with leading astrologer Damian Rocks, to help curate the best Sydney experience to suit your individual astrological sign. From the outside, the building’s historic charm blends it in seamlessly with other the well-maintained heritage buildings in the area. But from the inside, you are met with modern, white marble, and touches of Scandinavian chic; while glimpses of the historic charm of the building remain. The interior renovations were completed in February 2017, so everything inside the hotel is practically brand new. Each one of the 95 rooms, suites, and studios are different from the next and has each has its own unique layout and features.

General Hotel Info

Location: 37 Ultimo Road, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Transportation: ~10 minute walk to central train station (links to airport, many main bus lines, trains)
Area: Right in China Town district so amazing restaurants within a stones throw of the front door, main downtown areas such as Darling Harbour and Circular Quay are within easy walking distance (1-2km away)
Tea and Coffee Bar: Delicious Tea and coffee (made by a barista) is available from 7am until 10pm, good sized supermarket on the next corner, Market City Shopping centre with food court across the road
Wi-Fi: Available for free
Other amenities of note: Astrology packages*, personalised City Recommendations card based on your star sign, 24/7 reception, washing/drying facilities, super helpful staff
Pets: Animal friendly rooms available(!), along with a team ready to shower them with love
Website: theultimo.com.au | Instagram: @theultimosydney

*Astrology Packages are available which pair you with a room and a consultation with local, well known astrologer Pia Lehmann. There are various different options available for consultations including Star Chart readings, so please check the website to check which is right for you.

Our Hotel Room: Ultimo Studio

We were booked into a Studio Room (swipe card key + locking mechanism on the inside) which is usually set up with a King Bed or two Kind Singles, like ours. The room was large and beautifully decorated with minimalist, scandi-chic furniture and artwork; the cushy couch could also convert into a sofa bed if needed. The beds were very comfortable, and obviously still quite new. The linens were the same; the soft hotel sheets we all know and love, plus nice fluffy white towels.
There was also a flatscreen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, mini-fridge, very good hairdryer (not one of those ones stuck on the wall), small ironing board, and reverse cycle air conditioning. The windows had a second pane of glass/window installed for added sound-proofing, and the blinds were very good, but maybe total blackout in some people’s books.

The private ensuite was roomy and well equipped, and there was good water pressure in the shower and washbasin. If you forgot soap or shampoo, not to worry! The Ultimo supplies you with products that are free from mineral oils, parabens, and other non desirables by METIS Skincare which is a locally sourced, cruelty-free brand. They also have a green cleaning program in place where they only wash linens when you ask them to (by leaving towels on the floor), and work with an linen supplier that used eco-friendly laundry techniques.

The Location And Area Around It

The Ultimo is right in the heart of downtown Sydney in the Haymarket/China Town District. If you don’t mind walking, you can easily get to Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, the Queen Victoria Building, and many other key Sydney locations on foot (around 1-2km). If the beaches are more your thing, you can jump on a bus or train from the main train station which is about a 10 minute walk away, or even take one of the many ferries from Circular Quay. The ferries are a great way to sight see as well! They go right past the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge and onto the many beautiful beaches all around downtown Sydney. There is also the Chinese Garden of Friendship close by, along with Tumbalong Park if you feel like you need to get the blood pumping by going for a run or using the free outdoor fitness equipment. If parks and gardens are your thing, pop by Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens. You can also get a great view of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from the Botanic Gardens.

As you step out the front door to the hotel, you step right into China Town and you are met with hundreds of restaurants and cafes from across all different cuisines. If you want all of these choices concentrated into one cute alleyway, then head to Spice Alley which is only an 8 minute walk from the hotel. If you just need to grab a couple of quick snacks for your day trips, then turn left as you exit the hotel and walk until the next road and a large supermarket (Woolworths) is right there on the corner.

Summary And Our Review

All of the staff we encountered were very friendly and helpful. They answered any question we had about the hotel or getting around Sydney. Overall, The Ultimo was a cozy home and a great base for exploring the wonderful city Sydney. It has everything you need, all arranged carefully inside a beautifully renovated historical building. It had more than enough for us and suited our taste in interior design perfectly. We would definitely love to stay at The Ultimo again!