A Sydney hotel has become an unlikely mecca for Japanese visitors

Just like the city it sits in, the Russell Boutique Hotel in Sydney’s renowned Rocks area has its quirks of history.

A narrow staircase leads to nowhere; room numbers in this one-time convict hospital are out of sequence, and the higgledy-piggledy layout echoes inner-Sydney’s crooked one-way streets, a factor destined to toy with the minds of visiting Melburnians, lost without a grid.

No two rooms are alike and many feature custom wallpaper.Credit:

And in perhaps the biggest quirk of all, one room has become somewhat of a shrine for Japanese anime fans after detailed depictions of the interior of the hotel with its landmark tower featured in a 2016 YouTube episode of Free! Eternal Summer, where two characters, Rin and Haru, stayed in room 25.

A mix of antiques and modern luxuries.Credit:

This gathering of old and new charms has been enhanced by a top-to-toe renovation of this newly reopened heritage-listed hotel on Globe Street, next door to the Fortune of War, Sydney’s oldest pub.

The spacious rooftop offers Harbour Bridge glimpses.Credit:

Each of the light 28 rooms – no two alike and all different sizes – now boast custom upholstered bedheads and joinery, striking Australiana-themed wallpaper, one-off antique pieces, plus refurbished bathrooms with signature scented products inspired by native flowers. Corridors on each floor showcase artworks, stunning light fixtures and different coloured carpets to aid in navigation.

A restored sitting room and spacious rooftop with Harbour Bridge glimpses provides more spaces for guests to unwind or mingle with a drink or snack, while a grand staircase delivers them downstairs to the Fortune of War’s new venue, Bistro 1828, for breakfast – included in all stays – or to sample an all-day menu by new executive chef Mark Williamson, ex-Woollahra Hotel.

The staircase leading to the new Bistro 1828.Credit:

The family-owned WDS Hotels group, run by longtime hospitality operators Steve Speed and his wife, Fiona, reopened the hotel this year after a six-year hiatus, vowing to add modern luxuries without disturbing the Russell’s character.

The Russell Boutique Hotel with its distinctive tower.Credit:

“The hotel is steeped in history and that’s something we were committed to honouring throughout this renovation,” Steve says.

But it’s not just this welcoming hotel’s character-filled building, its anime fans and a rumoured ghost (who reportedly has a favourite room) that sets it apart. Prices are reasonable, particularly considering the hotel is just a short walk to Circular Quay, the city centre, trains, ferries, light rail and the Opera House, and the fact that breakfast and a turndown service – complete with chocolate – is included. And there are other welcome oddities: guestroom windows can be opened if air-conditioning is not your thing, and some smaller rooms with stylish shared bathrooms have been retained, proving popular with friendship or family groups (you’ll recognise these by the thoughtful addition of chic hot and cold water fountains in the corridors outside).

But get in quick: those keen on a stay in Sydney’s historic heart without breaking the bank, ghost hunters, manga fans and anyone allergic to the cookie-cutter, are destined to make this their go-to Sydney stay.

Rooms from $300, including breakfast at Bistro 1828.

Special deals available when booking directly.

See therussell.com.au

The writer was a guest of the Russell Boutique Hotel.