Inside The Ultimo, the world’s first astrology hotel

TRAVELLERS are right to be wary of themed hotels. So what lurks inside the world’s first astrology hotel, right in the heart of Sydney? We found out.

REVIEW

MANY travellers baulk at the idea of a themed hotel, and with good reason. They can be kitschy, garish and downright bizarre.

Consider the Barbie hotel in Buenos Aires. Or the ice hotel in Sweden. Or the Dog Park Bark Inn in Idaho that’s literally shaped like a beagle.

So when I was given the opportunity to stay at The Ultimo in Sydney — the world’s first astrology-themed hotel — I wasn’t sure whether I was in for a comfortable stay, or a horoscopic horror.

Smack bang in Chinatown and a quick stroll from Darling Harbour, the latest offering from boutique hotel chain 8Hotels was curated with professional astrologer Damian Rocks from Stars Like You, and it pays serious homage to all things zodiac.

And you get a moon calendar on arrival.

The “do not disturb” sign is zodiac-themed. Picture: Supplied

And as I made the short walk from Central to The Ultimo to check in for my recent stay, I worried about how far that homage went.

I hoped it wasn’t going to be lame, but suspected it would be. I began to imagine something really cartoonish and carnivalesque inside, with glow-in-the-dark stars stuck to the ceiling and glittery cut-outs of Saturn plastered on the walls. I was also feeling a little guilty about my lack of interest in astrology, and as I made my way through the front doors, I felt a hint of panic that I’d be found out, exposed, and banished from the establishment in shame.

As usual, nothing was like I’d feared.

A lot nicer than I expected. Picture: Supplied

The reception area of The Ultimo was sleek and modern, with only some tasteful wall art to hint at the astrology theme. The staff were lovely and asked nothing of my non-existent astrological credentials.

My room was small, stylish and practical, but comfortable. All the amenities were there: kettle, hair dryer, TV, minibar, basic toiletries. Everything was clean and in its place.

Astrology clearly guided many features of The Ultimo. When making a booking, guests can reveal their precise date, time and location of birth so hotel staff can tailor their stay according to their star sign. (I’m a Virgo.)

The hotel personalises the experience based on your sun sign. Picture: Craig Wilson

But I found the nods to astrology were light and thoughtful.

There was a zodiac-themed “do not disturb” sign for my door, and a little Virgo tag on my complimentary slippers. Even the selection of complimentary teas had been selected with a Virgo in mind. I’d also been given a little moon calendar and personalised city guide, including suggestions of places to eat and things to do during my stay, based on my star sign.

A couple of suggestions were misfires for me personally, but I could see where they were heading with the earth-friendly, holistic Virgo theme, and I appreciated the personal touch. Had I not been a Sydneysider it would have been a great way to orienteer me in a new city.

My room was stylish and super comfortable.

All guests receive that experience at The Ultimo — their room, plus the moon calendar and zodiac city guide.

But those keen for a full-body immersion in the astrological universe can upgrade to a Star Chart package (starting from $225 for one person) or the Off The Charts package (starting from $329 for one person), which includes a one-hour astrology reading with the Stars Like You team.

And that’s what the stars had in store for me.

As part of this amped-up package, when I arrived in my room, I found a hefty document sitting on the little table next to my bed, with my name and date of birth at the top.

A little Virgo flourish.

It was my full astrological star chart, along with nine pages of personal analysis, based on my sun sign, moon sign (I didn’t even know I had one) and my ascendant sign (I definitely had no idea about that either).

It was a fascinating read, even for an astro-agnostic like me. I learned a lot about how astrology worked and what it was used for. It described aspects of my personality influenced by the place and time of my birth, as well as how I might respond to situations, and what less-great qualities of mine could present challenges in my life.

A great spot for reading your horoscope, perhaps?

It was mostly accurate. Especially the parts that suggested I had a predilection towards needless worry and an unhelpfully overwrought imagination: considering I’d worked myself into genuine fear of what the hotel would be like, I was in no position to argue with that particular assessment.

Even more interesting was my meeting with Damian Rocks the following day. Encouraging me to record our conversation for my later reference/amusement, Damian went into further detail about what the stars likely had in store for me, and what aspects of my life were could be influenced by my sun, moon and ascendant signs. I may not have taken it as meaningfully as I know many others do, but it was a fun way to reflect on life stuff.

Damian Rocks from Stars Like You is considered one of Australia’s leading astrologers.

Unlike what I had expected, I found The Ultimo a place for anyone. Those who wanted to align their experience to the stars would be accommodated, and those who couldn’t care less about the zodiac could still find value in an all-needs-met hotel in a great location at a competitive price.

And OK, I’m not quite an astrology convert, but the whole experience of self-reflection — and taking time to consider the great significance of my birth — felt wonderfully indulgent.

And when you’re staying in a hotel, whatever your reason and no matter your star sign, isn’t indulgence exactly what you’re hoping for?

The writer stayed for one night compliments of The Ultimo.