A revamp has improved this boutique Sydney hotel

The place

The Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo, Sydney.

Check in

Reception is a small, understated desk (rear left, above).

Tucked away behind the monolithic buildings surrounding Darling Harbour, boutique heritage hotel The Woolstore 1888 is not in one of Sydney’s most scenic locations, it must be said (directly opposite is a large, ugly multilevel car park). However, it is only a five-minute walk to Pyrmont and the bridge to the CBD, or through said car park to Darling Harbour and the International Convention Centre.

The look

As the name suggests, the hotel is housed in a former wool store built in 1888.

As the name suggests, the hotel is housed within a converted wool store first built in 1888, and it’s one of the oldest surviving buildings of its type in the city. First opened as a hotel in 2013, Ovolo took over the property in 2015 before renovating in 2022. The history and character of the building has been preserved, with exposed bricks and thick timber beams throughout. It’s a five-storey building but I’m surprised to learn it houses 90 rooms – the intimate spaces make it feel smaller. Reception is a small, understated desk in the corner of the lobby, which also houses the bar and restaurant. An atrium goes up to the roof and glass elevators make the ride up to your room a fun experience. Glass surrounding the atrium is a new addition since the renovation. This is a great improvement as I recall a lot of noise coming up from the lively bar during my previous stay. This time, my room is blissfully silent.

The room

While my queen room is compact, it is well-designed to make the most of the space, providing all the functionality you would expect, with ample storage and a small desk, though no couch or armchair. The exposed brickwork and thick timber beams are here too, contrasted with striking modern and pop art.

The room is compact but well-designed.

The bathroom is also on the smallish side but the shower is surprisingly spacious. Fun toiletries (in large bottles mounted on the wall - sustainability tick) each feature a musical reference (conditioner is “Smooth Operator”, body wash “Ain’t No Scrub”). Like all Ovolo hotels, the minibar is included as is a continental breakfast. There’s a self-serve laundry and candy bar too.z

The food

Mr Percy is a great spot for a bite or drink.

Mister Percy is the hotel restaurant and wine bar, featuring a Mediterranean menu with Spanish leanings. It’s a fine space for a casual drink or a sit-down meal. I opt for a quick bite of the mushroom, avocado and feta empanadas, which are excellent. There’s an extensive wine list featuring domestic and European bottles.

Stepping out

It’s about a 10-minute walk west to Blackwattle Bay and the Sydney Fish Market. While you’re unlikely to want to take some fresh seafood back to your hotel room, there are places to eat on-site.

You can book a behind-the-scenes tour that includes the auction floor in action, which is normally closed to the public. See sydneyfishmarket.com.au

The verdict

A stylish, classy boutique hotel that has been improved since Ovolo took over.

Our rating out of five

★★★★

Essentials

Rooms start from $251. See ovolohotels.com/ovolo/1888darlingharbour

Highlight

There’s always been a bit of life down in the bar when I’ve stayed here, but now I can (to keep the musical references going, with apologies to Depeche Mode) enjoy the silence.

Lowlight

Walking up the dingy car park stairwell to reach the hotel from Darling Harbour. Take the lift instead.

The writer stayed as a guest of Ovolo.