Hotel review: Little National keeps it simple, smart
Big is not always better in the world of guestrooms, as this Sydney CBD newcomer shows.
Big is not always better in the world of hotel guestrooms. As our travel goals increasingly are centred on experiences rather than accommodation, sleeping quarters are often a secondary concern. Clean, comfortable and compact is fine, so long as it is equipped with the cool mod-cons a 21st-century traveller requires.
It’s a niche that’s expanding. Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour has a Shoebox category of guestroom, and last year Canberra’s Ovolo Nishi rolled out its Snug Sun Rooms. In Hobart, guests can plump for a Pod room at Moss Hotel. British-based Yotel plans to introduce Australians to its Cabin concept in Melbourne in 2022, the same year Marriott International’s cosy Moxy brand is set to debut in the Victorian capital.
Five years ago, Doma Hotels opened its first Little National, in Canberra, and a Newcastle iteration is slated for two years hence. Sydney became the next cab off the rank for the brand, opening the inconspicuous sliding door of its street-front entrance to guests on November 9. The 230-guestroom property is in the heart of the CBD, conveniently located above Wynyard train station and just a hop, skip and jump from Barangaroo, Martin Place and Circular Quay.
From the ground floor, I’m directed by the concierge to take the lift up to the airy reception, then it’s up to my guestroom on level eight. First impressions are of a minimalist Japanese vibe. Furniture is limited to a small table, chair and stool, and a cabinet containing minibar, tea and coffee facilities and hanging space, with fluffy robes and slippers provided. On the wall is a single framed photograph of a breaking wave. The white tiled bathroom has all the essentials plus a rain shower, stocked with Appelles Apothecary toiletries. The bed is wedged between two walls, a smart TV embedded at one end.
So far, so almost boring. But the devil is in the detail and Bates Smart architects have made clever, functional use of space and technology. That bunk is deceptively huge; a super king size. I’m travelling alone, and later that night I find myself adrift in its ocean of crisp white linen; however, couples might find midnight loo visits slightly awkward for the person “trapped” on the window side.
The tech is impressive, with a tablet on the bedhead providing access to a virtual minibar service, bluetooth speakers and hotel information. The bedhead sports four USB ports plus power points and a neat ledge for devices; no need to charge your phone at a late-night stumbling distance from bed. Lights, curtains and blinds are controlled from an electronic panel that springs to life as your hand approaches, and the ambient setting is easy on the eyes.
The Doma people pride themselves on providing guests with everything they need and nothing they don’t, and they seem to have struck the right balance. Keep it simple but make it smart. Apart from the TV, which offers access to a limited selection of movies, free-to-air channels and Chromecast, there’s not much reason to hang out in your room. Which is the point because, apart from all the Sydney attractions nearby, up on level 11 is a rooftop terrace, bar and lounge plus a communal workspace called the Library.
Leafy greenery, timber decking and a range of outdoor seating make the al fresco zone an appealing spot for coffee or cocktails when the weather is right. In the lounge, maroon velvet armchairs and plush white sofas invite guests to take a pew near the central gas fireplace. (I can’t help but fear for the first contact of red wine on those pristine furnishings.)
There’s no restaurant but bar snacks are available. Instead, the Little National encourages guests to order in via Uber Eats, Deliveroo and co, and staff bring meals to you, with crockery and cutlery available on request. That’s all well and good, except on the night of my stay it’s too cold to dine outside and I’m with friends. We perch in the Library, careful not to insert so much as a grain of rice in all those USB ports. It’s the one down note in an otherwise enjoyable city stay.
In the know
Little National Hotel Sydney is offering 10 per cent discounts on the best flexible room rate for stays until January 31. From $189 a night including welcome glass of Moet & Chandon champagne, $30 food and beverage credit and late checkout.
Penny Hunter was a guest of Little National.