November saw me heading up to Sydney for work a few times and, as so often bizarrely happens with Sydney, finding accommodation was ridiculously challenging. Somehow I stumbled upon 57 Hotel, located a short stroll away from Crown Street in Surry Hills. It was a 10 minute walk to my client's office which meant I could at least fit some incidental exercise in between deadlines. The rooms were rapidly reaching full occupancy but the wonderful team managed to secure me the same room for the whole week rather than having to move around as with the week prior in other accommodation.
On arrival, I was a bit surprised that there was no onsite cafe/restaurant - I hadn't even checked this amongst the frantic need to find somewhere to sleep for the week. But I did very much like the look of this boutique Surry Hills spot; a handsome, suave entrance and lobby/lounge with black studded lounges, a coffee machine (with daily complimentary pastries for breaky) and a cute selection of lollies by the lifts (disco lifts, no less).
My King Room on the 5th floor at the front of the building offered a bit of extra space with a small desk and beautiful streams of natural light from the bathroom through to the room. Heavy curtains in between ensured a dark, quiet slumber. The king bed was so comfortable that it had an insomniac easily nodding off for each of the four nights I stayed. The bathroom amenities from the Skin Care Co. were a nice addition that didn't dry the skin out.
57's staff were helpful and friendly with a super fast check in and check out which made it one less stress in what was a very stressful week. My concerns around no on-site kitchen were very soon dispelled when I discovered the proximity to some fantastic neighbouring bars, restaurants and cafes, some of which deliver to your room - like next door's killer-burger joint, Ze Pickle. Would I like a wagyu burger in a lettuce bun, stuffed with hot chips that are stuffed with cheese, delivered to my room? Heck yes I would. Take that, overpriced club sandwich. I also loved finding Tokyo Bird around the corner for awesome asian tapas and cocktails, plus the unsuspecting Button Bar a few doors up for friendly service and simple pizzas. The location is ideal for a pretty, 10 minute walk through Surry Hills to the CBD, a 5 minute walk to Crown Street and just a minute or so from Central Station.
A stay at 57 Hotel is what you make it - as a boutique hotel, what they lack in seldom-used features offered by the larger, impersonal chains, they make up for in character, comfort and edge - plus other subtle features like rain showers, in room iPads, 24/7 local gym access, all the free bottled water you can drink, and great hair dryers (along with excellent light for applying one's make-up - why do so many hotels struggle with this?).
57 is a place that's keen to accommodate you as much as possible and it's this personal service that makes it simply humbling, pleasant and comfortable. Need food to your room? Ask reception. Need a kettle? Just ask. For a lovely Surry Hills stay that's off the beaten track of Crown Street, this is a cute, tucked-away and affordable gem.
57 Hotel
57 Foveaux Street
Surry Hills, NSW
