It’s been a while in the making, but last week, the doors officially opened at Sydney’s newest luxury hotel: the ambitious, multi-venue destination 25hours Hotel The Olympia.
Standing with quiet confidence at the crossroads of Paddington, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst, the impressive 109-room hotel marks a new chapter for a site steeped in Sydney’s cultural lore. Once home to the West Olympia Theatre and later the Grand Pacific Blue Room, the heritage-listed building has been carefully transformed into a super-luxe hotel complete with four foodie venues, a high-end retail offering and a magical internal courtyard.
Named to honour its heritage, 25hours Hotel The Olympia is the first Australian outpost from 25hours Hotels – the cult-favourite European brand known for its creative design approach and deep connection to local culture. Celebrating its cinematic past and Oxford Street’s bohemian heart, hotel rooms are divided into two archetypes – Dreamers and Renegades – and the interior aesthetic is a creative blend of theatrical heritage features and contemporary elements.
Complimenting the cinematic interiors, the food offering is a full-blown star-studded situation. Overseeing the hotel’s four venues is culinary director Mitch Orr (former Chef-Partner at Ace Hotel Sydney), alongside London hospitality legends Layo and Zoë Paskin (the talented siblings behind Soho institution The Palomar, which has opened its first international outpost within the hotel’s walls). Alongside The Palomar (a 110-seater Mediterranean-inspired restaurant), the hotel is home to a London-inspired café serving croissants from Lune (Jacob The Angel); a moody, velvet-trimmed bar (The Mulwray); and Monica, a 1960s Hollywood-inspired rooftop bar promising golden-hour drinks, live DJs, and sweeping views across the city’s skyline.
For all its old-world glamour and international clout, The Olympia is also a love letter to the local community. The opening brings more than 100 new jobs and a fresh, exciting energy to the precinct, aligning with the City of Sydney’s long-term vision for Oxford Street (which includes the introduction of weekly markets, the extension of the cycle path and more public-facing events in the works).
The hotel’s transformation was brought to life by a powerhouse team: with Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, Indyk Architects and Woods Bagot each adding their own layer of craft and character, and art from Sydney artist Kubi Vasak lining the walls. Alongside the hospitality offering comes a suite of thoughtful retail and lifestyle partnerships – from Sorry Thanks I Love You to Freitag.
You can learn more and book over here.
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