Surry Hills’s newest accommodation offering is Paramount House Hotel, whose doors opened to the public in April this year. The hotel is a welcome homage to Sydney itself, an amalgamation of heritage and new, a showcase of what this city really has to offer.
Melbourne-based Breathe Architecture is behind the design of the hotel, a product of four years of restoration and reformation. The ceilings, windows and brick walls of the former warehouse and offices of Paramount Pictures Studio have been preserved and restored, and are now complemented by fresh timber floors and terrazzo-tiled bathrooms.
The hotel sits at an intersection of heritage and modern styles, much like Surry Hills itself, and guests can experience this blend of aesthetic and atmosphere in the hotel’s 29 rooms and atrium-style lobby.
Owners Russell Beard, Ping Jin Ng and Mark Dundon together run Sydney’s Paramount Coffee Project and Bondi Hall, and PCPLA in Los Angeles. Individually, their hospitality accolades span Surry Hills’s powerhouse Reuben Hills, and Melbourne coffee brand Seven Seeds.
Urban Village spoke to co-owner Mark Dundon, who believes that the move into accommodation was a natural progression for the hospitality-minded trio.
“The hotel is an extension of our approach to hospitality. Welcoming a new friend into your house is the same philosophy we have used in our cafes and restaurants.”
Locality is perhaps the essence of the hotel. From its residence in the iconic Paramount House building, to the locally sourced food and beverage offerings, to the expert local knowledge of the front desk, guests will be made to feel like they’re amongst friends – friends who know the city’s best kept secrets.
“We’ve tried to showcase some of the incredible local talent in Surry Hills and beyond by placing LP’s [Quality Meats] small goods, recycled Tasmanian merino blankets, Cultiver linen and more in the guest rooms,” explains Dundon. The hotel also features artwork by local gallery China Heights.
The hotel resides in the same historic building as Golden Age Cinema and Bar, Paramount Coffee Project, award-winning co-working space The Office Space and Paramount Recreation Club and Kiosk. Poly, the much-anticipated sister bar and eatery of Chippendale’s Ester restaurant, is next to arrive and will be serving dinner room service to hotel guests in June.
“Good service is our number one priority, and adding a sense of personality and excitement is number two. This is probably a bit different to traditional hotel thinking where size and facilities are the focus,” explains Dundon.
“The neighbourhood has some great energy along with very supportive and engaged people. Being able to look after our guests and show them our hood definitely excites us.”
