After more than two years of renovations, the beautified Rydges Sydney Central was completed in 2018. On the fringe of the city and in the heart of Surry Hills, a short walk will lead you to Central Station, Oxford Street and the retail and dining hubs of Darlinghurst, Chippendale, vibrant Chinatown and the CBD.
Urban Village spent a night at Rydges, and we firmly believe there’s something to be said for the simple stay-cation.
Originally at 271 rooms, Rydges now comprises 309 brand new rooms all redecorated to reflect its Albion Street surroundings – think exposed brick walls, bright colours and textured wallpaper.
As well as its sleek new look, each room has been fitted with the latest in energy efficiency – sensors track when you enter and leave, with electricity powered to time on and off accordingly.
The ~executive~ suite came with a king size bed, 49 inch LED TV (displaying a welcome message – cute!) desk, mini bar and views of the neighbouring federation-style buildings. The bathroom was stocked with Biology products, made locally in Marrickville.
The room felt like a comfortable little nook despite its generous size, tucked away from the bustling street below. From the panoramic window we had views of the neighbourhood skyline. Plus, there are few greater pleasures in life than crisp hotel bed sheets.
The newly opened Sydney Brewery Surry Hills is attached to the hotel. The Brewery’s on-street access means that locals meander in as well as the hotel guests. The bar brews its Albion Ale on-site and taps twelve of its boutique craft beers. On our paddle we sampled the Surry Hills Pils, the Oxford IPA, the Paddo Pale and the Sydney Cider. The Brewery also offers a $10 happy hour for their classic cocktails and $5 for beer wine and spirits, which we gladly participated in.
We’re in Surry Hills everyday, yet the thrill of an overnight hotel stay was definitely felt. The atmosphere in the Brewery was lively and welcoming, as you’d expect in any other Surry Hills bar or pub.
But what really marked our experience from other hotel stays was the staff. Each interaction was informative and welcoming, and each person we chatted to was eager to advise us about where to eat, what to order at the bar and how to best spend our one night at Rydges.
No hotel experience is complete without a breakfast buffet, and from someone who has eaten more than their share of breakfast buffets, I can vouch for the spread at Rydges (do yourself a favour and try the hash browns).
For those from out of town seeking perfectly located lodgings, or for Sydney-siders like us after a one-night escape, Rydges Sydney Central is the ideal spot.
Want to explore a little more? Take a virtual tour of the hotel here.
