1 hour ago
1
September 20, 2025 — 5:00am
The place
The Russell Boutique Hotel, Sydney
Check-in
A turret, convict artefacts, a resident ghost and a staunch following by Japanese anime fans: at a time when boutique hotels are fighting to differentiate themselves with fun and quirk, the Russell Boutique Hotel in Sydney’s historic Rocks had all of this treasure – plus a coveted location – as a ″blank″ canvas before it even started renovating. Happily, the top-to-toe, post-pandemic facelift has only served to enhance the history of this much-loved 1887 property in Sydney’s historic Rocks, while providing much-needed modernisation.
The space
You’ll spot the family-owned Russell easily, thanks to its corner position and fairytale turret on George Street, next to Sydney’s oldest pub, the Fortune of War. But the main entrance is on Globe Street near the historic Nurses Walk. Head upstairs to a small reception desk and listen closely for directions as room numbers in this higgledy-piggledy layout have been kept as they were: out of sequence. However, corridors on each floor showcase artworks, stunning light fixtures and different coloured carpets to aid navigation. The steep staircase to nowhere (it leads to the as yet, empty, tower); a guest sitting room (great for solo travellers) and the rooftop deck where you can check out the city skyline with a drink or nibbles, add to the hotel’s quirky charm.
The room
The hotel’s 28 rooms – no two alike and all different sizes – now boast custom upholstered bedheads and joinery, striking Australiana-themed wallpaper, one-off antiques and original marble fireplaces. Ours features a king bed, desk, plenty of storage and a large bathroom with a deep bath and overhead shower, along with signature scented products inspired by native flowers. There’s a TV and a fridge, plus more novel touches: while air-conditioned, windows in all bedrooms can be opened, and a cute turn-down service delivers a chocolate and an inspirational quote. And rarest of the rare: guestrooms with shared bathrooms have been retained. You’ll recognise these by the thoughtful addition of chic hot and cold water fountains in the corridors outside. These rooms are perfect for families, or groups of travellers who can also take advantage of a guest laundromat.
Food + drink
Head down the original winding staircase in the morning for an included breakfast at the Fortune of War’s new venue, Bistro 1828, or sample an all-day menu by executive chef Mark Williamson, ex-Bistro Moncur. During renovations, outdoor seating was added and a wall in the bistro was removed to make it bigger and brighter, with the original bricks stored for future use. Check out a cabinet of curiosities in the corner containing artefacts discovered during the renovation (interesting bottles used at this one-time convict hospital were found in a chimney). While some of the best of Sydney’s wining and dining is on your doorstep here, no stay is complete without a drink in the sometimes rowdy, always rollicking, Fortune of War, even just to say you’ve imbibed at Sydney’s oldest watering hole.
Out + about
Sydney’s attractions in all directions are outside the door with ferries, trains, the light rail and the Metro all nearby and the Opera House and Botanic Gardens in walking distance. The Rocks, of course, has its own charm, particularly for those interested in convict and colonial history. And interestingly, the Russell Boutique Hotel has also achieved drawcard status among Japanese visitors thanks to enamoured fans of the popular anime series Free! Eternal Summer. A 2017 episode featured detailed drawings of the hotel’s interior after two characters, Rin and Haru, stayed in room 25 and many stay at the hotel to pay homage. The hotel even sells distinctive keyrings featured in the episode.
The verdict
The family-owned WDS Hotels group, run by Steve Speed and his wife, Fiona, has avoided the cookie-cutter with this inspired yet sympathetic renovation of a Sydney gem. This spotless hotel offers rare, reasonably priced stays in the heart of the city. Perfect for interstate visitors or first-timers to Sydney.
Star rating
★★★★
Essentials
Russell Boutique Hotel; 143A George St, The Rocks +61 2 9241 3543
Rooms from $300 a night, including breakfast at Bistro 1828. Special deals available when booking directly.
The writer stayed as a guest of The Russell Boutique Hotel.
Highlight
There’s a story around every corner in this character-filled but supremely comfortable hotel.
Lowlight
Our air-conditioning proves temperamental – or was it a ghost?
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