Now, that was ACE!

By Lyndsay Scott

Brooklyn, New York, Seattle, Portland, LA, Palm Springs, Toronto, Kyoto and SYDNEY. Yes, finally we have our very own Ace Hotel in the motherland and it does not disappoint. Partnering with Fitzroy based Flac Studios to bring their signature industrial and eclectic fusion style to life in their first hotel south of the equator, I can guarantee you will don that linen robe and not want to leave.

Fittingly nestled in the urban playground of Surry Hills - The Ace feels boutique but welcoming, warm and lived in. Step off the street into the dimly lit reception and you can immediately feel that this hotel has re-written the rules of what we deem a luxury stay. There are no three piece suits to be found, it’s inclusive, low-key and a little bit extra all at once. The complimentary upgrade letting us check in at midday earned The Ace some extra points, but I was truly impressed and inspired from the very first touch point.

The redevelopment of The Ace was completed in June 2021 at a cost of $350 million. With 264 rooms on offer, there are 10 different sizes and levels of luxe and accessibility to choose from. 

Our fleeting two night stay was spent in a Small Room (from $295 p/night) - with a king bed and floor to ceiling windows to take in the view, there is ample space for a couple or two people to spread out. There are also pet-friendly rooms if you fancy bringing your pooch on vacay.

The room felt relaxed, laid back, effortless and luxurious - featuring tonal cork table tops and  rusty coloured carpet, a tan leather chair, ribbed glass and emerald hand made tiles in the shower and toilet. Less is definitely more with curved shelving and no dated desk set up in sight.

One of my favourite features of the stay? Fall in love with the Deiji robes especially made for The Ace Sydney - or the woollen throw on the bed and you can buy them on the spot as a practical momento.

It’s a sensory overload in the Lobby - with just as much thought put into every area of the space.  The curved bar made from terracotta marble demands my attention first, followed by the sunken lounge in the centre of the room and comfortable, inviting booths over yonder. It’s a brilliant juxtaposition of retro meeting timeless and trendy - with established greenery giving mid-century lounge room. They make a damn good sour too.

Now - a girls gotta eat and the options around The Ace are in line with their vibe - we’re talking CHIN CHIN for asian fusion, Pellegrino 2000 for the perfect pasta, LOAM Coffee and Single O - or, if you are up for a bit more of a hike - you can’t beat the corner shop institution of South Dowling Sandwiches for a low key lunch. 

LOAM shares the lobby of The Ace with Good Chemistry, a colour clashing delight of greens and burnt oranges offering delicious all day breakfast. If you are chasing a rooftop - The Ace has that covered too. Head to the 18th floor from Tuesday - Sunday and enjoy KILN - a carefully considered tonal dream serving up award winning food and cocktails with views of the city to die for.

Want to explore a little wider than Surry Hills? Just ask at reception to borrow a bike and get on your way to William Street, Paddington where you can shop at Lucy Folk or Tamsin Johnson Interiors - marvel at the floral brilliance of Bess Paddington and then enjoy a vino at 10 William St - a wine bar and pasta joint in an iconic terrace house.

It’s hard not to feel alive in this part of the world - so it is no surprise The Ace chose Surry Hills to add to their portfolio. The possibilities feel endless, the city is buzzing and waiting for you to visit.