Ace Hotel Sydney

Close to the central business district, in the upscale and fashinable Surry Hills, the Ace Hotel Sydney may be the first for the brand in the Southern Hemisphere, but it’s as confidently executed as any of their hotels. Set in an early 19th-century industrial building, it’s got patina for days; it’s pure Ace, but also pure Australia, thanks to the thoughtful work of its designers — you never forget for a second where you are or who you’re staying with.

The rooms are cut from the same cloth as the Aces in North America, with vintage-inspired wool blankets, subtle retro styling, and a vibe that’s low-frills but plenty warm. A few come with turntables or acoustic guitars, and occasional details like unfinished brick walls add a touch of extra visual depth.

As cozy and stylish as its accommodations may be, the Ace hotels are best known for their public spaces. This one features a versatile lobby restaurant and bar, a place that’s as well suited to daytime co-working as it is to a night out. There’s also Loam, sister to the restaurant in the Ace Downtown Los Angeles, as well as Kiln, the glass-walled rooftop restaurant, and Good Chemistry, a café and bar in a ground-floor space adjacent to the entry.