Medusa Hotel

"Medusa is a converted eighteenth-century Victorian townhouse in ultra-fashionable Darlinghurst, Sydney’s gallery and boutique district. The award-winning design is anything but Victorian; in fact, these daring, modern interiors are a large factor in Medusa’s draw." - Mark Fedeli

"Quirky, stylish Medusa is a converted eighteenth-century Victorian townhouse in ultra-fashionable Darlinghurst, Sydney’s gallery and boutique district. The award-winning design, by prominent Australian interior architect Scott Werner, is anything but Victorian; in fact, these daring, modern interiors are a large factor in Medusa’s draw, especially among the young, creative types the hotel (and the neighborhood) caters to." - Mark Fedeli

"Owned by Terry Kaljo—a former model and founder of the Contemporary Hotels collection of upscale rental homes and villas—the Medusa Boutique Hotel offers 18 unique accommodations in Darlinghurst, an eclectic area and the epicenter of Sydney ’s gay community. The 19th-century home is filled with wacky touches, from red Alice in Wonderland–style carpeting that runs up the grand staircase to pastel-pink walls studded with maple leaves in the entryway. The midcentury-modern rooms—with their retro primary colors, geometric patterns, and vintage chaises longues—attract fashion, media, and design professionals looking to get beneath the surface of one of Sydney’s liveliest neighborhoods. But there's still the opportunity to relax, as guests can settle in next to the fireplace in the lobby to read the newspaper, enjoy a complimentary pastry, or make new friends. Longtime staff members offer the kind of local knowledge and personal attention that keeps guests coming back."

"How did it strike you on arrival? A jaunty, white-shuttered red townhouse flanked by trees in the buzzy inner-city neighbourhood of Darlinghurst, veteran boutique hotel Medusa is an intimate retreat for a relaxed urban getaway. Nice. What’s the crowd like? Centrally located Darlinghurst is home to lively cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and galleries, and also to Sydney’s vibrant gay scene. The Medusa attracts globetrotters keen to plug into this creative community, whether unwinding at the weekend or partying at Mardi Gras. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. Some of the 18 light, airy Grand, Premium and Deluxe rooms overlook the inner courtyard, others a streetscape, with blonde wood bedheads, colorful feature walls, and comfy seats or chaise longues. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us? Sleep easy in Queen or King size beds, with superior cotton bed linen and wool blankets. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase? All rooms have kitchenettes with microwave ovens and tea- and coffee-making kit, plus a well-stocked minibar, Lindt chocolates, complimentary breakfast pastries and newspaper. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down. Many of the ensuites have baths (request one when booking). Australian Aesop toiletries are super-covetable. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word? Wi-Fi is available in all rooms for a nominal fee, with a business room if you need a computer. Room service: Worth it? Fancy eating in? Medusa’s team can arrange delivery from local restaurants. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why? Don’t let the snake-haired Medusa artwork in reception spook you. Friendly 24-hour concierge staff can share tips on the best places to drink, eat, work out or swim. There’s no in-house restaurant, but lots of desirable dining spots are within walking distance. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you. Medusa’s romantic courtyard has a Miami-meets-Mediterranean feel, with an ornamental reflection pool, white lounge chairs and parasols. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay? Unusually for Australia, dog-friendly Medusa’s Courtyard Rooms welcome canine guests, across all three categories, subject to availability. Bottom line: worth it, and why? You’re just a stroll from Kings Cross, Potts Point, the CBD and local dining venues. Try iconic Bills (433 Liverpool Street) for breakfast, Italian restaurants A Tavola (348 Victoria Street) and Buffalo Dining Club (116 Surrey Street) for lunch or dinner, casual Darlo Bar (306 Liverpool Street) and Johnny Fishbone Wine Parlour (185 Darlinghurst Road) for drinks, or Eau de Vie (229 Darlinghurst Road) for cocktails." - Sophie Davies

"A jaunty, white-shuttered red townhouse flanked by trees in the buzzy inner-city neighbourhood of Darlinghurst, veteran boutique hotel Medusa is an intimate retreat for a relaxed urban getaway." - Sophie Davies