Hotel Woolstore 1888, Sydney - Handwritten Collection

"Formerly the 1888 Hotel. What used to be a wool shed in the middle of a sheep farming area is now a youthful hotel that celebrates the Pyrmont district’s heritage while featuring the full suite of modern amenities. Opened in 2013, the hotel is an extravaganza of wool, which is found in the felted black lampshades attached to old pulleys in the lobby, in the lower wall panels in the hallways, and as carpeting throughout the building. The old Wool Brokers Arms is visible across the street from the heritage rooms on the west side of the hotel. Modern and cheeky touches also abound at this boutique property, known as the world’s first Instagram hotel. There’s an empty “Selfie Frame” hanging amid mismatched furniture in the lobby, and guests with at least 10,000 Instagram followers are offered a free night’s stay. (Mere Instagram mortals have a chance to win, too, by using the hashtag #1888hotel to be entered into a monthly photo contest.) 1888 is also a leader in sustainability; the hotel preserved the building’s original ironbark beams and built desks from recycled floorboards. The minibar is more conscious than usual, too, stocked with Alter Eco chocolates, Charlie’s juices, coconut water, and fresh milk. The best things about 1888 are the little surprises. Even the hotel’s name has a double meaning: 1888 was the year the building was constructed but was also the year that the Kodak camera debuted."

"How did it strike you on arrival? Set in a converted circa-1888 wool warehouse, Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour is an impressive heritage building, but once inside you’ll find colourful modern updates. Nice. What’s the crowd like? This social media-friendly Hong Kong-born hotel appeals to Instagrammers, the young at heart and fans of arty design. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. The 90 rooms and suites have exposed brick walls, contemporary furnishings and vibrant red, yellow and blue murals by local artist Jasper Knight. Sizes range from the super-compact Shoebox (15 square metres) to spacious Junior Suites (35 square metres). Top-tier suites Shaken and Stirred feature a cocktail bar and rooftop patio respectively. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us? Custom-designed comfy queen and king beds ensure happy snoozing, with neutral bedding and chic grey headboards. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase? Your free in-room minibar includes alcohol. Recycled timber workstations and a smart TV with Media Hub help you work, rest and play. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down. Walk-in rain showers come with natural Australian-made Biology products. Junior Suites feature a separate bath, and you can request one in a King Deluxe. The Shaken suite has a luxe couple’s tub with overhead rain shower. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word? Free high-speed Wi-Fi targets the social media crowd. Room service: Worth it? Graze on gratis in-room snacks, with free Continental breakfast buffet and daily Happy Hour in the lobby’s Lo Lounge if you book direct online. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why? Staff can show you the best selfie spots! Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you. Work out with free 24-hour access to nearby Snap Fitness Pyrmont gym. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay? From the popping art to the high-ceilinged heritage interiors, this is a striking stay. Useful freebees help you make the most of it, including the daily Happy Hour (5.30 p.m.-6.30 p.m.) with freeflowing wine, beer and canapés in the atmospheric Lo Lounge. Drop by for all-day coffee, nibbles, drinks or share plates for dinner (at extra cost). Bottom line: worth it, and why? The family-focussed Darling Harbour location may not appeal to everyone, but it’s handy for checking out The Star casino’s diverse dining, seafood fixes at Sydney Fish Market, or strolling Chippendale, Chinatown and Pyrmont’s waterfront. The Powerhouse Museum, celebrating design, fashion and technology, and Australian National Maritime Museum are also nearby." - Sophie Davies

"Located in an old wool warehouse in Darling Harbour, Ovolo 1888, which opened in 2013, features 90 rooms that showcase the building’s original brick alongside pegboards and bold murals by local artist Jasper Knight." - Sophie Friedman

"Set in a converted circa-1888 wool warehouse, Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour is an impressive heritage building, but once inside you’ll find colourful modern updates. This social media-friendly Hong Kong-born hotel appeals to Instagrammers, the young at heart and fans of arty design." - Sophie Davies