Ovolo’s mission statement is ‘Shiny Happy People All Around’. Step one foot into Ovolo Woolloomooloo and you’ll see how this forward-thinking, family-owned hotel brand walks the talk.
Traveller: Kirstie Bedford
Room: Deluxaroo Loft
Address: 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
Date: May 2022
Price range: $400 – $1200
Best for: Friends looking for a fun-filled weekend
Where to find Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Located in a century-old building that was once a wool mill on the Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf, this five-star standout has an enviable harbourside position. You’re a short stroll to the centre of the city and next to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
Within a short walk you can find…
Grab an e-bike for $15 an hour and head down Bourke Street and over the pedestrian bridge to the stunning Royal Botanic Garden. Here you can cycle (or walk) around The Domain and into the gardens for picturesque views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Claim to fame
Effortlessly playful, Ovolo Woolloomooloo screams fun. The bar houses a restaurant, rather than the other way around, where you’ll find signature bespoke cocktails and vegan food. Alibi bar takes centre stage on the first floor and is surrounded by trees illuminated with fairy lights.
The showstopper
The hotel is housed in a historic-listed building that takes up the full length of the wharf. Inside are dramatic soaring ceilings and exposed beams, but the clever designers have also incorporated cosy nooks for complete privacy. This five-star stay definitely has the wow factor.
The family factor
Ovolo Woolloomooloo has several rooms suitable for children, including Deluxaroo Double Double and Cityvoo Double Double. Kids will love the free loot bags, all you can eat lolly jars and the heated indoor pool, while parents can lounge in a cabana poolside.
The room
My room was a spacious loft-style suite. In true Ovolo Woolloomooloo style, the bed featured an oversized bedhead with quirky images. The bathroom upstairs is small but comes with a bath, and there’s a TV both upstairs and in the lounge downstairs.
Other features include a powder room and ample space to spread out your suitcase and hang clothes. The small ‘bar’ area has a fridge, jug and enough room to make a cup of tea. There’s also a small round table, and the lounge is long enough to do a cartwheel down it – if you’re that way inclined.
The pièce de résistance has to be the daybed where you can while away the day with a glass of vino in hand – from your free minibar – and gaze out across the harbour. You’ll even find a free yoga mat and all the tech you require, including Alexa and a Bluetooth speaker. Even the Wi-Fi password lives up to the brand’s mantra: ‘ovololovesyou’.
Beyond the rooms
Soak in the jacuzzi, or do some laps in the adjacent heated pool. There’s also a private courtyard with cabanas where you can relax poolside, far enough away so you won’t get splashed. Alibi bar offers seasonal cocktails. Think watermelon negronis of Tanqueray gin, campari, vermouth rosso and watermelon or an East 6 Cowper Wharf with 42 Below Vodka, aperol, earl grey, strawberry, lemon and basil. The Alibi vegan kitchen whips up treats like braised noodles with Romanian beans and seaweed. For something more substantial, try the Southern Fried Chic’N Burger with slaw.
I wish I could take home…
Those views. Boats bobbing in an aqua harbour while you sip on your favourite drop. Bliss.
Dish to dine for:
Choose the High Tea where you’ll get free-flow sparkling rosé or Taittinger Cuvee Prestige and nibble on banana and passionfruit tart and coffee and chocolate cake. Or, for those who don’t have a sweet tooth, try the savoury selection, including peppermint gum pea tart and pickled infused lemon myrtle cucumber, macadamia ricotta and orange segments.
Amenity game
Expect super-sized shampoo, conditioner and body wash. After all, nothing here is done by halves.
Before booking…
Sydney’s weather is pretty mild year-round, so there’s no set time you need to book. If you are using public transport, Ovolo Woolloomooloo is a short walk, with stairs, from the nearest train station, Kings Cross.
Insiders’ tips
Check the website for regular deals, for instance ‘Friends with Benefits’ where if you stay two or more nights at any Ovolo or By Ovolo in Australia, you get 20 per cent off your booking. Also, you’ll receive two weeks free ClassPass fitness membership with 20 credits and 50 per cent off all classes on trial.
Staying in
Swim some laps in the heated indoor pool, then frock up and head down to Happy Hour for a free drink and rock to the 80s music. Dine on some moreish bites from the vegan menu and then head back to your room, grab a glass of vino from the free minibar and sink into the oversized sofa.
Stepping out
The Woolloomooloo wharf is lined with exceptional restaurants, or head out to nearby Potts Point where you’ll find everything from Mexican to fine dining. During the day, don’t miss the iconic sights of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour – all a stroll from the historic wharf hotel. Or, take a picnic and laze in the manicured botanic gardens with its harbour views.
V&T expert rating
9 out of 10
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