When it comes to hotels, not all are created equal. Some are known for their panoramic city views and ritzy fine dining. Some are known for their rooftop pools and signature cocktails. Then there are some that are that perfect blend of industrial chic that has design-minded honeymooners drooling over light fittings and shower fixtures. If you’re a lover of a filament lamp or a black matte bathroom, look no further than these five hot hotels.
The Story Bridge has long been part of Brisbane’s skyline, but a few years ago, The Fantauzzo embedded itself in a rather spectacular fashion underneath the bridge’s northern pylon. The steel cantilever bridge sets the theme for this uber-cool hotel which is named after artist Vincent Fantauzzo. Rooms are graced by prints of his famous portraits. The hotel’s restaurant Polpetta marries exposed concrete and high ceilings with modern Italian fare. Save time to lap up the views from the rooftop pool, right in the shadow of the bridge.
2. Paramount House Hotel, Sydney
A 1940s warehouse that was once the headquarters for the Paramount Picture Studio, this old dame was given a new lease on life back in 2018 and has been a blockbuster hit ever since. Perched in Surry Hills, a suburb long associated with creatives, it shares space with the small but mighty Golden Age Cinema, local favourite Paramount Coffee Project, and the oh so trendy gym, Paramount Recreation Club. A copper-clad roof sets the place sparkling, while inside it’s all about exposed bricks and concrete, the brass taps with unfinished wielding are one of the small touches you’ll have fun discovering during your stay that builds a beautiful picture.
3. Hougoumont Hotel Fremantle, Perth
Home to everything from a gaol, convict-built cottages, up-and-coming designers, and hot new restaurants, Fremantle is a place where old meets new in a very cool way. The same goes for this boutique hotel. The Hougoumont is actually constructed part from an original hotel and part from shipping containers. They’re blended together with sleek lines, exposed brick, and concrete behind a heritage façade.
4. Ovolo Woolloomooloo, Sydney
You can’t get more industrial than this Sydney hotel. Located along almost the entire length of Finger Wharf in Woolloomooloo, the Ovolo used to be an old woolshed and has the most beautiful bones to prove it. Walk inside and look up, to the sky-high exposed beams and vaulted ceilings above the central open air space that the bar and Alibi restaurant. Rooms run alongside the enormous central and are built into the frame of the building so you’ll find beams and rivets along the ceilings, arched walls, and even loft rooms. In all of them, expect to find quirky artworks, sometimes a little cheeky, a free minibar and loot bags with snacks.
There’s no doubt about it, Melbourne has some pretty serious design cred. So it’s no surprise the hotel scene has plenty of places that put a very stylish foot forward. If you love a good renovation, make a beeline for Zagame’s House. Zagame’s has transformed the bones of an ordinary motel into a luxury boutique hotel. Think moody black exterior, backlit circular mirrors, leather wingbacks, and pops of colour from modern art pieces.
Don’t settle for cookie-cutter on your honeymoon, go for character in spades!
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