Need a hotel close to Darling Harbour with a funky edge? Let me point you in the direction of 1888 Hotel by 8Hotels…
It is an easy walk from lastminute HQ, so after work, I meet up with Mr LML and take a casual Friday afternoon stroll through the city. We‘re there in just under 10mins; yep – impressed already! Just one street back from the centre of Darling Harbour, 1888 may not have immediate harbour views, but it is literally a two-minute walk down to the touristy area.
| My Tip: If you are heading out for a meal and not staying in, venture into Pyrmont where you’ll find cute boutiques and intimate restaurants without the tourist price tag! |
Design & décor
Opening in 2013, the hotel combines the best of modern design with an obvious effort to preserve the history of the heritage listed building. Huge, high ceilings, exposed brick design, amazing artwork and crafty knick-knacks fill the reception and cafe/bar space. You can see there’s been a lot of thought gone into preserving the history of this heritage listed building.
The suite
Our Junior Suite for the night is modern, spacious, quiet and has everything we need for our stay. As with the reception and foyer area, the room is fitted out with modern, colourful furniture and has all the creature comforts you’d want to come home to after a day of work or seeing the Sydney sights.
The bed
Our king bed is huge, soft and snugly with super comfy pillows – way too good to lock in any early starts that’s for sure!
1888 Eatery & Bar
We head down to the Eatery & Bar for brekkie and after not popping in for a drink the night before we are excited to see what this buzzing little place has to offer. The buffet breakfast is impressive and they offer an à la carte menu if your appetite isn’t in full gear just yet. I choose the latter option going with a museli and yoghurt brekkie, but Mr LML has the buffet and neither of us are disappointed. The Eatery and Bar also opens in the evenings for dinner and is open to the general public.
The technology
I would say the highlight of our stay is the technology the hotel has integrated into it’s look. This the world’s first Instagram Hotel, and there’s even a space to upload a selfie as you’re checking in 😉 The rooms are also fitted with iPads instead of your typical information folders. You can search restaurants, bars, events, activities, menus and arrange any requests from reception! There’s also free wi-fi which is always an added bonus.
The bathroom
Fitted with a pretty substantially sized tub plus bath foam, it wins me over straight away. The bathroom is a good size and the shower is powerful so happy days. 🙂
The little things…
One thing I love about the hotel is the little things that make our stay memorable. The selection of drinks and snacks in the mini-bar is one of these, with boutique beers from Balmain, organic popcorn and choc bars – yum! The furniture and artwork displayed is another tribute to how trendy this hotel really is. The art on the walls is bright and the furniture super bold with colourful cushions. Another major feature is the living or fake (I am still deciding which) tree in reception – super cool.
All in all, Hotel 1888 is an awesome boutique hotel which will make you feel warm, fuzzy and wanting to visit again.
Book a stay at the 1888 Hotel – by 8Hotels for yourself.
Have you stayed at Hotel 1888? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.