Hotel living is reimagined at A by Adina Sydney, where rooftop cocktails, a sky lobby and gold interiors give new lustre to the apartment hotel concept. With a central location, stylish interiors and wow-factor amenities, including a 21st-floor lap pool, this hotel is one to book for your next Sydney staycation.
Traveller: Catherine Best
Room: One Bedroom King Apartment
Address: 2 Hunter St, Sydney
Date: December 2024
Best for: Decadent weekend getaways lavished with twilight cocktails, and long city stays for either work of play.
The Signature factor
Ground-floor check-in is so passe. At A by Adina these formalities are a statement experience as guests are spirited up to the 21st floor to Australia’s first ‘sky lobby’. Here, the friendly staff, aka ‘Curators’, furnish guests with keys beneath a soaring glass atrium wrapped in city views.
The concept
A by Adina is an apartment hotel and if that conjures visions of utilitarian rooms bristling with white goods, think again. The property has all the hallmarks of a luxury hotel – elegant spaces, designer amenities, concierge and room service – with the convenience of long-stay facilities. In the rooms that means a cleverly concealed washing machine, drier and dishwasher, while a heated mineral lap pool and 24-hour gymnasium lead the communal guest spaces. The property is what Adina (part of TFE Hotels) dubs hotel living. The hotel has 194 apartments comprising 82 studios, 104 one-bedroom apartments and eight two-bedroom apartments. Designed by JPW Architects, with interiors by Carr Design Group, the hotel is a sculptural showpiece, crowned by a four-storey glass atrium enveloped by the city lights. Ascend the brass staircase from the lobby to the mezzanine where an atmospheric rooftop cocktail bar awaits.
First impressions
Arriving at A by Adina, I almost miss it. There’s no grand porte cochère or any embellishments expected of a luxury hotel. Yet, down the ramp, between gold columns and a cascading water feature, I’m drawn into a quiet, evocative foyer that’s a sanctuary from the outside din. The real arrival moment comes when I step out into the sky lobby on level 21, where soaring glass panes envelop a staircase to the heavens. In another corner, cocooned by city towers, is the reception desk, whose staff – known as Curators – must surely have some of the best hospitality views in Sydney.
The room
I’m checking in to a One Bedroom King Apartment with a corner aspect on the 12th floor. When I push open the door, the curtains part automatically, bathing the room in sunlight and revealing skyline vistas north down George Street. I’m pleasantly surprised by the apartment’s spacious interior (34sqm). At the entrance is a galley kitchenette with a two-burner stovetop, convection microwave oven and, tucked behind the cabinetry, a surprise washing machine, dryer and dishwasher. Opposite, there’s a compact bathroom with floor-to-ceiling black marble tiles, a walk-in shower with large rain showerhead, vanity and a clever towel rail that extends into the shower, doubling as an easy-access shelf for personal amenities. Melbourne-produced Hunter Lab boutique natural skincare products are provided in large refillable dispensers.
The lounge, featuring a three-seater sofa with oval table, flows into the bedroom, separated by a timber and mirror-panelled sliding door. The bedroom has a king-size bed, full-height windows on two sides and an open wardrobe. Golden carpets, chestnut furnishings and crisp white linen atop a Dreamcatcher bed (available for purchase) deliver all the high-end feels.
On my plate
It’s liquid dishes for which A by Adina is most renowned. On the level 22 mezzanine you’ll find the glass-ensconced eyrie of Dean & Nancy, a 50s inspired piano and lounge bar created by hospitality heavyweight Stefano Catino of Maybe Sammy fame. Bypass the wine cellar, as the 14-strong signature cocktail menu, World of Dreams, is what sets Dean & Nancy apart. These playful and inventive libations are served with a generous sprinkling of theatre and best enjoyed in a banquette by the window against the blinking city lights. Try the Velvet Milk Punch, a rum infusion sipped from a sea urchin-shaped glass, or take your mixology to the next dimension with the Ayahuasca Daisy, a tequila, honeydew and apricot tea crowd-pleaser served with 3D glasses. It’s hard to go passed the Bubble Dream Spritz, a cheeky Altamura Vodka and Aperol mix topped with a whimsical head of foam.
The food really plays second fiddle to the cocktails (this is a bar with food, not a restaurant), but Dean & Nancy nonetheless proffers a respectable menu. Local delicacies such as NSW rock oysters sit alongside share plates with an international flavour, like Milanese lamb chop with saffron mayo. Larger plates include a Japanese eggplant with dukkah and pistachio crumb and duck ragu pappardelle. A personal favourite is the simple Avocado on Toast at breakfast. Topped with Persian feta, heirloom tomatoes, pepitas and watermelon radish, this avo dish is worth crossing town for.
Highlights from the mini-bar
For a self-cater apartment, the mini bar is on par with a regular upscale hotel. It features craft beers, soft drinks and pre-mixed cocktails, complemented by L’OR espresso pod coffee and boutique teas from Melbourne supplier Tea Drop. Snacks include Koko Black chocolate, Cobs natural popcorn and Brookfarm nuts. If you opt for the Destination A experience, rooms come with an afternoon Daily Pause grazing box and $25 mini bar credit.
Staying in
The rooftop ‘golden crown’ is the hub of the hotel, a wow-factor multi-level space that incorporates the lobby, dining and recreation facilities. Tucked behind reception is the hotel gym, where guests can cycle through Hawaiian landscapes on a Peloton bike or simply enjoy the city views as they work out. Adjoining the gym is the pool and sunlounge space, encased in glass windows. When you’ve sampled the cocktails and burrata at Dean & Nancy and worked them off in the gym downstairs, retreat to your apartment for a night cap. The rooms have free high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs with Chromecast and clever climate, light and curtain controls that you can activate from bed.
Stepping out
A by Adina is central to almost everything there is to see and do in Sydney. Martin Place is one block south, and within walking distance you will also find Pitt Street Mall, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, Circular Quay, The Rocks, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Royal Botanic Gardens – gateway to the Opera House. The Art Gallery of NSW is also close by. For something more creative, reach out to your Curator for recommendations.
I wish I could take home…
That pool. With its wraparound windows and 21st floor perch, the pool gives the illusion of swimming amongst the skyscrapers.
Green thumbs up
A by Adina has a five-star energy rating with NABERS (the National Australian Built Environment Rating System). The rooms have separate rubbish and recycling receptacles and refillable toiletry dispensers.
Insiders’ tips
Dean & Nancy is a supremely popular watering hole and not just with in-house guests. To ensure you don’t miss out on enjoying the ambience (and cocktails) of the 22nd floor lounge bar, be sure to book a table ahead of time. The lounge has wraparound views intersected by the kitchen, elevators and a wine-cellar wall, which effectively divides the space in two. For harbour glimpses, request a table at the top of the staircase or, to watch the mixologists at work, turn right and take a stool at the moody backlit bar. Parking is available nearby. Book direct to unlock an eClub Member Rate and complimentary benefits.
Room for improvement
Mine was a business visit and I spent several hours working at either end of the day. I was disappointed there was no in-room work desk, which was a surprising omission given the size of the apartment.
Signature verdict
A by Adina is a stylish and playful twist on a city apartment hotel, with luxury finishes and a cosmopolitan rooftop ambience that make this a unique Sydney stay.
Where to find A by Adina Sydney
2 Hunter St, Sydney (on the corner of Hunter and George streets)
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