Aiden Sydney Darling Harbour is an exciting boutique hotel built for travellers and inspired by the people, produce and past of its neighbourhood. Compact in nature yet curious in character, Aiden Sydney offers just 88 rooms, but each is crafted to deliver everything you need for a wonderful short city stay.
Aiden calls home to a beautifully remodelled 1930s Art Deco building in Sydney’s harbourside village of Pyrmont. The original bricks, features and framework remain, with interiors drawing on tones and textures from surrounding areas. From the Sydney Harbour blue velvet bedheads, to the fluted glass inspired by the shapes of Pyrmont Bridge, Aiden Sydney has been meticulously designed down to the very last detail.
Albeit on the cosy side, each room features beautiful locally-made furnishings, exquisite Sleepmaker beds and vibrant artwork of native flora hand-painted by artist in residence, Jessica Le Clerc. Guests booked in one of the base Exhibitionist Mural View rooms will find exclusive views of an otherwise hidden 25-metre tall evergreen mural of lush subtropical rainforest.
Just outside the hustle and bustle of Sydney’s central business district, Aiden rubs shoulders with countless attractions, dining, entertainment and shopping precincts. Venues surrounding Darling Harbour can be found right on the doorstep, with other popular areas within walking distance.
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Check-In & Status Recognition At Aiden Sydney
Aiden Sydney offers check-in from 2pm, but since I was already in town, I ended up calling reception at 10am to see if there was a chance at anything earlier. Staff offered to call me as soon as my room was ready, or check me into a lower room immediately. Naturally, I was keen on the upgrade, which was ready an hour early at 1pm.
There are two clever self-serve machines at reception for check-in and check-out, which I’ve used for previous stays and actually work quite well. There’s also a manned desk, and as I needed parking validated I opted for the personal touch, which was also hassle-free.
I was delighted to find an impressive fruit and cheesboard waiting in my room, alongside a personalised welcome note. There was also a Peter Lehmann Shiraz, which was enjoyable but didn’t quite reach the same level of distinction.
The Room: Superior King Balcony
There are only two Superior King Balcony rooms on offer at Aiden Sydney Darling Harbour, and just like the other accommodations, the clever layout, quality amenities and attention to detail prove size doesn’t matter. On entry, there is a short hall containing a storage area and full-length mirror, with a handheld steamer and bathrobes provided.
There’s no minibar but the fridge contains one large bottle of each still and sparkling water, which can be refilled at the Moda water station on every floor. L’OR espresso pods are provided for the coffee machine, with Love Tea also complimentary.
Around the corner, the bed takes centre stage, complemented by a striking hand-painted botanical mural by the brilliant Jessica Le Clerc. I love the point of difference here, and rather than slapping some stock imagery on the wall, each mural follows a cohesive theme but is unique to the room.
The Sleepmaker bed was tall and quite comfortable, with plush pillows and quality linens provided. An ultramarine velvet headboard tied in well, while housing push-button lighting controls for the entire room, an OCD favourite for all switches to match. At the foot of the bed, a cloud-grey bedend bench also compliments the space.
A large smart TV is positioned in view from the bed, with Chromecast installed for personal streaming. A compact working surface is below and suitable for light tasks, though for a more productive setup I opted for the business area in Aiden’s lobby.
Of course, the balcony is the highlight of these rooms, accessible through two sets of glass sliding doors that span the far wall.
The balcony faces Darling Harbour, with Pyrmont Bridge just squeezing into frame and Sydney’s vibrant CBD across the water. That cityscape is taken in from a cozy bistro setting, an inviting place for my morning coffee but perhaps underutilised.
The bathroom is compact yet thoughtfully designed with elegant large format tiles and marble surfaces, plus wooden panelling and brass accents echoed from the room. Rituals amenities are wonderful, and add to the luxury experience, with a Dyson hairdryer another welcome addition.
Wayfarer’s Bar & Cafe
The ground floor reception doubles as Aiden’s restaurant, Wayfarer’s Bar & Cafe, which can prove slightly chaotic when multiple guests are passing through the hotel through the dining area. That said, the space itself is welcoming and well-appointed, with comfortable seating along the windows, bar stools for those feeling social and a quieter corner with power outlets for firing off a few emails.
A standout feature is the daily à la carte breakfast, which should be the standard for all good hotels. It’s clear Aiden Sydney is doing something right, with several locals were dining alongside hotel guests during my visit. Along with a superb coffee, the the eggs benedict with roasted balsamic mushrooms, were perfectly executed and didn’t disappoint.
Wayfarer’s is equally enjoyable for a more relaxed dinner or somewhere to kick the night off with a few drinks. In chatting with one of the hotel managers, I was recommended the Curatif cocktails on tap. I’m always skeptical about cocktails on tap, especially when they’re charged at the same price as the real deal, but was pleasantly surprised with Aiden’s execution.
For dinner, the house-made duck confit with soba noodles and cold ponzu broth was the highlight of my evening. The flavors were well-balanced, with the tender duck complementing the julienned vegetables and the zingy ponzu adding a refreshing touch.
Aiden Sydney Amenities & Staff
The staff at Aiden Sydney are one of the standout features of the hotel, and as local experts, are full of brilliant recommendations without straying too far.
Beyond the restaurant, Aiden doesn’t offer any guest facilities like a pool or gym. Although those are not really in demand from a hotel that focuses on shorter stays for business or leisure travellers who plan to spend their days exploring Sydney.
Parking
Aiden Sydney guests have access to discounted parking on the drive up rate at the Wilson Harbourside carpark, directly across the road from from the hotel. If you pay with Aiden, its $55 per 24-hour period. Alternatively, pre-book with Wilson online from $31.
Summing Up: Aiden Sydney Darling Harbour
Aiden Sydney Darling Harbour is a true neighbourhood hotel and a compact gem well worth considering for a few nights in Sydney. There’s a light rail station and ferry stop less than a block away, or if you prefer walking, the Pyrmont Bridge pedestrian walkway leads directly into the city.
This was my seccond stay at Aiden Sydney, and I again felt welcomed by the Art Deco charm and local influences of the property. The attention to detail plays a huge part in my praise, with pretty much everything an experienced traveller would otherwise complain about perfected here. The premium amenities, botanical mural in each room, à la carte breakfast option, still and sparking water on each floor and quality bed and linens leave little room for complaint.
Aiden is an ideal choice for solo travellers or couples looking for a stylish, well-connected base to explore the city.
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Full Disclosure: This stay was hosted by Aiden Sydney, who did not preview or sponsor our review.
