Fodor's Expert Review 1888 Hotel

This former wool warehouse has been turned into one of Sydney's most cutting-edge designer hotels. Just west of Darling Harbour, the building has been beautifully restored; all of the 90 rooms have tall windows and most have exposed brick feature walls and industrial looking touches. The lobby is a seven-story atrium with a collection of fun furniture—purple swivel chairs, blue armchairs, and a tree in the middle, with exposed ironbark beams overhead. The hotel is part of the 8Hotels collection, whose stock in trade is cool and funky interiors; this A$30-million restoration fits the portfolio nicely. The hotel is a 10-minute walk to the attractions of the Darling Harbour and the city center.