PARAMOUNT HOUSE HOTEL
It takes a village to make a great hotel. Paramount House Hotel is a handsome conversion of a former film-storage warehouse, its 29 rooms and lofts bearing a relaxed, lived-in style that favours comfort over design statements. High ceilings and old brickwork are teamed with terrazzo tiles, exposed copper plumbing and potted plants, and the work of Australian makers – from bathrobes to bathtubs – enhances the sense of place. Yet the hotel’s unique appeal lies mainly in the strength of Paramount House’s creative community and immediate neighbourhood: the seriously good coffee and sunny vibe of Paramount Coffee Project, which fronts the lobby; the art-house Golden Age Cinema and Bar; a cool co-working space; and a new rooftop health club and kiosk. A case study in the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. 80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills, (02) 9211 1222, paramounthousehotel.com So much to love: the rare luxury of a semi-enclosed terrace full of potted plants; the comfort of pure linen bedding; a handwritten welcome note; a gem of a cinema downstairs.
Check-in has never been so much fun. Staff pour a drink on arrival, perhaps a locally brewed Wildflower sour ale, from a trio of copper taps at the desk – a gesture so hospitable you wonder why it’s not done more often.
Start the day with excellent coffee at PCP and a breakfastbrunch menu served until 3pm. Keep it light with avocado, fermented salsa and cashew butter on sourdough, or more substantial with fried chicken waffles and maple bacon gravy. Stand by for Poly, a restaurant and bar by the Ester team, due to open soon. Order your Negroni and Sichuan-salted popcorn at the Golden Age bar, and take them into the next screening at the Art
Deco cinema. Or raid the excellent minibar – natural wines, locally brewed beers, LP’s cured meats – and make a picnic on your terrace.