We’re loathe to wish our lives away – but with a clutch of exciting hotels opening across the country, we can’t help but look forward to what’s in store for our future domestic breaks. Adding to the already stellar line-up of lodgings that have launched over the past few years, these new spaces (some from old faces, others making their down-under debut) have our fingers itching to click “book”. Below, seven upcoming hotels we can’t wait to check in to – and check out.
The Standard, Fitzroy
For a long time, The Standard hotels in LA were a byword for retro-Cali-cool (sadly both original hotels never reopened post-pandemic). In early 2024, an outpost of the sexy hotel group will open in Fitzroy, Melbourne, joining others in New York City, London, Ibiza, Miami Beach and elsewhere. Details are light on, but we’ve been promised 125 rooms, plus suites, as well as a ground-floor restaurant and a rooftop bar with city views. And, if it’s anything like its older siblings, it’ll be really, really, ridiculously good looking (just check out the bright-red, pill-like external lift of The Standard London), with a killer live music program, and spaces locals will actually want to hang out in.
Set to open quarter one 2024.
Sea Sea, Crescent Head
Crescent Head has long been a destination for keen surfers chasing its famous break. But soon, a different sort of crowd will be heading to the sleepy town on the mid-north coast of NSW – the sort of crowd that seeks out hotel experiences that go beyond a bed to crash in post-surf. They’ll be making their way to Sea Sea, a new ’70s-inspired “surf-club” hotel by husband-wife team, and the creators of The Slow in Bali George Gorrow (co-founder of Ksubi, with which he’s no longer involved) and Cisco Tschurtschenthaler. The 24-roomer will be a reworking of an existing structure, offering more than just an artisan-crafted bed for the night. It’s collaborating with Sydney liquor store P&V, mixologist Antonello Arzedi (beverage director of Sydney’s Swillhouse group) and Daniel Medcalf, chef and co-owner of Cabarita’s No 35, to ensure the on-site food and drink are on point. An in-house radio station will play 24 hours, and we’re assured the minibar selection will be “world class”. Throw in regular art exhibitions, an in-house clothing line and a music program, and a stay at Sea Sea is destined to lure a crowd beyond the surf-seekers.
Set to open summer 2024.
The Bonobo by Raes, Byron Bay
Beachside boutique hotel Raes on Wategos has long been synonymous with the barefoot luxury of Byron Bay. There’ll soon be another opportunity to sleep beneath the Raes banner (if you haven’t yet managed a stay on its super yacht, Sea Raes, that is): in 2024 it’ll open a luxury apartment-hotel, right on the town’s main drag. The Bonobo by Raes is a collaboration with development company Podia, and with 41 two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, will make a luxe alternative to renting an Airbnb for your next group trip. It’ll offer five-star luxury within chic brutalist surrounds, courtesy of architecture firm Richards & Spence (The Calile, Brisbane), with bars, restaurants and stores skirting a central courtyard. Naturally, there will be a rooftop pool.
Set to open mid-2024.
The Eve Hotel Sydney, Redfern
A rooftop pool with city views will crown this new hotel that's part of a new retail, residential and hospitality precinct set within a series of laneways. Encased in the curved brickwork of the handsome building will be 102 rooms, as well as the Cloister, a restaurant and bar space.
Set to open September 2024.
Hannah Street Hotel, Southbank
Sydney might have Australia’s first Ace Hotel – but soon Melbourne will have the Hannah St Hotel, a $150 million, 188-room hotel with lush interiors by Ace Sydney’s designer, David Flack (who was also responsible for musician Troye Sivan’s extremely stylish Melbourne home). Opening in September 2025, it’ll boast a bar, restaurant and rooftop, plus a lap pool and gym, all in a 62-level residential tower. The hotel is a joint project between development group Time & Place (which brought the Ace Hotel to Sydney), TFE Hotels (The Calile in Brisbane, Adina, Quincy Hotels) and real estate investment manager Maxcap Group.
Set to open September 2025.
25 Hours Hotel, Paddington
In the ’90s, the corner of Oxford and South Dowling streets in Sydney’s Paddington was the stomping ground for the city’s party crowd. At its heart was The Grand Pacific Blue Room, a trendy bar in a beautiful art deco movie theatre, which in more recent years fell into disuse – apart from being jazzed up for a short time by pop-up Italian restaurant Don Peppino’s. At the end of 2024, it will find another life as Australia’s first 25 Hours Hotel, an international group known for tailoring each site for a local crowd. Details are still scant, but expect a rooftop bar, restaurants and entertainment spaces, plus a verdant internal garden.
Set to open late 2024.
W Sydney, Darling Harbour
W Sydney has been rising from the spot once occupied by the Imax cinema in Darling Harbour for what feels like forever – it was originally slated to open in 2020. The undulating 585-room outpost of the American luxury hotel group will finally launch in October, bringing with it a heated openair infinity pool (and poolside bar), rooftop bar and late-night dessert diner. While no two rooms will be the same, each will have W’s signature “Mixbar”, stocked with spirits for guests to shake or stir their favourite cocktail. A gym, spa and restaurant will round out the experience – and the hotel’s location on the city’s doorstep makes it an ideal base for your next Sydney vacay or staycay.
W Sydney opened on October 12. Head here to check it out.
This article was originally published on September 11, 2023 but was updated on December 7 to reflect the opening of the W Sydney.
