Arguably Australia’s buzziest metropolis (no shade, Melbourne), Sydney has a magnetic pull on urbanites and tourists alike with its lively restaurants, chic wine bars, and design-forward hotels. It’s a cosmopolitan hub where laid-back vibes meet city style.
With a fascinating history, the city has long been an epicenter for culture, art, and commerce, facilitating a dynamic pedestrian landscape, with some landmarks standing the test of time while others constantly evolve. Enter the Paramount House Hotel, an emblematic symbol where history, art, and lifestyle collide in the original Paramount Pictures studio—a key player in Sydney’s early film scene.
Approaching the building’s brick-and-glass façade, you may wonder whether you’ve arrived at a hotel or a lively neighborhood coffee shop. As it turns out, it’s both. Walking through the inviting Paramount Coffee Project, the café seamlessly transitions into the front desk, flanked by low-slung couches and walls featuring mountain paintings inspired by the Paramount logo. A chic shop stocked with graphic tees and cozy sweat sets (the kind the cool kids are wearing) completes the scene.
Take the all-pink, wallpapered elevator to your room for the weekend. The low lighting, exposed ceilings with visible pipes and wires, and raw concrete corridors immediately transport you to what feels like a cinematic set, paying homage to the property’s Paramount Picture roots.
Inside, the rooms reflect industrial-chic flair with a touch of urban sophistication—think dark gray floors, moss greens, rich browns, and natural finishes, all bathed in sunlight streaming through the original windows. Foliage abounds, from private city-facing patios to plants tucked into unexpected corners, like the rain shower pathway in the moody, cave-like bathroom. It’s the perfect mix of rugged and refined, making you wish your apartment exudes this effortless aesthetic.
Now, let’s come back to that coffee shop entrance. Paramount House is home to not one but two fan-favorite spots for café culture. Guests and locals can start their mornings at the Paramount Coffee Project (PCP) on the ground floor, where you’ll find classic breakfast staples like eggs, avocado toast, and hashbrowns. For those craving decadent pastries, breads, and muffins, head up to the rooftop A.P. Bakery, a must-visit for flaky croissants and other treats.
After a day exploring Surry Hills and Sydney’s vibrant streets, you’ll likely return tired and ready for a bite and a drink. Luckily, Paramount House has you covered with Poly, its subterranean wine bar oozing with ambiance. The menu spotlights its signature Poly martini, a pickle plate starter, spice-glazed pork neck, and a yogurt-and-citrus sorbet. Pair it with a glass (or bottle) of locally crafted wine, and you’re set.
Honoring its film-centric heritage, Paramount House has transformed its former screening room into the Golden Age Cinema. Guests and locals can enjoy cocktails at the David Lynch-inspired Golden Bar before grabbing buttery popcorn and candy to catch a curated lineup of classics, cult films, and the latest releases.
If you need to sweat it out after indulging (you’re on vacation—treat yourself!), the hotel is in tune with 2025’s wellness trends. In partnership with Studio Mouvoir, it offers rooftop pilates, yoga classes, and private gym access for those seeking a solo workout session.
For a stay that makes you feel like part of the in-crowd—without the typical touristy hotel atmosphere—Paramount House Hotel delivers the cool factor in spades.
Top Takeaways
Location: Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia
Address: 80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Rating: 4-Star
The vibe: A strikingly stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Surry Hills, drawing a trendy local crowd; its industrial-chic design exudes the ultimate ‘city cool’ ambiance.
Food + Drink: From morning pastries to late-night snacks, it’s all here. Start with avocado toast, eggs, croissants, and lattes at Paramount Coffee Project or A.P Bakery on the roof. Head to Poly for wine and dinner plates, then end the night with cocktails and movie theater snacks at Golden Age Cinema & Bar.
Our favorite thing about the hotel: The cinematic theme woven throughout is remarkable, but the ground-floor bistro, Paramount Coffee Project, takes the crown for us. As self-proclaimed café culture enthusiasts, we believe this welcoming introduction to the hotel truly hits the mark.
Amenities: 24-hour front desk; Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms; Fitness studio; Free Wifi; Room service; Great breakfast; Bar
What’s nearby? Shops: Incu, Above the Clouds, Maillot, SWOP Sydney, Chinatown Country Club; Restaurants: NOMAD Sydney, Outta Coffee, Iggy’s Bread, Centro 86, ANTE; Cultural Outings: Sydney Opera House, China Heights Gallery, Buon Gusto Studios. (Note: Many of these spots are highlighted in the Paramount House Hotel Neighborhood Guide, which we found incredibly helpful during our stay. Check out their seasonal guides on the website here.)
Any personal neighborhood recs? During our stay, the owner of Pigeonhole Australia—a quirky boutique offering accessories, fashion, homewares, and gifts—recommended we check out Pellegrino 2000 for knockout Italian and Reuben Hills for coffee and pastries. Both spots are just a short walk from the hotel, making them the perfect places to start and end your day exploring Sydney.
Rooms: 29
Pricing: Rates start at $240/night.
Closest Airport: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport
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