25hours Hotel The Olympia
Ever since my stay at 25hours Hotel Copenhagen Indre By, I’ve been quietly drawn to the idea of experiencing more of the 25hours portfolio, each property telling its own distinctly colourful story. So when I heard the brand was finally making its Australian debut, it immediately went onto my radar.
Opening in Sydney towards the tail end of 2025, 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia is set within a beautifully reimagined 125-year-old theatre on Oxford Street in Paddington. From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense of playfulness that feels true to the brand - little surprises, layered details, and a design narrative that nods to the building’s past without ever feeling overly literal. That personality flows throughout, from the eclectic interiors to its guest rooms and suites, each one carrying its own character.
THE ROOM.
The hotel’s 109 rooms and suites feel anything but standardised, spanning from Medium through to Extra Large, as well as a Gigantic Studio, each playfully categorised as either ‘Renegade’ or ‘Dreamer’. I liked that this isn’t dictated by room type or size, but rather by mood - you choose whichever aesthetic suits you.
We stayed in a Large King, which struck a really comfortable balance - generous without feeling excessive, and thoughtfully laid out in a way that made it easy to settle in. The design direction is where the personality really comes through. The Renegades lean dark and moody, while the Dreamers feel lighter and more open, swapping black tones for soft sky blues. Regardless of which you choose, there’s a consistent thread of character, brought together with artwork by local artist Kubi Vasak.
It’s the kind of room you look forward to returning to at the end of the day, not just somewhere to sleep, but somewhere that feels considered, and distinctly its own.
DINING.
For a boutique hotel, the property’s food and beverage offering is both considered and compelling.
At the helm is Monica, the expansive rooftop bar that effortlessly draws a crowd. Its generous terrace frames enviable views back toward Sydney’s iconic skyline, making it an ideal setting for long, sun-soaked afternoons. The menu leans into refined, share-style dining, where even the smallest plates feel intentional - think devilled spanner crab atop Jatz crackers, soy-cured tuna on crispy rice with a touch of Japanese mustard, and a standout wagyu tartare that alone justifies the visit.
Downstairs, Palomar offers something altogether different, yet equally memorable. As the hotel’s signature restaurant, and an outpost of the well-known London original, it carries a certain energy from the moment you walk in. The open kitchen draws you in immediately, with wood-fired cooking at its core, and if you can, it’s worth sitting at the bar to take it all in. The menu pulls from Southern Europe, North Africa and the Levant, and it shows in the depth of flavour and warmth of the dishes.
For something more low-key, Jacob the Angel is a charming, London-inspired café that’s perfect for a slower start to the day or a quick coffee between exploring. And then there’s The Mulwray - dimly lit, quietly sophisticated, and ideal for an evening drink when you’re not quite ready to call it a night.
Altogether, it’s a lineup that feels curated rather than excessive, as much like the 25hours’ growing portfolio of hotels, each venue possesses its own personality, yet all work seamlessly as part of the same experience.
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