CHECK-IN
The lately opened Aiden is a boutique lodge with compact, but useful rooms and a definite character and look that belies its branding as a Finest Western. There are 88 rooms throughout six flooring, with the lately opened sixth flooring that includes massive terrace balconies.
The lodge is in Pyrmont, a block again from Darling Harbour and adjoining to the Maritime Museum. It is a quick stroll throughout the Pyrmont Bridge to the CBD or to the Star on line casino and light-weight rail within the different course. The as soon as depressed suburb has change into one in all Sydney’s extra sought-after addresses over the previous few many years, with a coinciding rise in eating places and bars opening.
THE LOOK
Finest Western is perhaps a model one as soon as related to cookie-cutter, considerably bland motels however instances have modified. The Aiden is housed inside a former cereal storage facility, an Artwork-Deco constructing erected in 1938. The brick facade’s curves lead into a contemporary lobby-cum-restaurant, with a small, unobtrusive check-in desk (you too can verify your self in at one of many two kiosks close by).
Whereas lots of the rooms on Murray Road take pleasure in harbour and metropolis views, these on the inside of the constructing have home windows wanting into a light-weight properly. Fairly than having company stare out onto plain brick, a large, 25-metre floral mural has been painted that runs the peak of the whole constructing.
There is not any gymnasium or pool, however company can entry the close by Anytime Health gymnasium at a reduced charge. For these trying to go additional afield, complimentary e-bikes can be found.
THE ROOM
The rooms are compact with inspiration coming from Japan the place minimal area is maximised by way of intelligent design and performance. The area is taken up largely by the big, comfortable mattress. A cushioned bench seat runs alongside the size of the big window. Every room incorporates a work by artist Jessica Le Clerc whose artwork doesn’t cling on the partitions however has been hand-painted immediately on to them, surrounding the bedheads with a novel floral work.
The Aiden is following the pattern of sustainability that sees the room routinely detect your presence and switch off lights and air-con whenever you’re not there. There are refillable water bottles in every room and each flooring has a water station that dispenses each nonetheless and glowing water (which I really like). Whereas the room itself feels somewhat cramped, the toilet does not with a surprisingly spacious bathe.
FOOD + DRINK
The lodge’s cafe and bar Wayfarer’s presents a small menu of bar snacks and a extra intensive breakfast menu. After my flight to Sydney, I order the one substantial dish on the menu – a smoked hen sandwich with waffle fries, which is kind of tasty. The scarcity of hospitality workers all through the nation has curtailed the lodge’s plans to supply a extra intensive menu in the intervening time however there is a plan to broaden the choices within the close to future.
Within the meantime, the neighbourhood has loads of eating choices which workers can advocate. I go for a chew on the Messenger cafe, specialising in Balinese hen. Given how quiet interior Sydney nonetheless is on the time of my keep, the cafe is vastly widespread on a weeknight, with virtually each desk occupied.
OUT AND ABOUT
I’ve stayed round Pyrmont dozens of instances through the years but stay fairly ignorant concerning the space. That modified on this go to due to Native Sauce Excursions, which provide a strolling tour of the realm unique to Aiden company. It is an enchanting take a look at the early – and newer – historical past of the suburb and its growth from empty fields to its period as key to the wool, sugar and shipbuilding trades, its decline within the ’70s and ’80s and resurgence as a sought-after deal with at present. See localsaucetours.com.au
Since I have been working from dwelling for practically two years and have hardly ever been seen in public, I am in determined want of some grooming. Near the lodge is Clippers and Whiskey – a barbershop that, because the identify suggests, additionally serves a pleasant tipple. Vic the proprietor treats prospects with care and after an hour that includes a haircut, beard trim, wash and scorching towel I really feel like I’ve come out of a spa session reasonably than a barber store. Getting my hair minimize often appears like a chore however right here it is extra like an indulgence. See clippersnwhisky.com.au
THE VERDICT
The Aiden makes probably the most of its area and historical past to create an enthralling boutique lodge expertise at a time when Sydney’s skyline is quickly being dominated by big new properties from lodge chain giants.
OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE
★★★½
ESSENTIALS
Rooms on the Aiden begin from $249.
See aidendarlingharbour.com.au
HIGHLIGHT
Minor touches, each sensible and aesthetic, make the lodge really feel distinctive.
LOWLIGHT
The desk is extra like a slender bench with a small stool. Happily my laptop computer can also be small but it surely’s not an excellent spot to work – a greater possibility is to go right down to Wayfarer’s.
The author stayed as a visitor of the Aiden.
