A historic, copper-topped building that once housed the Australian headquarters of Paramount Pictures has been turned into a boutique hotel in one of the hippest parts of Sydney.
The 29-room Paramount House Hotel, which opened this spring, occupies space that was used for the studio's offices and film storage. Incorporating the building's original features with new touches, the interior has exposed brick walls, concrete surfaces, reclaimed timber floors, and terrazzo-tiled guest bathrooms.
The hotel shares an address with Paramount Coffee Project and Golden Age Cinema and Bar—two trendy businesses, popular with creative types, that opened in 2013. A new wine bar and a rooftop area with a garden and fitness club are among the other amenities onsite.
(Paramount House Hotel lobby; photo by Sharyn Cairns)
Given that locals already hang out here, Paramount House Hotel is well positioned to supply the kind of direct connection to its neighborhood that many travelers crave nowadays.
And the neighborhood in question, Surry Hills (actually a suburb if you want to get technical about it), is about as cool as they come, with lots of bars, cafes, and galleries, as well as 19th-century houses and leafy spaces. Paramount has moved its offices to the revitalized industrial waterfront area of Pyrmont, across town.
The hotel's guest rooms have been designed to provide as local an experience as possible. Mini bars are stocked with regional foods and wines, the artwork is from a nearby gallery, and you can have coffee from downstairs delivered straight to your room.
(Photo by Sharyn Cairns)
There are four room types, each evincing a look meant to balance old and new, soft and industrial, comfort and coolness. Nightly rates start at AU$240 (US$169). Visit Paramount House Hotel's website for more information or to make a reservation.
