2016 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice. World Luxury Hotel Awards 2015 winner. Boutique Hotel Awards 2015 winner. World Luxury Hotel Award 2014 for Luxury Design Hotel. Uhm, whoa.

We had set sky-high expectations.

It was the middle of winter, and our daughter’s school holiday… Why the heck were we in Sydney? Well, 1. I was playing tour guide to a friend from the U.S. and 2. For the Persian in-laws to smooch and cuddle their granddaughter. Also, because Sydney exudes a different kind of charm on a blistering cold day (yes, that just came from this tropical girl).

Around three in the arvo, my lil travel tribe stepped in Adge Boutique Apartment Hotel’s lobby. Mmm, warmth. Twas deserted and tranquil. It felt like we just entered some hideaway — one enveloped by walls with vibrant street graffiti-esque artworks. Hip and funky. Exactly like Surry Hills, the suburb Adge Boutique Apartment Hotel resides in.

The front staff (looking fashion forward in all black) were promptly on their feet. We approached the counter and exchanged warm pleasantries before getting into the nitty gritty of checking in. After signing the guest form and handing my credit card for the deposit (pre-authorisation), one of the staff assisted us with our luggage and accompanied us to our suite.

We were booked in the Two-Bedroom Cityscape. I knew Adge’s suites are spacious and stunning, I had seen heaps of photos online. But when the staff opened the door, I let out an unrestrained “Wowww!” from over his shoulder. My I’ve-seen-too-many-hotels blogger composure was gone with a blink of an eye. The interiors blew me away.

The room’s a total eye candy. The sleek, modern furnishings in black and white are complemented by the carpet — which is a burst of colors. In the corner stands a groovy Smeg fridge with a Union Jack design. The kitchen’s fully equipped, and there’s a capsule coffee machine (coffee pods in the room are sold at $1 each). They knew I was coming. Okay, seriously, every unit has one.

All of Adge’s apartment units have two bedrooms and two bathrooms (one bedroom has an ensuite). Rate is reliant on floor level and set up:

Penthouse Loft Cityscape (split level loft apartment, 68 sq metres) from $419 a night
Penthouse Loft Eastside (split level loft apartment, 70 sq metres, eastern suburb views) from $409 a night
Two Bedroom Cityscape (60 sq metres) from $339 a night
Two Bedroom Eastside (60 sq metres) from $299 a night
Two Bedroom Low Floor Cityscape (60 sq metres) from $279 a night
Two Bedroom Low Floor Eastside (60 sq metres) from $299 a night

Apartment/room features/amenities:

Lounge area
Kitchen (toaster, tea/coffee making)
Dishwasher
Microwave
Full size fridge
Cable/satellite telly
Iron/ironing board
Clock radio
Bathrobes
Hair dryer
Free WiFi
Ipod dock
Outdoor setting
Laundry facilities
Daily room service
Room safe

After dumping our luggage in the hallway, we sat on the outdoor furniture at the (large, L-shaped) balcony. We brought with us the mugs of hot cider the staff delivered (minutes after checking in) to our room. We sipped whilst watching airplanes approach/fly away from the airport, which is just about seven kilometres away. We lingered outside until a tinge of orange washed across the pale gray sky. ‘Til the skyscrapers turned into silhouettes. It was my cue to prep for my night out.

Surry Hills is brimming with hip cafes and happening pubs. That evening, I headed to Venue 505 (less than 2 kilometres away) for a blues fix from Marlene Cummins while my family stayed in. If you don’t feel like going far for dinner, Adge has two resident restos: Baccomatto Osteria (rustic Italian) and Raita Noda (contemporary Japanese). Remember to book for Raita Noda as it only has eight seats! And if you don’t feel like going out at all, room service is available.

Much later that evening, I went home on autopilot (that state when I’ve had one too many drinks). The building entrance, at past midnight, may only be accessed using a guest’s room key card. I stood in front of the scanner for ages cause I was tipsily tapping my friend’s (different) hotel key card. After what seemed like forever, a night staff came to my rescue (I wondered if he saw me looking like an idiot/creep through the CCTV).

“My card doesn’t seem to work”, I must have looked very confused. I handed him my key card.
“Are you sure this is your hotel?”, he raised the card up to my eye level.
“Ohhh. Sorry.”, I realized my embarrassing mistake and fished my Adge room key out of my bag.

He escorted me to my suite, prolly to make sure I get in the right one. Haha.

Trudged straight to the bedroom. Bed’s heavenly and my pillow was perfect (Adge has a pillow menu!). I easily dozed off and stayed in bed until it’s almost check out time.

Adge Boutique Apartment Hotel is bold enough to be different. Who would’ve expected graffiti-esque artwork on the walls of a luxurious hotel’s lobby? Black shirt-and-pants uniform of the staff instead of suit-and-tie? I surely didn’t (that’s a mix of big city style and upscale accommodation for you). But their service is tops. Even better than in most 5-star hotels I know. They focus on the full experience. The tiniest details are not missed, are even highlighted.

Bold and beautiful. Traits enough to to make Adge rise above the others. Enough to win all them awards.

Adge Boutique Apartment Hotel
222 Riley St
Surry Hills
Sydney