Oxford Street enters a bold new era today with the official opening of 25hours Hotel The Olympia, a property that reimagines one of Sydney’s most storied cultural landmarks.
Located on the heritage-listed site of the former West Olympia Theatre and the legendary Grand Pacific Blue Room, the new hotel reinvigorates a destination long synonymous with creativity, nightlife and community spirit. It also marks the Australian debut of 25hours Hotels, part of Ennismore’s growing global portfolio of lifestyle brands, and underscores Oxford Street’s place at the heart of Sydney’s cultural scene.
Situated on 1-11 Oxford Street, where Paddington, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Kings Cross and Moore Park converge, the hotel is designed as a neighbourhood hub, deeply connected to the city’s artistic roots, LGBTQIA+ heritage, and bohemian energy.
A Cinematic Tribute to Sydney’s Creative Spirit
The property’s 109 guest rooms are inspired by the archetypal protagonists of cinema, ‘Dreamers’ and ‘Renegades,’ reflecting the building’s cinematic past. Bold design details, original heritage features and artwork by local creatives, including Sydney artist Kubi Vasak, bring the layered storytelling to life.
Four Charismatic Culinary Venues
At the heart of the hotel is a collection of four distinct venues curated by Culinary Director Mitch Orr alongside an acclaimed team of creative talents. Leading the lineup is The Palomar, the renowned London restaurant making its Sydney debut with vibrant flavours from Southern Europe, North Africa, and The Levant. Joining it are The Mulwray, an intimate bar celebrating biodynamic wines and classic serves, and Jacob the Angel, a ground-floor café offering specialty coffee and pastries by Lune Croissanterie. Each venue has been developed by sibling duo Layo and Zoë Paskin, founders of London’s acclaimed Studio Paskin. At the hotel’s peak lies Monica, created by Ennismore’s food and beverage studio Carte Blanched – a rooftop bar and cultural playground channelling the rhythms of modern Sydney through a nostalgic 1960s Hollywood lens, complete with live music, DJ sets and panoramic neighbourhood views.
A Space for the Local Community
The launch of 25hours Hotel The Olympia also brings with it more than 100 new jobs, strengthening Sydney’s local economy while preserving and celebrating its cultural fabric.
Global and Local Collaborators
The design of The Olympia is the result of a collaboration between architectural and creative partners: Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, known for their transformative urban interventions; Indyk Architects, led by Shelley Indyk, whose work is grounded in craftsmanship and integrity; and Woods Bagot, the global design studio renowned for creating human-centric spaces that reflect cultural identity.
The hotel also features retail and lifestyle collaborations with Sorry Thanks I Love You, Kreafunk, Soeder, Samova, Canvasco, and Freitag, bringing together fashion, music, art and design in a uniquely 25hours way.
With its standout design, diverse dining offering and community spirit, 25hours Hotel The Olympia aims to be a welcoming destination for both travellers and locals, adding to Sydney’s evolving creative landscape and highlighting the city’s growing appeal to global operators.
25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia
1 Oxford St
Paddington, 2021
Australia
