There are few segments in the realm of hotels that have enjoyed consistent growth as much as boutique hotels, i.e. offerings in alternative or interesting locals with exciting amenities that offer much more than a mere place to rest at night and instead proffer guests a unique experience and personalized service they could not get from regular hotels.
Known for its individuality and personality, boutique hotels tend to have a distinctive theme, due to the smaller size a more intimate feel and tend to be pervaded by a curated on brand style running throughout the concept compared to larger chain hotels.
Incorporating an authentic origin story into the concept with distinctive touches contributing to a memorable stay, the integration of elements that genuinely reflect the surrounding community along with its heritage and photo-worthy architectural design does not hurt either when it comes to offering guests a unique experience.
While distinctive hotel concepts are in high demand, there are few that manage to position themselves a cut above the rest with an effortless provision of outstanding customer service, impressive food and beverage options, and an idiosyncratic fun feel to them.
Enter pastel-toned Oxford House, situated smack bang on the buzzy intersection of Darlinghurst and the cultural fabric of Paddington, where a stone throw from the most prominent designer boutiques on terra australis some of Sydney's finest dining and entertainment areas converge.
Upon arrival, a streamlined check-in by friendly and accommodating staff dressed in sage green garb that complements Oxford House’s colour scheme, seamlessly transitions one from the hustle and bustle of Sydney’s Oxford St into the supremely retro-stylish microcosm the shell of a 1960s hotel has been transformed into.
Forget fussy detailing - sleek lines and natural, contemporary materials is the name of the game with features reminiscent of the aesthetics of the classic mid-century look that originally emerged in the sun-bleached motels and hotels of West Hollywood.
In terms of décor, an eclectic selection of artworks ranging from sculptures, photography and printmaking line the warmly hued, plant adorned walls, with the lush palm flanked vibey pool area and its beige loungers reserved for hotel guests and the public accompanying pool bar with its curated cocktail offerings housed in stone walled atrium, against which curated imagery is projected as the sun sets, being the pieces de resistance and veritable oasis Oxford House is centred around, serenaded by a roster of DJ sets.
Overlooking Oxford Street, the Oxford De Luxe rooms feature a private, spacious balcony, which complements the cosy and compact interior comforts.
The limitation of storage space is offset by clever design, a Queen-size bed, a bijou bathroom with walk-in rainforest shower, custom-monogrammed linen Double Rainbouu bathrobes and slippers, lush Grown Alchemist Body Products, retro Marshall speakers, an expertly curated Mini-Bar alongside the obligatory Nespresso machine, Marc Newson crockery, a Smart TV, complimentary Wi-Fi and GHD Hair appliances and ironing facilities.
The room exudes the effortless style of the DNA of Oxford House in that subdued lighting and smart wood panelling conveys a balance between effortless quiet luxury, style and elegance.
Breakfast along with an all-day menu is offered by the glass-fronted OH! Restaurant. Arranged as a stylised homage to a hybrid of classic American diners and the chic of Parisian cafés with modern light fittings, breakfast options include Australian staples as well as more upmarket leanings, before the consciously crafted menu changes at mid-day to seafood-focused bistro style meals with a focus on locally sourced ingredients alongside more substantial offerings, which we have yet to try.
Summa summarum, Oxford House is at its core an inspired transformation of a heritage building and while offering eye candy galore has much more substance to it than being a backdrop for Instagram stories.
If we have whet your appetite, you would be well advised to take advantage of Oxford Houses Winter Warmer Package, for which OH! has partnered with popular homewares brand Hommey to create the pack for guests to take home when they book a two-night stay including arrival cocktail and breakfast with an opt-in upgrade for $50 on top of the existing room booking.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Oxford House.