The Eve Hotel, Redfern

A Stylish Urban Retreat in Sydney’s Cultural Hub

When I heard that a new boutique hotel was opening in Sydney, I was all ears. But when I heard the hotel was in Redfern… I raised both eyebrows. Redfern! A place with a colourful and chequered history was home to a luxury hotel? I was intrigued. So I decided to pay a visit. The colours and elegant curves captured me from the moment I walked in the door. So I booked a room.

In the late 1800s, the site had a factory called Wunderlich, which produced architectural products. Today Wunderlich Lane is Sydney’s hottest new precinct with The Eve as its centrepiece. Just a 15 minute Uber from the domestic terminal and about the same to the CBD, some of Sydney’s best dining options are within a very short walking distance. Having said that, I didn’t leave The Eve as there were more than enough fine choices for me within the hotel itself.

Accommodation and Design

Glossy burgundy tiles on one wall, sandy render on the other; a striking blue couch in one corner of the lobby, faux fur chairs with a hint of blush in another. Such vastly different textures that really shouldn’t work, do and with a wow factor. Interior details by George Livissianis and artwork curated by David Stein are sophisticated yet quirky and my attention is captured by the glittering gold face mask in the lobby.

Lobby

Architects SJB have created a space that instantly transports you… walking through the elegant arched hallways—am I in Marrakech or Tuscany? The 20 metre rooftop pool with music piped in underwater is surrounded by shaded cabanas and gardens, offering a nod to Beverly Hills urban resort glamour and vibe. Could this be a new era for the Redfern corner site?

Rooftop Pool

As I step into my Sunset King room, any tension I have is released. The olive tones of the carpet, bedhead and warm timber are soothing and seductive. Scalloped mirrors and a banquette style couch doubling as a window seat create an inviting atmosphere. There is a tiny Juliet balcony, a mini bar full of locally produced treats, from Kakawa chocolates (an absolute favourite of mine) to a single malt from Archie Rose Distilling Co. The sleek space and clever design make the room feel larger than 27m²… and when I press the button for the blackout blinds I feel comfortably cocooned and know that a good night’s sleep is ahead of me.

Sunset Room

The bathroom has a large vanity with clever storage which is graced with custom toiletries and the elegant glassware by Saarde, another local brand that has a store at street level. Other considered luxuries are GHD hairdryers and lush hooded robes with matching logo slippers.

Dining and Social Spaces

The Eve Hotel’s dining options include Bar Julius, an all day venue that seamlessly moves from breakfast and lunch to cocktail bar and restaurant in the evening. The wow factor here is a ceiling mural by Dinosaur Designs’ Louise Olsen with its ochre colours that add warmth to the beautiful Australian timbers and complement the eclectic and abundant art on the walls.

Bar Julius

Upstairs, the rooftop Mexican bar/restaurant Lottie delivers delicious contemporary Mexican dishes to be enjoyed with a spicy margarita. And then there is Olympus Dining, Greek cuisine at its best. Two hundred seats are set around a 50-year-old bougainvillea—the effect is simply stunning and again transports you to another place… for me it was a Greek island. The space is vibrant but also intimate, perfect if you are there with a plus one. It is no surprise that it has been drawing discerning diners the moment it opened its fine doors.

Lottie

In the neighbourhood, there are more fabulous venues for foodies from Asian noodles to top dining. If you want to take a break from dining or sipping wine I highly recommend exploring the small boutiques, design stores and then relaxing into a spa treatment at The Parlour Lounge.

Insider Tip: Request room 412 for the best balance of city views and afternoon light. The most magical time at The Eve is Thursday evening when Bar Julius hosts live jazz from 7pm—the acoustics in the space are remarkable. For the ultimate rooftop experience, book a cabana at least one day in advance and order the off-menu “Eve’s Sunset”—a specially crafted cocktail that combines Archie Rose gin with Australian botanicals. If you’re interested in the neighbourhood’s rich history, the concierge can arrange a fascinating walking tour that reveals Redfern’s transformation from industrial heartland to cultural hotspot.

What I Love About The Eve Hotel:

• The serene and sexy rooftop pool with underwater music and shaded cabanas
• Strangely enough, the precinct – it had everything I needed to enjoy a midweek break from top dining, spa treatments and some walks in an area that I rarely visit
• The quietness of the room that had me sleeping peacefully until the alarm went off
• The classic French omelette and batch brew coffee at Bar Julius
• Being able to dress up and wear heels to restaurants without having to navigate my way through busy streets
• The stunning arched Barrisol ceiling by artist Louise Olsen
• The motorised blinds that slide open as I enter my room
• The thoughtful curation of the irresistible Saarde glassware and toiletries
• The design of The Eve from entry, foyer, rooms and restaurants—I left wanting to return very soon
• The huge sliding door with a glass circular window that only opens for hotel guests, dividing Lotties and the pool area

What to Expect: The Eve Hotel

The Eve positions itself as a design-forward urban retreat, with pricing that reflects its boutique status and premium offerings. Standard Sunset King rooms begin at approximately AUD $350-450 midweek, rising to AUD $500-650 on weekends and during major Sydney events. The Eve stands apart from central Sydney’s corporate luxury hotels by offering a more intimate, artistic experience at a similar price point. The value proposition extends beyond the room itself—hotel guests receive priority reservations at the in-demand Olympus Dining (worth its weight in gold on Friday and Saturday evenings) and complimentary access to the rooftop pool with its cabanas (normally $150 minimum spend for nonguests). Unlike many Sydney hotels that charge prohibitive parking rates, The Eve offers a reasonably priced AUD $35 overnight valet service. For maximum value, their “Suite Dreams” package includes breakfast at Bar Julius and a late 2pm checkout for approximately 15% less than booking components separately.

Seasonal Note: My late February stay provided the perfect opportunity to experience the hotel’s crowning glory—its rooftop pool. Sydney’s late summer offers ideal conditions for sunbathing and swimming in this urban oasis, with temperatures hovering around 26-28°C and refreshing evening breezes. I can imagine the rooftop transforming throughout the seasons in autumn becoming a sunset watching haven while spring bringing the surrounding gardens into vibrant bloom. Even in winter, the heated pool would remain inviting, creating a year round retreat above the city bustle.

The Eve Hotel

8 Baptist St, Redfern NSW 2016, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9096 1100

The Eve Hotel offers a perfect urban escape for design enthusiasts, food lovers, and those seeking a luxury experience in an emerging Sydney neighbourhood. Its blend of sophisticated design, exceptional dining and rooftop leisure space makes it ideal for both weekday business travellers seeking something beyond the corporate and weekend pleasure-seekers alike.

For those looking beyond Sydney, Raes on Wategos in Byron Bay delivers an equally captivating experience with its beachside luxury. Meanwhile, if an international urban escape is calling, The Wittmore Hotel in Barcelona and The Norman Hotel in Paris promise unforgettable stays with the same attention to design and distinctive neighbourhood charm.

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