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25hours Hotel The Olympia: A New Cultural Landmark on Oxford Street
- Deb Carr
- Jan 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 22
Location 25hours Hotel The Olympia
Set within the heritage-listed former Olympia Theatre, 25hours Hotel The Olympia is Sydney’s newest boutique hotel — and the first Australian property for the globally recognised 25hours brand. Opening in October 2025, the hotel sits at the meeting point of Paddington, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Kings Cross and Moore Park, placing it firmly in the heart of Sydney’s creative and cultural corridor.
Rather than feeling like a conventional hotel, The Olympia is designed as a destination in itself — one that reflects Oxford Street’s layered history, from cinema and nightlife to art, music and community life.
A Hotel Inspired by Cinema and Character
The building’s past as a purpose-built cinema informs every part of the hotel’s design. Across its 109 guest rooms, the interiors are divided into two distinct styles — Dreamer and Renegade — inspired by classic film protagonists.
Dreamer rooms are light and romantic in tone, while Renegade rooms lean darker and bolder, reflecting the adventurers and rule-breakers of cinema history. Original architectural elements have been retained throughout the building, including exposed brickwork, heritage windows and the former ticket booth, grounding the hotel firmly in its Oxford Street roots.
Exclusive artwork by Sydney artist Kubi Vasak appears throughout the rooms and public spaces, reinforcing the hotel’s strong connection to local creativity.
Food, Drink and Rooftop Views 25hours Hotel The Olympia
Food and drink play a central role at 25hours Hotel The Olympia, with four venues designed to appeal to both guests and locals.
On the ground floor, The Palomar brings its London heritage to Sydney with open-fire cooking inspired by Southern Europe, North Africa and the Levant. Adjacent to it, The Mulwray offers a refined cocktail and wine bar experience, drawing inspiration from classic cinema and intimate late-night lounges.
Street-facing café Jacob the Angel opens directly onto Oxford Street, serving coffee, pastries and light meals throughout the day, while Monica, the rooftop bar, delivers sweeping views over Paddington and the city skyline. With live DJs, relaxed daytime sessions and vibrant evenings, Monica is positioned as a new social hub rather than a hotel-only venue.
Designed as a Neighbourhood Space
Beyond accommodation, the hotel has been conceived as a place Sydneysiders will actually use. Two meeting and event spaces open onto a landscaped internal courtyard, creating a calm, garden-led setting rarely found along Oxford Street.
A curated retail space, Sorry Thanks I Love You, also forms part of the hotel experience, adding a layer of fashion and design culture that reflects Paddington’s long-standing creative identity.
A New Chapter for Oxford Street
More than just a place to stay, 25hours Hotel The Olympia represents the revival of a landmark site with deep cultural significance. By honouring the building’s cinematic past while introducing contemporary design, dining and social spaces, the hotel feels closely tied to its neighbourhood — open, expressive and unmistakably Sydney.
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