Little Albion Guesthouse

Little Albion Guesthouse is Sydney’s newest boutique hotel to come to the market developed by 8 Hotels. It is situated in Sydney’s vibrant creative hub of SURRY HILLS positioned close by to colourful eateries, bars and shops.

The architectural setting combines two eras of Sydney reflecting the dynamic nature of the city.  The heritage 1903 Federation built Convent is complemented by a new angular extension in white ceramic brick and steel.

Cressida was determined to bring a 1970s feel to the extension by incorporating a sunken lounge in the new extension and then threaded the design aesthetics of the 1920s and 1970s to inspire the interiors of the Guesthouse

This concept underpinned the hotel’s colourful interiors created by Cressida Kennedy in collaboration with Connie Alessi.  The 35 guest rooms have designs which are revealed in bold pattern clashes of colour and prints with bespoke fanned American walnut + brass trimmed headboards. Original printed linen curtains of floral, paisley and geometric prints by Kerrie Brown. Custom made twenties inspired brass mirrors to bathrooms which again play on pattern with handmade cement tiles of geometric shapes and mixed with bronze tapware and Elba marble flooring. Artworks in the rooms and common areas also maintain a thread through the two eras curated by Nicholas Samartis.

The ‘Big Albion’ penthouse suite brings all these design interplays together showcasing rock + roll paisley printed curtains, gold tiles to the shower and a mix of twenties and seventies inspired lighting.

The design has cleverly made the most of the high ceilings, tight angles and irregular alcoves in the original building with carefully placed furnishings and art deco-style bevelled-edge mirror and silvered patterned wallpaper that open up and play with the buildings nooks and crannies.

The theme continues in the adjoining new building that houses the reception with its nod to the seventies with a purple leather sunken lounge creating a classic conversation pit for guests. Terrazzo tiles and timber panelled ceiling and walls form a graphic pattern that border the walnut and mirrored twenties inspired honour bar and with quirky art that adds visual curiosity. 

Little Albion Guesthouse is the perfect blend of history and welcoming warmth – the interior design has also kept a close eye on making sure the heritage of the original

building has been respected and remembered, retaining mouldings, arches and fireplaces while still connecting to the new building. 

A blend of history and modernity which ultimately creates a distinctiveness to the space. “We want to give the feeling of a special place filled with a blend of design, innovation and art - something for the head and heart. Showcasing designs whilst not compromising on comfort." The Little Albion positions itself as a modern yet classic hotel. 

                                  21 Little Albion Street, Surry Hills

Client 8 Hotels

Architects Shed

Project Architect Terence Yong

Interior Designers: Cressida Kennedy - Space Control Design in collaboration with Connie Alessi - Tektonik design and construction + 8 Hotels

BUILDER

Archemy