Hotel Morris Sydney: an underrated Art Deco gem in the city

This ultra-stylish hotel embodies the phrase “small but mighty”.

While abundant amenities and expansive guestrooms are typical of large hotels, Hotel Morris Sydney – Handwritten Collection, proves that smaller establishments can be just as impressive, especially if you’re a design lover.

This boutique property celebrates Sydney’s rich architectural heritage and contemporary hospitality, a place where attention to detail is woven throughout. Having opened its doors in June 2023, it has quickly established itself as a standout addition to Sydney’s hotel scene, particularly appealing to style-savvy travellers.

Here’s everything to know before booking your stay whether you’re visiting Sydney or in need of a staycay.

Location

Hotel Morris is nestled in bustling Haymarket, at the southern end of the Sydney central business district. This puts you in a prime location to access major attractions such as Central Station, Capital Theatre, and Chinatown. Haymarket is very close to the city centre and boasts a diverse culinary offering, with over 200 Asian eateries for you to choose from. Sydney Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

The prominent Hotel Morris sign has been sensitively restored to its former 1930s glory.

Style and character

Hotel Morris exudes Art Deco charm merged with 21st-century amenities. Originally opened in 1929, it stood as Australia’s tallest hotel for 34 years. Designed by architect Virgil Dante Cizzio in his signature Inter-War Palazzo style, this building has undergone various transformations before a significant restoration turned it into the chic accommodation it is today.

The accommodation is part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection.

The slim building stands proudly with arched windows that mimic the original design and prominent signage that has been sensitively restored to its former 1930s glory. Guests step through 1930s steel-framed doors and are welcomed by a space that impeccably blends historic and contemporary design, thanks to interior design firm Tom Mark Henry. The foyer is shared with the onsite restaurant Bar Morris. Here, an amalgamation of rich reds, pastel pinks, natural stone, original ornate moulding, handmade tiles, and Venetian plaster create an opulent yet welcoming ambience. Art Deco Murano chandeliers add an element of glamour to the space.

Arched windows flood natural light into guestrooms.

The guest hallways feature custom wallpaper with playful graphics, while the guestrooms offer a lighter palette that’s a chic extension of the aesthetic established in the public spaces.

Overall, the design-led interiors reflect a thoughtful balance between preserving the building’s heritage and introducing modern elegance.

Ensuite bathrooms are sleek and contemporary.

Facilities

As Hotel Morris is on the smaller side, you unfortunately won’t find a gym, swimming pool, or parking on site. However, no visit is complete without a snack and tipple at the on-site dining venue Bar Morris.

Rooms

There are 82 compact but well-appointed rooms ranging from the cosy Bambina to the luxe Grande King rooms. These stylish accommodations are decorated in rich ochre and red tones, modernist furnishings, Art Deco-style lighting, colourful artworks from local artists, and bold textures—all of which create a welcoming ambience. All rooms feature walk-in showers, custom-designed beds and luxurious IIUVO soigné bathroom amenities.

Grande King rooms are a good choice for those in need of more space.

Those looking for a bit more indulgence and room should book one of the Grande King rooms which feature a spacious lounge area with Art Deco-style seating, waffle-weave robes, and expansive arched windows.

This stylish hotel is brimming with sophisticated Art Deco-inspired details.

Food and drink

Downstairs in the foyer is the hotel’s 40-seat Italian wine bar and restaurant, Bar Morris. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner this intimate space is perfect for a quick bite, afternoon tipple, or relaxed night in.

For breakfast, guests can choose from a continental spread with fresh fruit, pastries, and yoghurt, as well as à la carte like avocado toast and eggs and Italian eggs benedict.

Slink into the elegant bar and restaurant for an intimate meal.

From 11am, the bar offers a tight list of deli-style bites to keep you fueled throughout the day. Snack on a baguette filled with mortadella, salami, pickles and romesco sauce or a sourdough sandwich of tuna steak arrabbiata, charred eggplant and zucchini.

Come evening, enjoy Italian classics such as mafaldine with pork shoulder ragu and pecorino and Spaghetti Alle Vongole. These are to be paired with Italian-style aperitifs like the Ocean’s Depth Martini with Seven Seasons green ant gin, dry vermouth, house brine and Sicilian olives. and a host of Australian and Italian wines.

Don’t miss taking advantage of the hotel’s Negroni Trolley service from 4pm to 6pm where you can choose from six varieties of Negronis made right outside your room.

The menu has an array of offerings, from Italian classics to deli-style bites.

Accessibility 

Rooms that are fully equipped with accessible support for wheelchair users are available.

Family-friendly?

Hotel Morris is better suited for couples and business travellers rather than families.

Details

Best for: Business travellers, solo travellers, couples

Address: 412 Pitt St, Haymarket

Find other amazing places to stay in Sydney in our Accommodation Guide.