Is this Sydney's hottest new stay? A first look at The EVE Hotel

Nestled in Wunderlich Lane – where history meets contemporary design – The EVE Hotel Sydney is a stylish sanctuary at the centre of Sydney’s cultural crossroads.

A bold new addition to Sydney/Warrane’s boutique hotel scene, The EVE Hotel Sydney seamlessly blends history, design and luxury in the heart of Redfern. More than just a place to stay, The EVE is a launchpad for cultural discovery, embodying a spirit of anticipation and new beginnings.

Set on the site of the old Wunderlich Factory – once renowned for its ornamental pressed metal ceilings – the hotel pays homage to its past while embracing the future of urban hospitality.

I’ll never forget the sense of arrival I felt as I strolled into Wunderlich Lane for the first time; almost as if I was momentarily caught between Sydney’s past and present. The warm glow from the boutique storefronts, the echoes of the old factory’s history and the modern architectural lines all came together in one captivating tableau.

The EVE’s biophilic design, lush rooftop gardens and art-filled interiors make it an inviting retreat for those who appreciate refined aesthetics and seamless luxury.

The location

The EVE Hotel Sydney is in the heart of Wunderlich Lane.

Perched between Surry Hills and Redfern, The EVE Hotel Sydney is at the heart of one of the city’s most dynamic cultural crossroads. Wunderlich Lane, once part of Sydney’s earliest pleasure gardens and later home to the renowned Wunderlich Factory, has been reimagined as a vibrant lifestyle precinct. Home to boutique retail, wellness experiences and some of Sydney’s most exciting new restaurants and bars, The EVE is a destination within itself. With Central Station a short stroll away, guests have easy access to explore the city and beyond.

Style and character

The design celebrates Sydney’s urban landscape.

A collaboration between acclaimed architect Adam Haddow from SJB Architects, landscape designer Daniel Baffsky of 360 Degrees and interior design by SJB, Bates Smart and George Livissianis, The EVE Hotel exudes effortless sophistication.

Rather than looking internationally for inspiration, the design celebrates Sydney’s urban landscape, featuring soft neutral tones, Australian materials and sculptural lighting by Henry Wilson. Original artworks by Louise Olsen of Dinosaur Designs adorn the walls (and the Bar Julius ceiling), while the hotel’s signature pomegranate motif is subtly woven throughout, symbolising rich experiences and new beginnings. A striking rooftop pool, enveloped in lush greenery, offers an oasis of calm in the city’s heart.

Facilities

The rooftop pool area is a serene escape.

The EVE’s carefully curated amenities set it apart. The 20-metre rooftop pool, complete with plush cabanas, tropical planting and stunning city views, provides a serene escape from the urban rush. I head here straight after check-in with Sydney’s golden hour providing the perfect backdrop for me to unwind and disconnect from the bustling city below – perhaps the most refreshing midday break I’ve had in recent memory.

A dedicated fitness space is still in the works, but upon completion will ensure fitness enthusiasts can maintain their routines, while wellness offerings, such as spa treatments from The Parlour Room and meditation spaces, cater to relaxation seekers.

The in-room experience is further elevated with luxury amenities from Saardé, including Australian-made bath products and glassware. Guests can also enjoy boutique retail, including Saardé’s flagship store, where the hotel’s bespoke olive oil-based amenities and artisanal glassware are available to purchase.

Rooms

The rooms are thoughtfully designed in calming eucalyptus and red clay tones. (Image: Georg Roske)

Designed with both relaxation and sophistication in mind, the hotel’s 102 spacious guest rooms and suites are a masterclass in contemporary comfort. The seven room types vary from courtyard rooms to the sunset suites, offering something for all travellers.

Thoughtfully designed in calming eucalyptus and red clay tones, each space features premium bedding, curated furnishings and Juliet balconies or terraces, providing natural ventilation – a rarity to have that kind of fresh-air moment in a busy urban hotel.

Food and drink

Bar Julius is the hotel’s European-inspired lobby bar.

The EVE Hotel places guests at the epicentre of one of Sydney’s most exciting dining precincts. Bar Julius, the hotel’s European-inspired lobby bar by Liquid & Larder, transitions seamlessly from breakfast espressos to post-dinner martinis, with a ‘no laptops after 5pm’ policy ensuring the space remains social and relaxed.

Upstairs, Lottie brings a fresh take on contemporary Mexican dining, helmed by head chef Alejandro Huerta (formerly of Noma Copenhagen and Pujol, Mexico). The rooftop mezcaleria and restaurant blends authentic Mexican flavours with premium Australian produce, offering a vibrant, 100 per cent gluten-free menu and an extensive agave-based drinks list.

Afternoon cocktails have never looked so good.

Within Wunderlich Lane, guests can also experience Olympus Dining, a Greek village-style eatery from The Apollo team, as well as Island Radio, a Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant with bold flavours and tropical futurism, and Baptist Street Rec. Club, a lively neighbourhood bar that channels the spirit of 1980s and ’90s Australiana with nostalgic cocktails and vibrant energy.

Access for guests with disabilities?

There is step-free access throughout the property.

The EVE Hotel offers accessible rooms and facilities designed for ease of movement, with step-free access throughout the property. The design team has incorporated thoughtful elements to ensure a comfortable and seamless stay for all guests.

Family-friendly?

While not the central focus, families are welcome.

While The EVE is designed with a refined, adult-focused aesthetic, families are welcome. Spacious room layouts and the hotel’s convenient location make it a viable option for those travelling with children, though dedicated family amenities are limited.

Details

The EVE Hotel Sydney is a microcosm of Redfern’s creative energy.

In sum, The EVE Hotel Sydney is more than a stylish new stay in a vibrant neighbourhood; it’s a microcosm of Redfern’s creative energy and Sydney’s ever-evolving cultural landscape. From the biophilic design elements to the world-class dining, The EVE offers a thoughtful blend of modern luxury and nods to its historic Wunderlich heritage. It’s an experience that will linger long after you’ve closed your suitcase.

Best for: Design lovers, luxury seekers and culture enthusiasts.
Address: The EVE Hotel Sydney, Wunderlich Lane, 8 Baptist Street, Redfern, NSW
Cost: From $519 per night