One of the best things about taking a holiday is coming back with a fresh appreciation of home — suddenly that graffiti we mindlessly stroll past on our way to work each day is an incredible piece of art, that coffee we buy every single morning has a little more depth, and the city we’ve built our lives in is awash with Instagrammable details.
Written by Chloe Schneider, Sponsored by ADGE Boutique Apartment Hotels
Recently, we experienced all that and more, as we became a tourist in our own city with a stay in the ADGE Boutique Apartment Hotels right in the heart of Sydney’s urban Surry Hills.
After checking in to the chic two-bedroom apartment we were happy to call home for a night and downing our superfood-packed welcome tonic, it was straight out for an afternoon reminding ourselves of all that Surry Hills Sydney has to offer.
Like any good city dweller, our first stop was a cup of coffee, and with black gold hot spots Single Origin Roasters, and Le Monde, all a short stroll away, we were absolutely spoilt for choice.
With caffeine ingested and money to burn, we hit Surry’s Crown Street for boutiques, (don’t miss Via Alley, Magdalena Duma, Mushu, and The Standard Store) and vintage treasure troves (Grandma Takes a Trip is arguably the best vintage Sydney has to offer) before heading out to Fitzoy Street where the incredible Somedays Gallery sits.
Shopped out and a little weary, we headed back to our apartment to relax on the balcony and drop our bags. The super-convenient Riley Street location meant dropping in out was no drama, and there was no need for cabs or public transport.
Although our apartment had a complete kitchen with all the trimmings, the Surry Hills dining options were too enticing to miss. Head to Luke Nguyen’s Red Lantern on Crown for some of Sydney’s most delicious Vietnamese, test out the barbecued calamari at the genius Porteño, or go for some vegan cuisine even the most devote meat eater will love at Yullis.
When it comes to choosing a watering hole, the biggest problem was finding enough hours in the night to cover all our favourite spots. The Winery is just a stone’s throw away and the perfect place for a sneaky Sunday wine (or three). Those looking for something different can head to Shady Pines Saloon, Pocket Bar, or book in at the Absinthe Salon for an experience you won’t soon forget.
On arriving back to ADGE, we found our room had been set up with a (faux) candle, slippers, and chocolates on the pillows that we had hand-picked from the extensive pillow menu. It was these little touches and the attention to detail that really made our stay.
On waking, we said goodbye to our temporary home and headed straight to bills for some famous ricotta hotcakes and a faultless cup of coffee where we enjoyed a renewed appreciation of this city we so love to call home.
ADGE Boutique Apartment Hotel is located at 222 Riley Street Surry Hills. For more information and bookings, head to www.adgehotel.com.au
Image: Single Origin
