BWH Hotels Group has introduced its boutique hotel concept Aiden to Sydney’s Darling Harbour – a hotel that the company says is “built for travellers by travellers”.
Sydneysider Nicolas Chen is the seasoned traveller behind this creation, while Pyrmont local Michael Sharp leads as General Manager.
“It’s a great feeling to be opening our doors and welcoming guests at a time when traveller confidence is strengthening, particularly after such a long wait – Aiden Darling Harbour has been three years in the making,” Sharp told HM.
“We set out to create a hotel built for travellers by travellers offering a new way to stay – a hotel experience that’s both stylish and affordable – and so far it’s been very well received.”
Stretching eight storeys high, with 88 compact rooms, Aiden Darling Harbour is set in a remodelled 1930s art deco building, with design, art, food and beverage all influenced by the local area.
The textures and hues of Sydney Harbour are celebrated in the blue plush velvet bedheads, fluted glass is inspired by the shapes of the Pyrmont Bridge opposite, and a 200-piece sculptural light in the lobby is reminiscent of the dappled sunlight through the leaves of local Eucalyptus trees.
The guest rooms of the harbourside hotel feature locally-made furnishings against a backdrop of hand-painted murals of native flora, produced by artist in residence, Jessica Le Clerc.
Guests can avail of modern conveniences such as complimentary Wi-Fi and chromecasting, ready-to-fill fridges rather than minibars, digital room keys and luxury items such as Dyson hairdryers.
The ground floor lobby is home to Wayfarer’s Bar & Café, where guests can enjoy croissants from Pyrmont’s PiOiK Bakery, locally-brewed Staves Beer, Australian wine and custom bottled cocktails, mixed with local spirits. The hotel even has its own signature botanical fragrance which can be discovered in candles handmade by Pyrmont local Em Cook.
Aiden has also teamed up with local providers to offer discounted activities, from an exclusive local walking tour with Local Sauce to a private luxury sailing expedition with Sydney By Sail.
Sharp said the local community has embraced the hotel “wholeheartedly”.
“We feel privileged to be a part of the intriguing neighbourhood of Pyrmont, a rising star destination in Sydney,” he said.
The property opens with 42 guest rooms, with the additional 46 to be fitted with soft furnishings for stays from April 2022.