THE SPACE

A throwback to New York's heady 1970s disco scene, 57 Hotel's disco vibe is, thankfully, quite subtle. I was half expecting to be greeted by bellhops in bell-bottoms and Donna Summer tunes blaring in the lobby, but instead 57 Hotel incorporates golden 1970s design flourishes without deviating into gaudy Saturday Night Fever territory. There are 92 rooms of varying sizes, the sunken lobby has a comfortable communal space perfect for lounging or working, thanks to the free Wi-Fi throughout. As one of Sydney's newest hotels, it still has that new hotel smell and is, so far,  free from wear and tear. 

THE ROOM

The Studio Twin 57 room does well to make use of what is essentially a very small space. With two single beds, a flat-screen television, desk, wardrobe hanging space and a simple, but effective, bathroom, the room is perfectly adequate if you're using it as a base to explore Sydney, but not as a spacious retreat to revel in. Clever touches, such as an in-room iPad (featuring hotel information and recommendations on attractions and restaurants nearby) replace the usual bulky folder.   While not a luxury space, 57 Hotel's comfortable beds, clever design, new fixtures and delightful staff make for a solid hotel experience.

THE KIT

Forget about trying to rip open tiny sachets of instant coffee while a plastic kettle boils away in your room.  Guests are invited to pillage whatever they like, whenever they like from the lobby's nifty snack bar. Unpretentious snacks such as bowls of lollies and packets of Tiny Teddy biscuits sit next to the Nespresso machine. A selection of herbal teas and hot chocolate are also available, along with unlimited access to bottled water and an express breakfast of pastries, which is included in your room rate. A generous supply of products from Urban Skincare Co round out the sweet deal.  

STEPPING OUT

The New York theme continues at Brooklyn Hide , a bagel haunt around the corner.  Serving a range of bagels and coffee roasted by Sydney's Little Marionette roasters, diners can choose from the zesty Hell's Kitchen bagel loaded with rocket, prosciutto, avocado, feta and lime, or go for something more traditional with the Midtown, a hearty combination of old-school ingredients such as corned beef, sauerkraut and pickles. When it comes to imbibing, Surry Hills obliges with everything from dive bars to gastropubs, sleek salons and beyond. Absinthesalon delivers the green potion favoured by French bohemians in a Parisian parlour setting, while The forresters punches out pizzas, pints, burgers and dogs to the masses, and the dimly lit Button Bar serves up spiced rum amid pirate paraphernalia. 

THE VERDICT

57 Hotel delivers a refreshing, mid-range, boutique hotel experience by providing a fun space, a plethora of useful, added extras and seamless service by staff who take pride in what they do.

ESSENTIALS

Studio 57, 57 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills. Phone (02) 9011 5757; see 57hotel.com.au

The starting price for a room is $109 for a petite "Studio 57" room suited to single travellers and range up to $449 for "The King". Check the website for last-minute deals.

HIGHLIGHT

Friendly staff with supreme customer service skills.

LOWLIGHT

Unlimited Tiny Teddy biscuits encourages regression into relentless teenage snacking behaviour.