Life at the ADGE Hotel & Residences

The 1960s may have coined the word "groovy," but the new ADGE Hotel & Residences has truly embodied its meaning.

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Following the completion of its second stage of renovation, this stunning concept boutique hotel is infusing a vibrant new energy into Surry Hills in the bohemian heart of Sydney.

The ADGE Hotel & Residences is comprised of three buildings joined by a common lobby: 

• ADGE Residences is 12 two-bedroom serviced apartments of which 2 are double-storey New York Style Penthouses

• ADGE Tower, newly completed and opened in August 2023

• ADGE Cambridge Tower was launched and newly refurbished in May 2024. 

Together ADGE hosts 242 stylish rooms, making the hotel the biggest in Surry Hills. The buildings, however, like the area itself, have a deeper, richer history. Formerly known as the Cambridge Hotel, this iconic establishment was built in 1979 with 149 guest rooms. The Hotel once hosted a popular Cabaret Bar that launched the career of much-celebrated Australian and Internationally acclaimed Cabaret and Drag Artist Trevor Ashley. To add to the fabulousness, it was the main go-to hotel for the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras due to its location in one of the city’s most culturally diverse, artistic, and energetic epicentres.

Adrian Hing Mural

Surry Hills has long been a haven for creativity and innovation, attracting artisans, eccentrics, chefs, trailblazers and glitterati. A mix of business and play, with a progressing community integrated with the emerging Tech-hub, and the indulgence of Oxford Street all within cooee, Surry Hills was and still is, a vibrant mini-metropolis.  

The Cambridge Hotel received a complete makeover in 2007, earning it a 4-star rating by AAA Tourism. The recent $65 million construction, renovation and rebranding project, ADGE has gone well beyond that previous makeover, taking innovation and design to another level. Within its first year of operation, ADGE has received multiple industry awards for its team that strives for hospitality excellence.  

The hotel’s exterior honours its heritage, preserving much of the original features. However, when you step inside it is like when Mr Wonka opens the tiny door in the dark cramped room and his astounded guests step into a kaleidoscopic landscape. Except, unfortunately, you can’t lick the wallpaper - but instead embrace the hotel's motto to "Dare To Be Different".

Paul Cundy, General Manager of the ADGE Hotel

Marvel at the curated visual splendour with the artistic degustation! It begins outside with an abstract sculpture of powder-coated stainless steel and neon lights by Australian artist and designer Anna Varendorff. This artwork reflects the design agenda for ADGE, which is, vintage meets modern or retro meets metro! 

Inside, an impressive mural by Australian tattoo artist, Adrian Hing, continues that concept. The tattoo-styled image references Chinese mythological creatures, harkening back to the area’s roots as Sydney’s original Chinatown district. Adrian continues his artistry with three separate murals in between the buildings with an impressive dragon tattoo-inspired hand-painted mural cascading 14 storeys and is the longest hand-painted mural on a hotel in Australia! 

Vividly patterned chairs in the lobby help soften industrial columns and geometric floor and walls.  

Each of the 254 rooms has been individually curated with bespoke finishing touches. All feature a retro Smeg mini fridge, high-end European appliances, smart TV, Nespresso machines, pod-style or up-styled traditional bathrooms, plush furnishings, custom-made mirrors and unique light fixtures. The rooms are open plan and rooms in the Cambridge tower have balconies that provide views across the vibrant neighbourhood!   

One of the most exciting features of each room is its carpet, which looks like someone spilled a psychedelic dream.  The theme throughout is art means comfort.  

The hotel offers underground parking in a multi-level car park and has laundry facilities available. Opening in Spring 2024, the meeting and event space is perched on the top floor of the Cambridge Tower with two balconies and is filled with natural light that can be used for special events and business meetings with state-of-the-art audio and visual technology. 

Surry Hills and its immediate vicinity are brimming with nightlife, offering a wide variety of dining and entertainment options. You don't have to go far from the lobby to find a great meal. Japanese omakase Raita Noda Chef's Kitchen and a café operate in the hotel. An additional new restaurant and bar are scheduled to open in September 2024.

If you like your accommodation to come with good feelings, you’ll be happy to know that ADGE is a proud member of the PRIDE Oxford Street Business Charter and the Surry Hills Business Partnership, and they were involved in the 2024 Vivid Business Partner Program. To enhance your stay the hotel has also partnered with Plus Fitness Darlinghurst so all guests can enjoy fitness 24/7 and GoGet Car to explore further afield. 

General Manager Paul Cundy and his team extend a warm invitation to local businesses to visit ADGE to discuss potential collaborations and explore new opportunities. “We offer corporate rates for businesses who require accommodation, activation spaces in the lobbies and we have a meeting and events space on Level 16, with the best views of the neighbourhood,” says Mr Cundy. 

ADGE supports local organizations, community groups and charities in whatever way they can. They also have big plans for Mardi Gras 2025, so watch this colourful space. And now for the details… 

For a super affordable staycation, the Queen Room & Twin Rooms start at only $199 - gorgeous, large spaces considering the location at 24m2. The ADGE King Room, featuring a plush king-sized bed, ensuite and deluxe bathroom amenities, is a 28m2 urban oasis and starts at only $299 a night. Feel like treating yourself? Why not book the ADGE Deluxe Room which will provide you with a flat-screen TV (and stream casting), wireless internet, air conditioning, a private bathroom with a bath or shower - and still, only $399!  

Want more space? The Residence (from $499 a night) is a luxurious 60m2  nestled above the treetops of Sydney with spectacular views over Sydney’s skyline. Featuring two contemporary bedrooms and two bathrooms, with one hosting a Queen-sized bed and the other a double bed, and a deluxe bathroom with amenities, this is the perfect retreat after a day of urban adventures. Elevate your experience and savour the luxury of the Lofts to ensure an unforgettably fabulous stay starting from $599.

If you would like to book a room to stay & slay at the ADGE, they are offering our Neighbourhood Media readers a 15% off* discount! Just mention 2010 when booking directly on 02 8093 9888 or email concierge@adgehotel.com.au.

Book Now at the Boutique Hotel Surry Hills Loves, and "Dare To Be Different"!

*T&C's apply and valid until 29th December 2024. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Block out dates apply.