The charming historic Hughenden Boutique Hotel

Hughenden Boutique Hotel

The Hughenden Boutique Hotel is a unique place to stay when visiting Sydney. I discovered this for myself on a recenly when I was fortunate to be a guest in one of the Deluxe King Rooms.

The Hughenden Boutique Hotel has a long and varied history. It was built as a gracious private home in the 1870s by Dr Frederick Harrison Quaife, the son Barzillai Quaife, Australia’s first philosopher and Professor of Divinity. Frederick brought the first x-ray machine to the colony, and his initials can still be seen etched in Lombardic script above the front door of the Hughenden. It then was used as a Masonic Hall, nurses’ home, dance hall, The Riviere College for young ladies and lodgings. After falling into disrepair, the Gervay family restored The Hughenden in the 1990’s as a boutique hotel.

Lounge at Hughenden Hotel

Staying in such a historic building makes being a guest of The Hughenden so special. Original features, such as the grand staircase, servant’s bells, chandeliers and black marble fireplaces, ooze the essence of the past.

Many artworks, award-winning illustrations, paintings, drawings and pictures are on the walls and memorabilia are on display throughout The Hughenden Hotel. The Hughenden is renowned for its arts, heritage, community and hospitality.

There are 36 Heritage rooms within the main hotel building and 8 self-contained Terrace Suites. The good thing about the Hughenden is that each room is slightly different to each other and each has its own individual character.

Deluxe King Room

I stayed in one of the recently refurbished Deluxe King Rooms on the first floor. This room combined heritage features with modern conveniences. I liked the room’s antique furniture, original artwork, writing desk, marble mantelpiece, and sofa. The room was spacious, with a high ceiling and a large window with luscious drapes. I imagined myself as Lord of the Manor.

The king sized bed was very comfortable to sleep on, and had an abundance of seven pillow to choose from. The room had an air- conditioner that I could adjust as well as an overhead fan, a wide-screen LCD-TV, alarm clock and Wi-Fi internet. The small fridge and tea and coffee making facilities were appreciated.

The modern ensuite had a claw foot bath-tub and shower. The fluffy towels and Appelles Apothecary & Lab soap, hair shampoo & conditioner, vitamin B skin lotion and comfrey hand & body lotion were a nice touch.

My room was amazingly quite. There was no traffic noise and no noise from other parts of the hotel. On the Monday morning I slept in till 9am! I can only do this in quite rooms that I feel comfortable and at home in.

Vincent at the Hughenden Hotel 

Each morning I enjoyed the complimentary buffet breakfast served each morning in Vincent, the French-style brasserie. There were various hot options, such as eggs, bacon, mushrooms and tomato which varied each day, fresh fruit, croissants, pastries, cereals, yoghurt, breads and toast, muesli, tea and coffee and a selection of juices. These were constantly refreshed. The Vincent is open to the general public for lunch and dinner.

The Hughenden Boutique Hotel is located in Queen Street, Woollahra, close to Paddington and the CBD of Sydney. Queen Street was originally known as Piper Street, but had a name change in the 1870’s in honour of Queen Victoria.

Children's book illustrations

I chose to stay at the Hughenden as it is a short walk to the nearby Royal Hall of Industries in Moore Park where I was attending an Expo on the Saturday. (This Hall is the well known Showbag Pavilion at the old Sydney Showground.)

It is also in walking distance to the Sydney Cricket Ground, Allianz Stadium and the Hordern Pavilion & Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park. If I had more time I would have explored the huge Centennial Parklands that were opened in 1888 and are diagonally across the road from The Hughenden. There are walking paths, scenic ponds and even horse riding available.

The Hughenden is just around the corner from bus stops that go to Central Railway Station, Circular Quay, or Bondi Junction & Bondi Beach. It is surrounded by designer fashion boutiques, restaurants and cafes.

Paddington Reservoir Garden

On the Sunday morning I went for a stroll around Paddington and discovered the Paddington Reservoir Gardens, charming terrace houses, historic pubs & churches, delicious bakeries and tempting antique shops. (I had missed the famous Paddington Markets which are held every Saturday.)

On the Monday morning I explored Woollahra on foot and found many interesting cafes and grand homes, including one in Queen Street that Dame Joan Sutherland once lived in and is currently being restored.

There are several packages that can be taken advantage of at The Hughenden.

• They have a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast package which includes one night in a deluxe suite, dinner for 2 at Vincents, breakfast for 2 and a late check-out. (Bookings are required – phone 02 9363 4863.) 
• A High Afternoon Tea is served in the Vincent every Sunday afternoon from 2-5pm. You can settle into the Victorian lounge and while away the afternoon enjoying a selection of delicious treats specially designed by the Vincent team. (Bookings are required – phone 02 8039 1500.) 
• The Pampered Pooch Package includes accommodation for 2 in a pet-friendly guest room, secure onsite parking, special basket of treats for your dog, and your choice of a 1 hour walk with a professional dog walker or 2 hours pet sitting courtesy of Happy Pets. (Bookings are required – phone 02 9363 4863.) 

The Hughenden Boutique Hotel is a lovely place to stay when visiting Sydney. It has a special charm about it that is can only be found in this grand Victorian heritage building. The antique furnsihings and decor of the lounge and reading rooms made them inviting, warm and cosy. It was more more like staying in a large home than a hotel. I particularly liked the friendliness of the reception, breakfast and cleaning staff members, the location of the hotel in such a historic part of Sydney, and the warmth & cleanliness of my room and public areas.

Next time you are visiting Sydney and are looking for a special place to stay, consider The Hughenden Boutique Hotel. It magically combines the old world charm of heritage features with modern day conveniences. You will not be disappointed.

The Hughenden Boutique Hotel

Address: 14 Queen Street, Woollahra, NSW, 2025
Phone: +61 (02) 9363 4863
Fax: +61 (02) 9362 0398
Email: reservations@thehughenden.com.au
Website: http://thehughenden.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehughenden