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30 September, 2024

Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney transits to Accor’s Handwritten Collection

By Grant Jones

Accor’s Handwritten Collection has revamped the five-star boutique historic Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney in Darling Harbour following its purchase by Shakespeare Property Group earlier this year.

The five-level sandstone and brick building features 90 guest rooms, with eight room types, over four floors, with four suites featuring panoramic views and penthouse options. It is the fourth oldest of 21 surviving wool stores in Sydney.

The design respects the building’s heritage with contemporary flourishes, allowing iconic features of the Victorian era; original ironbark beams and exposed brick, to tell the story of the site’s industrial past.

It sits on a 626sqm footprint on a freehold title and was offered for sale through CBRE Hotels Michael Simpson and Wayne Bunz in 2023. Shakespeare Property announced the agreement to purchase the Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo in April this year.

Apart from a rebrand, the hotel has also undergone four months of enhancements, including an overhaul of its amenities, guest experiences and a new food and beverage concept, with Roya l’Anson appointed general manager.

l’Anson has brought valuable experience from her previous roles within Accor, having started her career as a room attendant, she has progressed quickly through her 17-year-long career, and most recently led the 91-room ibis Sydney Barangaroo.

“Our goal was to create a hotel that not only reflects the vibrant history of the building but also provides guests with an unforgettable experience,” l’Anson, said. “We believe that the Handwritten Collection brand perfectly complements the hotel’s unique character.

“We are confident that our enhancements of Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney will position the hotel as a leading destination for discerning travellers. We invite guests to come and experience where history and bespoke service intertwine for an unforgettable stay.”

Intertwining the hotel’s Australian heritage with Spanish influences, a new dining concept is soon to be revealed. Formally Mister Percy, the transformation of this venue will embody the warmth and charm of Spanish culture, offering a snack-abundant menu reflective of the bustling side streets of Barcelona.

A reimagined breakfast menu will include a Sheepherder’s breakfast, a hearty meal of baked eggs and
potatoes, similar to what pastoral workers ate before starting a long day at work.

The iconic property is also set to benefit from Mirvac’s $2 billion Darling Harbour redevelopment.

The iconic property is also set to benefit from Mirvac’s $2 billion Darling Harbour redevelopment and from NSW Government infrastructure including the Pyrmont Metro train station.

New guests will receive a signature welcome gift in their room upon arrival, a keepsake designed to offer a personal touch linked to Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney’s heritage.

Mementoes will change throughout the year and will include items that act as a small reminder of the hotel’s storied history, such as a limited-edition lip balm, and a taster of Hartshorn Sheep’s Whey Vodka which was named Best Vodka in the World in 2018. Guests will benefit from London-based fragrance house IIUVO Soigné’s bathroom amenities.

Hotel Woolstore 1888 is a 10-minute walk from the Sydney International Convention Centre and the Sydney Lyric Theatre.

Launched in 2023, Handwritten Collection has a global footprint of more than 17 hotels across 11 countries, with two in Australia – Hotel Morris Sydney and Wonil Hotel Perth. Handwritten Collection is part of Accor hospitality group, which has more than 5,700 properties throughout more than 110 countries.

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accor Handwritten Collection revamps Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney in Darling Harbour following its purchase by Shakespeare Property Group.