This is no ordinary hotel, this is no ordinary bar – it breaks the rules of where reception, bar and restaurant start and finish. The formerly cavernous Raj Hotel has been transformed into a sparkling tree-lined Californian indoor laneway. The ‘LoLounge’ is filled with pastel pinks, blues, lemons, the odd flamingo and it’s buzzing. Why spend time in your room? There is entertainment from the boys at the bar and plenty of nooks to chillax in. Some couples are cuddled up on the sofas behind the bookcase, bigger groups stake the corner chair and bench seating combo.
‘Fantastic day’ is playing and now, it really is. You could chose to work out in the 24hour gym or do a lap or two in the pool but the feel-good atmosphere compels you to grab a menu and order up a storm kicking off with smoked garlic with crispy calamari. Follow it with roasted Thirlmere chicken dotted with peas and nut romesco along with a delicious ‘raw & cooked’ caprese with heirloom tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and baby basil busting with flavour from air dried tomatoes.
After a good night’s sleep, head downstairs for a breakfast smorgasbord of baked goods and fresh fruits. It’s time to prepare for reality. As you log onto the free wifi, the connection says it all – “OVOLO loves you”. And you know what? Chances are the feeling will be mutual.
Ovolo Hotels Woolloomooloo
6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo
Official website