Sitting at the foothill of oh-so-posh (and quite gay) Potts Point, overlooking the king-sized fig trees and bobbing yachts of Rushcutters Bay Park, the Vibe Hotel feels a little bit swankier than you’d expect from its prices. This is thanks to a late-2016 reno that saw rooms redone with dove grey carpets and jewel-toned soft furnishings, the expansive bar area and reception decked out in shades of grey, warmed up by potted plants and golden finishes. Now you’ll find locals and their fancy dogs chilling out at the paw-friendly terrace bar après-park walkies, and a mix of business travellers and tourist couples bustling in and out. The park really is a major asset here, ensuring many of the hotel’s 243 rooms and 15 suites have a leafy outlook, though you should call ahead and ask if you’re keen on a room with a view. At 22m2 the standard sized rooms are small but smartly furnished, with comfortable beds. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, and you can get simple dishes from the hotel’s Storehouse restaurant delivered up to your room 24 hours a day. That being said, if you stay at the Vibe, you’ll be a five minute walk up the hill from some of the best drinking and dining in Sydney – so only go for that cheese and ham toastie if it’s 2am and you’re too tired to leave the hotel. The big finish here is the rooftop pool, which directly overlooks the park and harbour. At the moment, the pool is open only to guests. If you ask nicely (and request plastic cups), they’re happy to let you drink a glass of chilled white wine up there.
Time Out tip: The hotel creates pre-packed picnic hampers, so if you feel like spending the day luxuriating on the lawn by the harbour, ask them to hook you up.