The Strand Hotel on William Street, Darlinghurst, has last year completed the final phase of its multi-level restoration of the 99-year-old pub with the new 17-bedroom, outstanding city views Kasbah Rooftop Bar and laidback interpretation of French cuisine, creating a boutique refuge in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, full of a mix of well-curated French style with a new touch.
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After PUBLIC, a popular hospitality group brought renowned chef Clayton Wells on board as the Group Creative Culinary Director in May 2023, he’s now in charge of making exciting changes to The Strand Hotel’s dining options. The hotel is getting a fresh look with the introduction of the Strand Bistrothèque on the ground floor and a brand-new rooftop bar called Kasbah, offering stunning views of Darlinghurst.
On the new dining direction, Group Creative Culinary Director Clayton Wells notes, “Since joining PUBLIC, I’ve been able to explore my range in not only the culinary realm, but further in experiences and full-venue activation which is what I’ve conjured at The Strand. Leigh and the team have the expertise to provide a renewed experience in food and service across Strand Bistrothèque and Kasbah upstairs on the rooftop. You’ll be able to make your day or night whatever you want it to be at The Strand, and we’ve got a few surprises ready and waiting.”
The Strand Hotel Review
The Strand Hotel feels relatively small and intimate. It has a bit of a boho Parisian aesthetic, and the overall vibes feel more chill than I was expecting in busy Willian Street. The interiors are contemporary and full of details. From crisp white linens to rattan beds and dark floorboards, you can book the room that best fits your needs and budget.
As soon as I checked in, to the Strand Hotel Deluxe Suite, I was transported to one small boutique hotel my partner and I used to visit in Nourmontier, France. The cozy hotel dabbles and mixes in French tradition and character.
The Strand Hotel offers an exceptional hospitality experience full of small details that makes a difference. I found it a great choice for travellers and locals looking for a boutique getaway experience that is actually hard to find in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. The hotel also offers a typical French Bibliotheque where you can sip Martinis or your favourite cocktail while reading a novel or watching a movie — which is my ideal —
Staying at The Strand Hotel feels like staying in a cozy Parisian hotel—that’s beautifully designed. The room I stayed in, had a very decent space, with a small area separate from the bed perfect for watching tv before bed, sipping and enjoying a relaxing time.
Kasbah
The rooftop of The Strand Hotel, Kasbah, offers guests a taste of Clayton Wells’ creative culinary but with a different setting to the Strand Bistrothèque at the Ground Level. The space is open for hotel guests and Sydney locals to soak up the afternoon sun while enjoying French Moroccan-inspired small grazing plates such as Yellowfin Tuna Crudo with piquillo peppers, Pistachio and Burnt Honey Pastilla, Spiced Tiger Prawns with ginger, turmeric and cocktails designed by the Maybe Sammy team.
The Strand Bistrothèque
Strand Bistrothèque is all French cuisine with a twist, making it perfect for late date nights. The new menu designed by highly regarded chef Clayton Wells highlights dishes such as Gruyere Cheese Soufflé and Whole Roasted Yellow Belly Flounder with Piment D’Espelette and Curry Leaves and Copper Tree Farm sirloin, café de Paris butter & frites.
I personally really enjoyed the freshness of the marigold & lemon dressing Oyster and the quality of the LP’s Saucisson Sec — I felt I was in France for a second — Also, taking inspiration from the charming neighbourhoods of the 3rd and 11th Arrondissements in Paris, you can expect soothing jazz and deep blues music, along with the enchanting sounds of Viennese trip-hop. Additionally, there will be weekly live music sessions featuring talented emerging artists from Sydney.
Why We Love The Strand Hotel
This 99-year-old building is the perfect example of how perfectly contemporary design elements fit together — Chic furniture, dark floorboards, and many details — Can lend themselves to a traditional space. The rooms are designed with elegance and a bohemian spirit. Upstairs, on the Kasbah rooftop, you can find beautiful Sydney city views alongside a menu of light French dishes and delicious cocktails. Also worth mentioning is its very reasonable room rates for Sydney CBD prices.
The Strand Hotel Address: 99 William Street Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010
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