We are really lucky here in Australia, as restrictions are slowly lifting our community is gradually and mindfully opening the doors and stepping outside in the sun (or rain as it’s been a rather wet couple of weeks).
My husband with his adventurous heart (typical German) is dying to find normality in being out and about and dreams of getting on a plane to visit his family in Germany. However, at the moment we need to find new ways of adventure. Adventure in our local wanderings and finding the hidden escape pockets of our own backyard. So, I grabbed his hand and took him on a staycation.
We got in an uber and drove across the Harbour Bridge to one of Sydney’s creative suburbs, Surry Hills, and checked in to the Paramount House Hotel. 
We stayed for two nights and fully embraced spending time in a new setting. As I WFH and have been amongst the same 4 walls the past few months, just being in a different space was a remarkable feeling.
With some amazing local restaurants within walking range (and open for take away) we ate our way through the weekend, starting with ChinChin on our arrival for dinner. Breakfast at Paramount’s own café 'Paramount Coffee Project' and a beautiful organic Italian place ‘Pasta Emilia’. I must also say a good bottle of wine may have also accompanied our dinners too.
During the day we walked the grungy streets of Surry Hills going off route and down the alleyways discovering hole-in-the-wall coffee shops and colourful terrace houses.
Being the month of May, the mornings were fresh, and the crisp golden leaves crunched under our feet from the Maple tree lined streets.
Back at the Hotel we found a corner in the plant adorned, concrete (and very cool) reception doubled as a café and sipped our takeaway coffees while flicking through the library of art and design books the hotel had on offer. This in itself reminded me of my love for design books and I instantly felt inspired while turning the colourful and perfectly detailed photoshoots each page visually showcased.
While the days were still lazy, just being in a new space and finding new things, we felt re-energized and so grateful. It was a perfect local escape that allowed us to reconnect, see our city from a new perspective and was just a bit of fun!
When the time is right, don’t be afraid to step out and discover the hidden gems that your local area and city may hold. You may be pleasantly surprised of what you come across.
Interesting facts about PHH.
The hotel is a conversion of what was formerly Paramount Picture Studios founded in 1940. To compliment this, it still offers a nightly film schedule in the underground arthouse cinema. Design mixed with history is key as the hotel has a juxtaposition of old and new, glamour and grudge - giving guests a taste of cultural escapism as well as an essence of history amongst the more recently developed cafes and restaurants.
Feel like this is the weekend escape for you? Find more information here.
