Permanent Vacation – Paramount House Hotel
Paramount House Hotel has redefined preconceived notions of hotel accommodation offering an experience unlike any other.
This conversion of what was formerly Paramount Picture Studios on Commonwealth Street in Sydney’s Surry Hills is a thoughtfully layered juxtaposition of old and new. One could argue that Surry Hills itself embodies similar characteristics of overlapping grunge and glamour. It is where Sydney boasts its most popular cafes, bars and restaurants, and there is something to be discovered around every corner in this charming yet bustling inner-city suburb.
The hotel is the work of Russell Beard and Ping Jin Ng, who are responsible for Rueben Hills café and roastery and Paramount Coffee Project, along with Mark Dundon, affectionately known as ‘The Dude’, creator of Melbourne’s beloved coffee roaster Seven Seeds. Delivering this vision is none other than Breathe, known for its exceptional work with an attention to social and environmental sustainability. Together, the team identifies what kind of interaction they want guests to have with the space and the surrounding areas and use this to guide the concept of the hotel.
The intention of the design runs hand in hand with the ethos of the whole establishment to immerse guests in the local culture without the feeling of being a foreigner, as a local would encounter it. That sense of belonging captures the essence of Paramount House Hotel.
By maintaining many areas of the original building there is a unique depth to the space that tells a story of its prior occupancy. Restoration of the original windows and ceilings gives context and history to the building. Existing brick walls that are left exposed are complemented by contemporary fixtures, terrazzo surfaces and a colour palette that is simply dreamy. The overall result is a well-balanced blend of industrial character and rustic charm, with luxurious touches and undeniable style.
Guests can enjoy the comforts of home with carefully considered details such as lush indoor plants and irresistible bed linens by Cultiver. Personal touches like the Studio Henry Wilson moulded bronze loose change holder, and locally sourced wine and cheeses that stock the minibar in each of the 29 rooms make this hotel experience about so much more than sleeping. Paramount House Hotel uses these gestures as an opportunity to showcase locally produced goods throughout the venue.
There is a fantastic range of conveniences on site such as Paramount Coffee House, Paramount Rec. Club, Golden Age Cinema, a fresh green grocer and the highly awaited restaurant Poly by Ester. However, if guests feel like venturing off the premise, the hotel staff will happily advise of any local eats or events worth exploring.
This collaborative effort to reinvent the typical hotel is a game changer in the world of hospitality. A hotel can be a place that guests have an intimate connection with. Paramount House Hotel is the creation of a community through beautiful design, great service, local products, and attention to detail.
