The Ultimo: The world’s FIRST astrology hotel
I’m such a boring skeptic. I love checking my horoscope, but never really believe it. My sign is Virgo – the neat and organised worker bee of the Zodiac – and my boring, logical brain keeps reminding me how messy, disorganised, and thoroughly un-Virgo I am. Which is actually a pretty Virgo thing to do, now that I think about it.
So when I get the chance to check out The Ultimo, I embarrass myself (and everyone around me) with my enthusiasm. Yes, I want to stay at the world’s first astrology hotel. Maybe I can finally solve the mystery of why I’m such a terrible Virgo.
The Ultimo hotel, Sydney.
FYI, The Ultimo is also one of Sydney’s coolest new boutique stays. So that probably adds to my excitement;)
The world’s first astrology hotel.
Checking in
The Ultimo is in Haymarket, just a 10-minute stroll from Central Station. That’s awesome for visitors needing a convenient home base for Sydney exploring, and staycationers like me who live 15 minutes away, but pack like they’re going on a world tour. I don’t want to haul this stuff all over the city!
After only a few minutes of hauling, we’re checking in. We’ve got a courtyard room, and the girl on the desk asks if we’ve brought a pet. Guilt stabs me in the feels. The Ultimo is a pet-friendly hotel – a rare and magical thing in any CBD – and welcomes furry friends weighing 20kg or less. But we’ve left our fur baby home alone. Because she is a cat and cats do not live for adventure.
“Screw your staycation – I’ve got your bed.”
I (sadly) admit that we’re petless and the girl consoles me with some check-in goodies. There’s a Virgo-themed do-not-disturb sign (“Please Vir-go Away” – classic), some fortune cookies, and a cute little city guide for Virgos with recommended noms and adventures. She writes our room number on a business card, which includes a quote from Beyonce – another Virgo.
Wise words from Queen Bey.
We head upstairs to check out our room and – spoiler alert – it’s awesome. The Ultimo hotel is in a heritage-listed building, but the rooms are newly refurbed, giving them a cool city-loft feel. The king-sized bed is massive and glorious.
New York vibes
Then I spot it. The pet bed and bowl, all set up and ready to make me feel like a jerk. Why are you guilting me, pet accessories? Why?
Guilt fuel
Lucky for me there’s a happy distraction right behind them – double doors opening out onto a huge private courtyard.
Ours, all ours!
It’s a fantastic space, and I curse our luck for arriving on a rainy day (the first in weeks). If the weather didn’t suck, we’d go to the local Woolies or IGA (they’re both across the road, so take your pick), grab some cheese, crackers and a bottle of wine, and make our own rooftop bar. Today we make do with a selfie.
Out and about
If you *do* manage to drag yourself away from your secret courtyard (the struggle is real), The Ultimo is dawdling distance from all the city action. Check out the State and Capitol Theatres for must-see shows, Tetsuya’s, Indu, or est. for up-market noms, or Papa Gede’s, Since I Left You, or Hudson Ballroom for a cheeky drink.
We stay local to make the most of our temporary home. For some pre-dinner “exercise”, we head across the road to Market City for some cheap, innocent window-shopping.
“Just looking.”
But then…
“Shut up and take my money!”
Market City is a deceptive fiend. At ground level, it looks like it’s only markets – fun to poke around and easy on the wallet. But upstairs are outlets and sales that’ll suck you (and your credit card) in and spit you (and a brand-new wardrobe) out. No joke, within 20 minutes I’ve bought two new outfits, including a Review dress at 70% off. So much for just looking!
(Hey, did I mention Virgos are renowned bargain hunters? Maybe there’s something in this horoscope stuff after all.)
Surprise shopping sprees give you a serious appetite, so we stroll through Chinatown in search of food. We stop at China Town Noodle King on Sussex Street – a local fave recommended by Neil Perry. We figure if it’s good enough for a celeb chef, it’s probably OK for us. And we’re right. The handmade noodles and dumplings are soft and plump, while the hot-pot broth is rich and comforting. It’s not the prettiest dinner we’ve had, but it’s defs up there with the tastiest.
Scuse the lippy on the chopsticks. We started scoffing before I remembered to take a photo.
Noodle King’s servings are more than generous, but somehow we (bravely, nobly) save room for dessert. We head to N2 Extreme Gelato, a Chinatown institution. N2 has a rotating menu of classic and experimental flavours, which they mix and insta-freeze with liquid nitrogen right before your eyes (because ice-cream science is the most important science). My partner gets the Sparkly Sorbet, which comes complete with silver glitter. I get the Ferrero Reveal – choc-hazelnut gelato with a crisp chocolate-and-rice-bubble shell and a syringe of hot chocolate ganache. The healthy choice, you know?
Find someone who looks at you the way Cassie looks at ice-cream.
My stars
After an awesome night’s sleep in our glorious king-sized bed (have I mentioned how much I love those?), it’s time to check out. But the fun’s not over yet. I take home my complete natal star chart. It’s unique to me, based on my time, date, and place of birth, and personally compiled by The Ultimo’s in-house astrologer, Damian Rocks. And you know what? It’s kind of spot-on. My profile includes my sun sign (Virgo), moon sign (Aries) and ascendant/rising sign (Pisces), and goes a long way to explaining why I’m the world’s messiest Virgo. Damian’s personal message at the end – a brief note about what the stars say is happening in my life ATM – hits the astrological nail right on the head. Spooky!
Me in chart form
If you want to get your own chart done, just ask at the front desk when you’re checking in. They’ll need the date, time of day, and place you were born. Damian will do the rest 🙂
I’m no astrologer, but I have a prediction for you. Whether you’re following your stars, holidaying with your fur baby, or just looking for a convenient and awesome city stay, The Ultimo is gonna tick all your boxes. Check it out next time you’re in Sydney.
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