Review of The Kirketon, by Greg Clarke

The Kirketon became the darling of the uber-cool and fashion-forward when it opened in 1999, with its minimalist New York look in Sydney. Still popular for fashion shoots, it's a unique design hotel at decidedly unpretentious prices. A French-influenced restaurant and a bar promises sophistication and quality food.

The rooms

Recycled timber floors lead way to standard, premium and executive rooms. In the 40 rooms the carpets, either brilliant blue or lobster red, are made from Irish goat hair. There are 100% lamb wool blankets on the beds. There is plenty of metal about including a Knoll chair, and chrome on the desk. And there can be more attention to industrial/minimalist style than functionality - the kettles have to sit on the ground if you want to boil water.

But the folk here are friendly and there is a bonus for those travelling in a group of three - a rollaway bed can be added to the room at no extra cost for the third person. No charge for toddlers' cots either. Aveda products are standard and the passion-fruit soap is commissioned by the design hotel.