Regents Court by Greg Clarke

Regents Court is a hideaway that has been run by the MacMahon family for 17 years. For a time owners Paula and Tom brought their five children up here. Not surprisingly, there is an intimacy that larger hotels can never match. This 30-room gem was built in 1926 as residential chambers for gentlemen and is redolent of New York brownstones. It is popular with artists including actors, dancers and writers.

Charming Paula and Bauhas chairs aside, an unexpected highlight is the wonderful roof-top garden. The soil was brought in via the cage door elevator and the two-part garden includes the Regent Court’s version of an olive grove. There are glimpses of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Food is not available in the hotel (though Paula still offers home-made muesli on request) but there is a free barbecue and many guests are fond of buying takeway from one of the many eateries in nearby Kings Cross, and dining in the garden which each evening is adorned with candles.

The rooms
There are three types of rooms: front, twin and standard. The four front rooms have bay windows. All rooms are studio apartments with kitchenettes and have at least one original artwork. For a place that hasn’t had a refurb for a decade or more the rooms, despite a little paint peeling from some ceilings, have warm, natural colours ageing with far more grace than anything by Wham! Some rooms have fold-down beds. One room is larger than all the others, has two bathrooms and is best for families. Plunger coffee is complimentary. All rooms are airconditioned with TV and DVD. All rooms have a shower; some also have bathtubs, so if you're keen on a tub, request one of these. A common sitting room has wifi access.