Russell Hotel - Most Haunted Hotel in Sydney

Last time we were in Sydney we chose to stay in a hotel in the city. Located in historic buildings in The Rocks area of Sydney, The Russell Boutique Hotel at 143 George Street has boutique rooms across three historic buildings. We had a lot of choices for hotels in Sydney, and all were expensive - even the YHA was expensive for what you got. I think we found the best hotel - perfect location, great room, friendly staff and good amenities. We stayed in room 9 on the top floor of the corner building. It was a double room and we had an extra rollaway for Jonnie.

According to the hotel website, each room is different. Some rooms have en-suites, ours did not and we shared a bathroom with room 10.

The room was spacious, even with the extra bed, and the bed was very comfortable. There was an overhead fan that we used one night (we were there in October). There was only one chair for three of us but that was fine, we had the beds to sit on. We were surprised to have tea, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits and water provided each day.

A mini fridge with $$ drinks and $$snacks was in the corner of the room, with a kettle (and power-point) - this was the only thing we didn't like - there was nowhere to move the kettle to use it, so we just had to be extra careful when using it. We took the ironing board out of the wardrobe in order to put our suitcases in.

This was the view of Circular Quay from one of our three windows.

The present Russell Hotel was built in 1887. There is a sign on the building that says so. The hotel is built on part of the original site of a convict hospital that opened in 1788, and then a portable hospital. It operated until the 'Rum' Hospital opened on Macquarie Street in 1816. The area was then quarried as the sandstone was used to build many of the early Sydney buildings. In 1823 the land was leased to former convict Samuel Terry, a publican and merchant and businessman. He constructed three buildings on the site in the 1820's that were used as a public house and fostered his brewing interests. After the death of Samuel, the land was owned by his widow and other trustees until her death in 1858. In June 1861 the properties were purchased by William Reilly and he did some rebuilding. 1880 the property was purchased by Thomas Brennan and it was Thomas who built the present corner building, while continuing the licensed premises in the other two buildings. With the death of Brennan the property was sold to Tooth & Co. and remained  the Port Jackson Hotel until 1923 when the Government of the day wanted to reduce the number of licensed premises, it became tea rooms. The upper floors were used for accommodation and became known as the Russell Hotel in 1933. Perhaps the name came from the last publican W. Russell, but the origin of the name is unknown.

Over the years the three buildings have been used as public houses, brewery, taverns and possibly houses of ill repute. At different times it went under the names: Sheer Hulk Tavern, Patent Slip Tavern, Port Jackson Hotel, Whitworth's Cafe, Colonial Cafe, Singapore Cafe, Allens Cafe. Today the Russell Hotel is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register and is a warren of hallways and staircases.

It is a perfect location to explore the early days of Sydney (Port Jackson). It is a short walk to the Cruise Terminal, Circular Quay, Opera House, Harbour Bridge, State Records Office (if doing family tree and convict records) and of course the historic Rocks Area.

Because the hotel rooms run across three buildings on George Street, little court yards appear off some rooms.

Continental breakfast and Wi-Fi is included each day, and although we didn't need to use the wifi, the breakfast was great. Pastries, fresh fruit, boiled eggs, cereal, toast, juice, a variety of teas and percolated coffee.

The dining room - First Fleet Bistro - is at the back of the Fortune of War Hotel, and this is where we had breakfast each morning and one dinner. Dinner can be ordered in either the Push Bar or the Fortune of War and can be eaten in the pubs or in the dining room. We chose the quieter dining room.

.....and it is right next door to Star Bucks!

The hotel also has a beautiful rooftop terrace, that can be a little tricky to find in the rabbit warren of halls and staircases, but that's half the fun.

.... with a view to the Harbour Bridge.

There is also a sitting room with a TV and library of books and games.

It also has a small balcony where one can enjoy an apple from the reception room.

The downstairs bar - The Push Bar, has a variety of beers and cocktails.

I loved my Cosmopolitan

The other on site bar - Fortune of War, is very popular during the day and the evening. It is the oldest pub in Sydney, dating back to 1828.

The three story building is also heritage listed and still has the original wall tiles ceilings and timber features in the main front bar. The rest of bar is believed to be built in 1922, except for the back dining room where we ate, which is newer. The upstairs floors are part of the Russell Hotel. We found a seat and Peter had a beer tasting paddle and I had a moscato.

The Russell Hotel is believed to be the most haunted hotel in Sydney. I didn't look up any of thee ghost stories as I really didn't want to know while we were staying there, other than not wanting to be in room 8 at the back. You can read about the ghosts here, and here.

We loved our stay and would highly recommend this lovely hotel.