meet the sydney hotel with feel-good feminist purpose

There are so many benefits to staying at a hotel (like you don’t have to decode hectic lockbox instructions or deep clean before you leave) but there’s no denying they can sometimes feel a little soulless. That’s why when we at frankie find out about a beautiful hotel that gives all its profits back to supporting women-led community projects, we’ve simply got to preach about it! So if you’re heading to Sydney soon, here are some reasons you might want to keep the Song Hotel front of mind.

YOUR STAY SUPPORTS VULNERABLE WOMEN Every single cent of profit the Song Hotel makes goes to YWCA Australia – a national not-for-profit that has a 140-year history of supporting women. The hotel is actually operated by YWCA as a profit-for-purpose business, so you can sleep easy knowing your Sydney escape is contributing to providing housing for women, gender diverse people and their families. In 2024, YWCA Australia provided 125,000 nights of safe, stable and affordable accommodation; supported 5,870 people via the charity’s programs and services; and gave a home to 549 people. How cool that your holiday or staycation could help support this amazing and important work?PROXIMITY TO TREATS (AND TRANSPORT) Yes, it’s right near Museum train station which you can get to directly via airport train, but somewhat more important is how close it is to the famous macadamia, honey and thyme croissant from A.P. Bread in Surry Hills or the epic Thai breakfasts featuring congee topped with crab or bacon and eggs at BOON Cafe.

FEMINIST ICONS Would you like to stay in the Lee-Lin Chin room? How about the Missy Higgins one? There are nine themed rooms named after trail-blazing Australian women. There’s also rooms dedicated to Sia, Nakkiah Lui, Tina Arena, Bindi Irwin, Sally Rugg and Deborah Mailman. These icons were hand-picked as their work aligns with the mission of YWCA.

GREEN SPACE Looking at the colour green can improve mood and increase creativity, and there’s heaps of it at Hyde Park which is literally across the road. Read a book or sketch under the shade of a tree or laze about eating a picnic dinner, before strolling back to your room to digest.NEW SHOES FEELING No hotel-equivalent of worn-down soles or frayed laces here, the hotel was relaunched in 2024 following a complete renovation. It’s a 4-star hotel so things like comfort, soundproofing and blackout curtains have all been taken care of. Some rooms have a bath or private balcony if you want to live the luxe life.

BREAKFAST COMING IN HOT No matter which room you book, you’ll be guaranteed a complimentary hot breakfast assuming you don’t sleep past 10.30am (in which case you’ll have to forage for croissants like the rest of us). We’re talking the mainstays such as egg, bacon and sausages, but there’s also (cold) bircher muesli and fresh fruit if you don’t wake up feeling carnivorous. It’s all you can eat, so no judgement if five bowls of cereal is a morning must.

NO BANKS BREAKING When you travel sometimes you want to maximise the amount of your budget dedicated to activities! If that’s your travel style, there are small cozy rooms that come in under $180 per night. But if you want to spend a little more, there are larger rooms from $250 per night with nice views and big beds to sprawl out in.

ACCESSIBILITY ISN'T AN AFTERTHOUGHT There are six wheelchair accessible rooms at the Song Hotel. The rooms are spacious with easy-access amenities including a roll-in shower with bench because everyone deserves a comfortable stay.INSTA APPROVED Before you plonk yourself down on the hotel bed or unzip your suitcase it’s imperative that you take a quick snap for the ’gram before your snacks and shoes are sporadically distributed throughout the room. The fresh white sheets, warm lighting, wood accents and pops of green will make excellent envy-inducing story posts.

NATIVE DESSERTS AND WOMEN WINEMAKERS Got a sweet tooth or several? The on-site restaurant Song Kitchen has a pretty substantial lunch and dinner menu, but our top picks are the desserts featuring native ingredients. Wattleseed infused coffee brulee? How about a bush tomato and dark chocolate pudding? We’ll take both. Also, half the wine list showcases women winemakers or estate owners. No matter what you order 25 cents of every dollar you spend gets reinvested and contributes to the work of YWCA Australia, which supports women and their families.

This article was produced in partnership with our pals at the Song Hotel. For the best rates and to support the YWCA, book direct at the Song Hotel website.