HotelChatter

What We Loved: The space, the newness, and the comfort. Little touches like the international power outlets (no adapter required!), the additional Molton Brown toiletries (facial oil, bath salts and a dental kit) and the Nespresso machine with real milk provided.

The bathroom is obviously a highlight, with a rain shower, the Jacuzzi tub, and enough space to burn some calories just strolling to the loo. The walk-in closet was impressive but we didn't really need to utilize it during a one-night stay.

Good to Know: Visitors to Sydney should be aware that The Darling is located in Pyrmont, on the west side of Darling Habour. It's only about a 15-minute walk into the center of Sydney, but the location does mean you're not necessarily in the midst of all the shopping and bar action like the other big hotels in town.

That said, The Darling is part of The Star casino complex, so there are plenty of bars, restaurants, shopping and entertainment at your fingertips. We got lost walking in circles trying to find the entrance to the hotel that is meant to be located off the casino floor (it was closed that night), but we all know that's the casino designers at work. (Stay! Gamble!)

The Star's recent renovation has added exciting food options including Osteria Balla, David Chang's Momofuku Seibo (where Leonardo DiCaprio was spotted while in town filming The Great Gatsby), and an outpost of our favorite Sydney restaurant, Golden Century (Chinese food to die for).

But there are also more affordable options in various food courts around the casino. And if you head outside, there's a supermarket located just across the street, where you can buy groceries and load up on Aussie essentials like Vegemite and Tim Tams.

Bottom Line: Overall, we're excited to see The Darling raise the bar in the Sydney hotel scene. We can only hope its up-to-the-minute design will inspire existing hotels to join the future and usher in some more brand new properties as well.

Rooms start at around $212 a night, with Jewel Suites like this going for around $357 a night.

Disclaimer: We stayed courtesy of The Darling while down under on a freelance reporting trip but all opinions expressed here are our own.

[Photos & Video: HotelChatter]