Travel tool Airbnb has continued to blossom since its beginnings. Following the introduction of Experiences, its latest expansion is the introduction of the world’s first hotel, available to book via the accommodation site. And, as luck would have it, it’s based in Sydney.

Little Albion will be the first hotel available for guests to book in its entirety (for $15,000) as a listing on Airbnb, or by its individual rooms. The boutique space contains 35-rooms and sits within Surry Hills on (you may have guessed it) Albion Street. But it’s hardly a hotel, it’s rather a lavishly designed guest house designed and developed by boutique hotel category 8HOTELS and builder and designer Connie Alessi.

The idea behind Little Albion was inspired by hotels throughout the ages. Specifically the ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) to the big box hotels of the 1980s. Recognising a growing market for personalised and boutique innovation in the accommodation world, 8 Hotels created a product that offered the luxury of a hotel, team with the ease and familiarity of an Airbnb. As a result Little Albion comes equipped with a knowledgeable team of Surry Hills locals, all who lived in the area for the past decade.

“With Little Albion we sought to redefine the modern hotel by catering to the needs of today’s luxury travellers, who want the authenticity of a local experience, alongside world-class boutique hotel service and amenities and the ease of booking it through Airbnb,” says CEO of 8Hotels Paul Fischmann. “Little Albion Guest House was developed with the same attention to detail that a homeowner has in creating their dream home, resulting in a truly one of a kind property, just like the homes you find on Airbnb. We’re big supporters of the Airbnb platform and are excited to be partnering with them.”     

“We want Airbnb to be for everyone, including hospitality providers that offer unique spaces and personalised hospitality,” says Airbnb country manager Sam McDonagh. “The Little Albion Guest House is a great example of a local boutique hotel that is opening its doors to travellers from around Australia and the world, offering guests more than just a bed for the night. Boutique hotels and B&Bs have long used Airbnb, and we are dedicated to continuing to work with hospitality providers across Australia that excel at offering the best guest experiences and live our mission of belonging.”

Little Albion Guest House
21 Little Albion Street, Surry Hills
airbnb.com.au/littlealbion