It is not just the 12 rooms on the upper two levels that make this one of the best boutique hotels in Sydney. Frequented by glamorous local A-listers, Ravesi’s is also well-loved for the laid-back bar on the ground level and the oh-so-chic Drift cocktail lounge, restaurant and wine bar on the second floor. Designed by Dane van Bree in a breezy, elegant and contemporary style, each of the guestrooms has thick, chocolate-coloured carpet, crisp white linen, dark wood furniture and local artwork on the walls. Niceties include bathrobes, free wireless, flatscreen televisions and a well-stocked mini-bar (we love the tiny Belvedere Vodka bottle, martini glasses and miniature cocktail shaker). For a glimpse of Sydney’s body beautiful, the location across the road from the sands of Bondi Beach simply can’t be beat. Try to reserve one of the two beachfront rooms, which have double balcony doors that can be flung open to view of the Pacific Ocean and Bondi’s bronzed, bikini-clad locals sauntering around below. Our only one quibble is the slightly dated bathrooms, though they’re absolutely spotless.

What is a boutique hotel?