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About Us

The Vulcan Hotel is a family-owned boutique hotel located in the heart of Sydney in Ultimo, where the city’s past and present meet. 

This heritage-listed hotel brings together old-world charm and contemporary comfort. Lovingly restored and thoughtfully furnished with modern facilities, the Vulcan Hotel preserves its 19th-century heritage while providing a comfortable stay. 

Enjoy easy access to all types of transport and many of Sydney’s best attractions and precincts, making it the perfect base for exploring the city. Explore features such as a serene courtyard, business facilities and in-house dining at Cafe Vulcan. 

The History of The Vulcan Hotel

The Vulcan is named after the Roman god of fire, a fitting reference to the area’s industrial past. It is usually associated with the melting of iron to make both weapons and agricultural implements.

Built in 1894, the Vulcan Hotel provided high-class boutique accommodation and drinks for travellers in the Sydney city district. Specifically, those who were involved with the storage of wool, shipping and the ironworks that were all in the vicinity of the hotel.

Over the years, the Vulcan Hotel has become part of the fabric of the local community. Formerly famous as a venue for jazz bands, it was also known as a great ‘watering hole’ for locals and students. The Vulcan is fondly remembered for both its bands and great atmosphere throughout the many years it traded as a pub/hotel.

A new chapter in the Vulcan’s storied past began at the end of 2002. Following a multi-million dollar refurbishment to the inside of this heritage-listed building, it now provides boutique accommodation in the city of Sydney today. The restoration preserved the building’s distinctive heritage character, while introducing contemporary comforts and facilities. 

All rooms are ensuited and equipped with their own facilities to make your stay as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.

In mid-2006, a new wing was built adding an extra 16 rooms, a brand new cafe, reception and courtyard. A lift was built into the new wing for convenient access to the upper floors.

In 2008, we won the City of Sydney Business Award for Best Boutique Hotel in Sydney.

More than 130 years later, the Vulcan Hotel continues to pay homage to its history. Its heritage architecture is an integral part of its charm, authenticity and identity.

Discover the story behind our iconic heritage-listed building with this photo journey through Vulcan's past - Visual History of the Vulcan Hotel

Our hotel is family-owned, by the owners Carole and Harvey Ord, who look forward to welcoming you to a bespoke stay within a beautifully restored piece of history at the Vulcan Hotel Sydney.

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We're proud to be a Traveller Review Award 2026 winner!

This recognition reflects the dedication, passion, and genuine care of our amazing hotel team, who work every day to create memorable and comfortable stays. A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful guests for your trust, kind words, and support. All of you inspire us to keep raising the bar. 

Here’s to many more great stays at our boutique Sydney hotel

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TripAdvisor Accommodation Award Winner – Vulcan Hotel

The Vulcan Hotel in Ultimo, Sydney is highly rated by guests on TripAdvisor and we are proud to announce the unique hotel consistently won TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence from 2016 - 2019 and the new Travellers Choice for 2020. Review what our previous guests have said and come find out for yourself why Vulcan Hotel is one of the best hotels in Sydney.

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Your Stay at Vulcan

Reception Opening Hours

Vulcan Hotel reception is open from 7 AM – 10 PM.

Guests arriving outside of reception opening hours are kindly requested to advise the hotel to arrange for a late check-in.

There will be a number by the hotel’s front door to call and our Night Staff on-site will let you in.

On Arrival 

The booking credit card must be presented at check-in, with a valid form of photo identification.

A $50 pre-authorisation on a debit or credit card for incidentals is required.

You can only make a booking if you are 18 years old or older. If you arrive at the hotel and are under 18 years of age you will not be permitted to stay alone.

Non-smoking Property

A room cleaning fee of $200 will be imposed on Guests smoking in rooms, as well as the $1,650 fine imposed by the Fire Brigade for False activation of the Fire Alarm.

Zero Noise Policy

Vulcan Hotel has a strict no party policy. Only the registered number of guests will have access to the room.

Car Parking

Secure car parking is available in the nearby UTS Car park in Thomas Street.

Vulcan Hotel Front Door

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