Sebel Townhouse Hotel

The Sebel Townhouse Hotel, formerly a hotel in Elizabeth Bay, Australia designed by Lipson & Kaad for furniture salesman Harry Sebel, was constructed in 1963. It began as a small European-styled family hotel and formed part of the tourist precinct in and around the Kings Cross area of Sydney. It was claimed as one of the world's great rock-and-roll hotels.

By the mid-1960s the Sebel had gained an international reputation for its intimacy and attention. The hotel staff made a point of meeting any request, no matter how difficult, and their ability to turn a blind eye to the excesses and idiosyncrasies of guests made it a favourite haunt of entertainers.

Its tiny late-night bar became a favourite haunt of musicians and of stars of stage and screen, whose autographed photos lined the walls. During the day, throngs of teenagers lined up across the road screaming for their idols.

During the 1970s and 1980s, the Sebel Townhouse became the unofficial home of the Australian music industry. Australian artists rubbed shoulders with touring guests like Elton John, David Bowie and Dire Straits. In 1984 it hosted the reception of Elton John's wedding to Renate Blauel.[1]

By the 1990s Kings Cross had become more sleazy, and the Sebel's glamour had also begun to fade. New hotels had sprung up around the city, closer to the harbour's edge, and the Sebel could no longer attract the same kind of clientele.

The hotel closed in 2000; its building was turned into luxury private apartments—its transformation a metaphor for the end of an era in Kings Cross.

The Sebel Townhouse Hotel became the first Australian hotel to accept credit cards, and became very popular with celebrities.

In October 2015, the Sebel's lobby underwent refurbishment. New lounge furniture, tub chairs and armchairs as well as cube ottomans, allow seating for several groups or single guests.