Paul Camkin has announced completion of the repositioning of the handsome Camden Hotel, adding boutique accommodation to the old-school pub in one of Sydney’s major growth corridors.
Camkin, GM of Marlow Group, bought the pub in 2021 along with freeholder Estelle Kremer, taking over in September from Garry and Jim McGrath, who had owned it for nearly sixteen years.
The Camden occupies a 1,352sqm site adjacent to the 180-space Larkin Place car park, in the heart of town, offering a public bar and gaming, and the latest closing time in the precinct courtesy of a 2am liquor licence.
Camden – an historic town around 65 kilometres south-west of the Sydney CBD – finds itself at the epicentre of one of Sydney’s fast-growing urban corridors.
Upon taking control they swiftly remodelled the downstairs areas and gaming room, and lodged a development application for the unused rooms upstairs.
Previously the GM of Oscars Group, in 2009 Camkin entered a partnership with Jason Marlow on the Heathcote Hotel. It was later divested and the pair purchased the Coniston Hotel, which is still part of the Marlow portfolio.
Acquiring the Camden Hotel he always planned to refurbish the upstairs rooms, which had been dormant for 19 years.
“It was all very old-school,” Camkin says. “There was a fair bit of work in removing walls, putting new pipes in and new sprinkler systems.”
The outcome is Camden Hotel Suites, providing nine 4-Star rooms styled by architects Darren Mah Designs and Era Designs, with extensive input by stakeholders, involving Paul and his wife, Tania Camkin.
Each “character filled space” sports a unique, thoughtful design that honours the Victorian era, through tastefully restored heritage rooms combining classic charm with modern comfort. Several are adorned with restored original decorative fireplaces and original, operable double-hung sash windows.
There are seven rooms on the first floor, and two oversized rooms on the top floor, comprising a one-bedroom self-contained apartment sleeping six people, with ornate double barn doors separating the king bedroom and living areas, and a very large suite that accommodates four. Both upper rooms come with a deluxe kitchenette.
A fully serviced lift provides access to all levels, as an alternative to the hotel’s restored heritage staircase.
All rooms have ensuites, featuring custom vanities, premium fittings and rainfall showers, and luxurious AH Beard King Coil Executive mattresses, dressed with downtime high loft king pillows and all-season quilts. All the King rooms can be configured as twin King Singles.
Each room also has the expected modern conveniences, such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and smart lighting, and the convenience of ironing facilities, toaster, and tea and coffee facilities.
And to better ensure a restful stay, the rooms are fitted with operable acoustic windows and doors incorporated into elegant finishes and restored architectural details.
“The top two rooms have been deliberately geared toward bridal groups and that sort of patronage,” Camkin explains. “With eight churches in town, I’m sure they’ll be well looked after.”
The pub complements the model in its multiple bar areas, relaxed lounge, outdoor terrace and live entertainment, and function spaces pitching to birthdays, engagements and group events. The bistro serves up pub favourites, salads, seafood and share plates, plus a house-smoked BBQ menu and signature Hanging Skewers.
Wrapping up a makeover costing more than $3 million, the new boutique digs began welcoming guests this month.
“We originally purchased a thumping nightclub,” Camkin recalls. “We reworked the food and gaming operations, but always had plans for the top floors.
“There is a genuine shortage of quality accommodation in Camden, and now we have properly rounded out the hotel offering.”
