Sydney: main • sightseeing • beaches/sport • to
the NSEW Sydney Accommodation
Sydney has a wide range of accommodation, from luxurious 5-star hotels such as the ANA and Park Hyatt, to small budget-priced establishments offering the basics. Something to keep in mind though: even if you opt for the lower-priced accommodation, you are still going to pay a significant amount for the quality you receive, as is common in major cities. Caravan parks, for example, are rare, and the closest you will find is in North Ryde, about half-an-hour's drive from the city centre. Simply put, if you wish to stay in the heart of Sydney you are going to have to pay for it - there are very few short-cuts.
If you are after something a little different, Staying in Sydney by Sam Lynch provides comprehensive details of those 'tucked-away' establishments in Sydney which offer a unique alternative to mainstream chains and well-known accommodation venues. Rates are listed and assessed by the author so that you have a good idea of the places with facilities, service-levels and an ambience to match their price tag. The information gives a valuable insight into this niche market. Following is a selection of standard accommodation, with prices including the 10% GST, representing a double room per night, which should be used as a guide only. Establishments are listed initially by rating, and secondly from most expensive to least expensive (in terms of their base rate). Considering that prices increase frequently and without notice, listing hotels in this way will at least give you the best foundation for comparison. The telephone area code is 02.
Hotels 5-Star Even if you can't afford to stay in the places listed below, they are local icons in themselves, so if you find the time, have a quiet drink in the lounge or stroll through the foyer. The cocktail lounge of the ANA is recommended in particular for its panoramic views of Sydney from a stunning height; although here you will pay no less than $16 for a standard cocktail. Park Hyatt Sydney, 7 Hickson Road, The Rocks, 9241 1234. 36 suites, 158 rooms, licensed restaurants (including the harbourkitchen&bar, Club Bar, rooftop heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym - $600-5000. Sir Stamford at Circular Quay, 93 Macquarie Street, 9252 4600. 13 suites, 106 rooms, licensed restaurants, cocktail lounge, heated swimming pool, sauna, gym - $515-2000. ANA Harbour Grand Hotel, 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, 9250 6000. 40 suites, 570 rooms, licensed restaurants, cocktail lounges, heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym - $430-680. Sheraton on the Park, 161 Elizabeth Street, 9286 6000. 48 suites, 558 rooms, licensed restaurants (Botanica Brasserie and Gekko), cocktail lounges, indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, gym - $370-450. Four Points Hotel Sheraton Sydney, 161 Sussex Street, 9299 1231. 47 suites, 645 rooms, licensed restaurants, cocktail bars, Dundee Arms pub, gym - $315-340. Hotel Inter-Continental Sydney, 117 Macquarie Street, 9696 9000. 29 suites, 498 rooms, licensed restaurants, cocktail lounges, heated swimming pool, sauna, gym - $460-560. Quay West Sydney, 98 Gloucester Street, 9240 6000. 132 suites, licensed restaurant, heated indoor pool, spa, sauna, gym - $380-1650.
The Observatory Hotel 89-113 Kent Street, 9256 2222. 21 suites, 100 rooms, licensed restaurants, cocktail lounges, heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym - $420-670. "The Observatory is as good an example of a complete luxury hotel as can be found in Sydney. Located on the western edge of the Rocks area, the Observatory Hotel caters to every whim and caprice of its guests. ...The basement houses a fully equipped health centre including a pool with the most astonishing reproduction of the night sky. All the constellations are depicted by using optic fibres in its roof. The Observatory is essentially an opulently luxurious hotel of the first order, every detail of which has been meticulously planned and cared for, without giving any impression of rigidity." From Staying in Sydney by Sam Lynch
4-Star The establishments below are centrally located and convenient for self-guided walking tours of the city. All Seasons Premier Menzies Hotel Sydney, 14 Carrington Street, 9299 1000. 8 suites, 446 rooms, licensed restaurants, cocktail bars, heated indoor pool, spa, sauna, gym - $200-350. The Wentworth, 61 Phillip Street, 9230 0700. 29 suites, 384 rooms, licensed restaurants, cocktail lounges, gym, heated pool, sauna - $300-720. Sydney Hilton, 259 Pitt Street, 9266 0610. 28 suites, 585 rooms, licensed restaurants, cocktail bars, heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym - $260-400. Old Sydney Holiday Inn, 55 George Street, The Rocks, 9252 0524. 174 rooms, licensed restaurant, cocktail lounge, swimming pool, spa, sauna - $255.
3-Star The hotels listed below tend not to bear the frills and indulgences of the places mentioned above, but do provide you with good, clean accommodation, the occassional perk, and prices that are perhaps more reasonable for most travellers.
Harbour Rocks Hotel, 34-52 Harrington Street, The Rocks, 9251 8944. 54 rooms, 1 unique suite, licensed restaurant, cocktail bar - $220. Sydney Vista Hotel, 7 York St, 9274 1222. 120 units, 8 suites, pool - $160-270. Hyde Park Inn, 271 Elizabeth Street, 9264 6001. 6 suites, 85 units, licensed restaurant (closed Sun), cocktail lounge - $160. Park Regis Hotel Sydney, cnr Castlereagh & Park Streets, 9267 6511. 120 units, 8 suites, swimming pool - $170. Castlereagh Inn, 169 Castlereagh Street, 9284 1000. 2 suites, 83 rooms, licensed restaurants - $145-170. Lower Rating The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel, cnr Kent & Argyle Streets, The Rocks, 9251 4044. 9 rooms (no private facilities), licensed restaurant - $120-180 including breakfast. The Wynyard Hotel, cnr Clarence and Erskine Streets, 9299 1330. 14 rooms, restaurant open Mon-Fri - $105.
The Mercantile Hotel 25 George Street, 9247 3570. 19 rooms, 4 higher-standard rooms, spa bath - $100-130. "The Mercantile is an Irish theme pub that makes itself the centre of St Patrick's Day celebrations in Sydney and is generally a very popular night spot with tourists and locals alike. Being in the Rocks, the Mercantile is close to every amenity you could want, including shops, restaurants, the harbour, attractions and night life. ...Guests should be aware that the Mercantile's bar and night life and live entertainment all contribute to a delightfully rowdy atmosphere, so those seeking an early night with a book in bed should go elsewhere." From Staying in Sydney by Sam Lynch
Y on the Park 5-11 Wentworth Avenue, 9264 2451. 122 rooms - $135. "The Y has recently been totally refurbished and offers a broad range of accommodation from dorm to deluxe. The main benefit of staying at the Y for budget travellers is feeling safe. It is not a roach-filled dive near the beach, but a modern, clean, secure location that insists on civilised behaviour. Dorm rooms also feature single beds rather than bunk beds for extra comfort. ...Each floor offers large communal living areas including a TV lounge and mini-kitchen on each floor and there is a guest laundry. The Y is just across from Hyde Park, and is only 200 metres from Museum railway station. Public transport in the form of buses is also plentiful, but the central business district, shopping centres, museums, The Rocks and other attractions are all within walking distance as well. ...The Y represents good value, clean and secure accommodation in the heart of the city for travellers ranging from backpackers to business travellers, to families on holiday. Members of the YWCA get a 10% discount." From Staying in Sydney by Sam Lynch
Serviced Apartments
The places below are recommended for those who wish to opt for the extra space of an apartment-style room, and prefer a sense of self-sufficiency, even though the rooms are serviced in a fashion similar to hotels. High Rating Saville 2 Bond Street, cnr George & Bond Streets, 9250 9555. 180 units, gym, heated pool, spa - $245-1000. The Waldorf Apartment Hotel, 57 Liverpool Street, 9261 5355. 60 units, swimming pool, spa, sauna - $195-470. Carrington Sydney City Centre Apartments, 57 York St, 9290 1577. 20 units - $220-275. The York Apartment Hotel, 5 York Street, 9210 5000. 134 units, 101 suites, licensed restaurant, heated swimming pool, spa, sauna - $260-400 (suites $380-610). The Stafford, 75 Harrington Street, The Rocks, 9251 6711. 40 units, 21 suites, swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym - $240. Metro Suites on King, 27-29 King St, 9290 9200. 17 units, pool - $160-180. Lower Rating The Savoy Apartments, cnr King & Kent Streets, 9267 9211. 72 units - $170. Metro Suites on Sussex, Beehive Tower, 132 Sussex Street, 9290 9200. 32 units - $135-185.
Inner-Suburban Accommodation The suburbs listed here are within a 10km radius of the CBD. Staying in one of these adjacent areas will give you a feel for Sydney different to what you would experience in its centre. The fringe suburbs have their own independent ambience - from beach life to night life - which may appeal to the visitor who has already seen it all and is searching for an alternative. Bondi Beach (8km east of the city) High Rating Swiss-Grand Hotel Bondi Beach, cnr Campbell Parade & Beach Road, 9365 5666. 203 suites, licensed restaurant, heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym - $230-720. City Beach Motor Inn, 99 Curlewis Street, 9365 3100. 25 units, swimming pool - $140-200. Bondi Hotel, 178 Campbell Parade, 9130 3271. 50 rooms - $95. Lower Rating Bondi Beachside Inn, 152 Campbell Parade, 9130 5311. 67 units, licensed restaurant - $100-120. Beach Road Hotel, 71 Beach Road, 9130 7247. 22 rooms, restaurant - $90. The Alice Motel, 30 Fletcher Street, 9130 5231. 31 units, swimming pool - $100-120. Coogee (8km east of the city) High Rating Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach, 242 Arden Street, 9315 7600. 207 rooms, licensed restaurant, heated swimming pool, gym, tennis - $200-240. Coogee Sands Apartments, 161 Dolphin Street, 9665 8588. 81 units - $155-220.
Coogee Bay Boutique Hotel 9 Vicar St, 9665 0000. 52 rooms, Selinas Night Club - $90-210. "The Coogee Bay Boutique Hotel has been meticulously refurbished in contemporary mode and opened in 1998. Thoroughly modern, it is built with the business traveller in mind, and actively bids for the conference market. Business travellers will find special features such as in-room safes, private voice-mail, and modem connections for notebook computers cater to their special needs.
Decor is art deco styled, and rooms have a modern feel with shuttered balconies opening onto truly spectacular ocean views. Rooms are air conditioned and offer full kitchens and spa baths as options.
...The Coogee Bay Hotel is a well-known night spot and is very popular with the locals. It often hosts performers of international fame.
Coogee Bay Boutique Hotel offers a good alternative to the expensive city hotels with the added benefit of being pleasantly located at the beach. Business travellers won't miss any of the comforts or facilities that they would expect from larger hotels, are still reasonably close to the city, and stay in some luxury at a very reasonable price. Other travellers will appreciate the relaxed beach-side atmosphere which is less crowded than Bondi and not as remote as Manly."
From Staying in Sydney by Sam Lynch
Double Bay (4km east of the city) High Rating The Ritz-Carlton, 33 Cross Street, 9362 4455. 15 suites, 140 rooms, licensed restaurant, swimming pool, gym - $190-3000. Savoy Double Bay Hotel, 41 Knox Street, 9326 1411. 4 suites, 39 units - $120-190. Double Bay Bed & Breakfast, 63 Cross Street, 9363 4776. 3 rooms - $145-190. Elizabeth Bay (3km east of the city) High Rating Sebel of Sydney, 23 Elizabeth Bay Road, 9358 3244. 24 suites, 141 rooms, licensed restaurant, cocktail lounge, heated swimming pool, sauna, gym - $280-340. Gazebo Hotel, 2 Elizabeth Bay Road, 9358 1999. 11 suites, 395 units, licensed restaurant, cocktail lounge, heated swimming pool, sauna - $125-255. Seventeen at Elizabeth Bay Boutique Apartments, 17 Elizabeth Bay Road, 9358 8999. 35 units - $180.
Madison's Central City Hotel 6-8 Ward Avenue, 9357 1155. 8 suites, 39 rooms - $110. "Madison's is tucked away from Kings Cross by a matter of a couple of streets and is consequently only a few minutes walk from Kings Cross restaurants & clubs. This modern, 5 storey hotel is designed around a central courtyard full of greenery that greets you as you enter. All the rooms face into this courtyard, which is open at the top.
...There are doors interconnecting adjacent rooms, so family groups can be accommodated. There are also some suite style rooms that have a small separate lounge area. There is no public space such as a large lobby area, lounge or restaurant in the hotel apart from the room on the top floor where complimentary breakfast is served each day. Madisons stands out in its area as being a comfortable base to operate from for anyone in Sydney for a short stay, whether on business or pleasure." From Staying in Sydney by Sam Lynch
Lower Rating Roslyn Gardens Motor Inn, 4 Roslyn Gardens, 9358 1944. 29 units - $75-110. Kings Cross (2km east of the city) High Rating Millenium Hotel Sydney, Top of William Street, 9356 1234. 390 rooms, licensed restaurants, swimming pool, gym - $135 including breakfast. The Crescent on Bayswater, 33 Bayswater Road, 9357 7266. 44 suites, 67 units, Studebaker's Nightclub, brasserie and bar, swimming pool, fitness centre - $200 including breakfast. The Crest Hotel, 111 Darlinghurst Road, 9358 2755. 226 rooms, licensed restaurant, cocktail bar, swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym - $140 including breakfast. Kingsview Motel, 30 Darlinghurst Road, 9358 5599. 67 units, unlicensed restaurant - $75-110. Lower Rating Astoria Private Hotel, 9 Darlinghurst Road, 9356 3666. 30 rooms - $95. Cross Court Tourist Hotel, 203 Brougham Street, 9368 1822. 20 rooms, 2 suites - $80. North Sydney (4km north of the city) High Rating Rydges North Sydney, 54 McLaren Street, 9922 1311. 46 suites, 166 rooms, licensed restaurant, cocktail bar - $160-200. North Sydney Harbour View Hotel, 17 Blue Street, 9955 0499. 2 suites, 211 units, licensed restaurant, swimming pool - $230. Potts Point (3km east of the city) High Rating The Landmark Parkroyal Hotel, 81 Macleay Street, 9368 3000. 10 suites, 470 rooms, licensed restaurant, cocktail lounge, swimming pool - $195. The Grantham, 1 Grantham street, 9357 2377. 38 units, pool - $120-180. Macleay Serviced Apartments, 28 Macleay Street, 9357 7755. 80 apartments, pool - $110-150.
Simpsons of Potts Point 8 Challis Avenue, 9356 2199. 14 rooms, ensuites - $190. The stately home which is now Simpsons was built as the residence of a prominent and wealthy parliamentarian in 1892. The current owners, Peter and Barbara Farris, have meticulously restored the building which gives the impression of being a vast and very beautifully decorated home, rather than a small hotel.
The House is elegant without giving an impression of its age ... A comfortably furnished drawing room at the front of the house, and a lovely conservatory at the rear where breakfast is served all help to give it an atmosphere that lovers of history and historic houses will appreciate greatly. Rooms are generally very spacious and are likewise decorated and furnished beautifully ... All rooms are air-conditioned individually, as well as being equipped with ceiling fans, direct dial phones, mini-bar, and clock radio. Challis Avenue is a relatively quiet street several blocks away from the noise and lights of Kings Cross, and the house itself is drawn well back from the road, ensuring quiet. Simpsons is located at Potts Point north of Kings Cross station in a street close to the harbourside. Potts Point being elevated well above the level of the harbour, strolling about in the leafy street rewards you with magnificent views of the city and harbour. Potts Point is also home to a good many restaurants, and multitudes of coffee shops."
From Staying in Sydney by Sam Lynch
Rushcutters Bay (3km east of the city) High Rating The Bayside Hotel, 85 New South Head Road, 9327 8511. 99 rooms, licensed restaurant, cocktail lounge - $140-160.
Budget Accommodation Caravan Parks These tend to be in the outer suburbs, but are generally good value for money. The Grand Pines Tourist Park Ramsgate Beach, 289 The Grand Parade, Sans Souci, 2529 7329. (No pets allowed), 73 sites, unlicensed restaurant, barbecue - powered sites $25-35 for two, park cabins $60-120 for two, on-site vans $50-60 for two. Lakeside Caravan Park, Lake Park Road, Narrabeen, 9913 7845. (No pets allowed), 368 sites, playground, barbecue - powered sites $20-22 for two, park cabins $70-135. Lane Cove River Caravan Park, Plassey Road, North Ryde, 9888 9133. (No dogs or cats allowed), 216 sites, playground, pool - powered sites $20 for two, park cabins $65-75 for two. La Mancha Cara-Park, 901 Pacific Highway, Berowra, 9456 1766. (No pets allowed), 196 sites, sauna, squash, pool, playground - powered sites $20-22 for two, park cabins $64-69 for two.
YHA Hostels The following Sydney hostels are listed with prices for a double room per night. Central Station, 11 Rawson Place (corner Pitt Street), 9281 9111 - $35 Glebe Point, 262 Glebe Point Road, 9692 8418 - $27. Collaroy Beach, 4 Collaroy Street, 9981 1177 - $26. Pittwater, via Halls Wharf, Morning Bay via Church Point, (ferry from Church Point), 9999 2196 - $21.
