Where to stay in Sydney?

Where is the best place to stay in Sydney?

City of Sydney

Circular Quay, Sydney

If you don't have much time then the city is your best option as this is the easiest to get to and from. It's here that you will find the many famous buildings that create the impressive modern skyline.

If a central location offering access to the harbour views and city attractions is important to you, there are two hotels that would provide the ideal solution to your needs. The Four Seasons offers top-notch service for someone looking to stay somewhere really nice, and has many rooms that provide a simultaneous view of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. The Menzies is a little bit more soft on the wallet, has a real old style character to it, and is conveniently close to Wynyard station. Either would serve as an ideal base for a comfy visit to the city, and both offer excellent amenities and easy access to public transport.

Manly

Manly Ferry

My choice would be Manly as this gives you the perfect excuse to spend alot of time on the Manly ferry. I've been on the ferry countless times and have yet to get bored with the views.

Any hotel properties will generally be within walking distance of the beaches, and the area is teeming with guesthouses, backpacking hostels, luxury hotels, and many other types of accommodation.

Sydney Harbour

In a similar vein look for accommodation by the harbour with a ferry wharf nearby. Examples such Balmain, North Sydney, Mosman and Rose Bay are all good places to be based. Just make sure you memorise your ferry timetable or have a copy with you.

City Fringe

A good way to save a few dollars just remember to factor in the additional cost of transport, particularly if its likely to be taxis.

This would include areas like Surry Hills, Woolloomooloo, Darlinghurst, Prymont, Ultimo, Broadway, and Redfern. Lots of student shares and low cost options are available in these districts, though traditional hotels appear too. Can save on accommodation costs, and you can usually walk into the city within 25-45 minutes.

Eastern Suburbs

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is there to be seen but traffic in and out from the beach front can be a nightmare. Bondi Junction is a better option and has a train link. It is the gate to the eastern suburbs. Shopping and dining are major activities throughout the area and affordable accommodations are abundant.

Airport

Set in Southern Sydney near Botany Bay, the airport is not the most convenient location, but with abundant transportation and if you have a late or early flight it does make a viable option. Stamford Plaza, which is less than three kilometers from the terminal provides great services.

Northern Beaches

God's country. Distance might be an issue. No trains is another. Second trip location. This area is, however, a great choice for a day trip or weekend with a few bed and breakfasts, hostels, guest houses and serviced apartments available throughout the area.

Pittwater Youth Hostel

Just getting to Pittwater Youth Hostel is fun. Although if you have a heavy backpack less so. Travel up to Church Point in Sydney's Northern on the banks of Pittwater. Get the ferry across the water. Then it's a 15 minute hike up a hill through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. As for the accommodation:

"Hillside lodge nestled over Morning Bay in Ku-ring-gai National Park. This hostel is an easy escape from the busy city life of Sydney and ideal for groups. Attractions include bushwalks to lookouts and Aboriginal engravings, plus from the hostel you can see native birds, wallabies, possums and goannas." YHA

"Lovely hostel in an idyllic location, very friendly and helpful hosts" Catherine.

Visit yha.com.au for more details or phone (02) 9999 5748

Western Suburbs

History and nearer to Blue Mountains. You will miss out on Sydney Harbour. It is going to be a one to two hour commute back into the city though, especially in peak hour.

North Shore

Lower North Shore is fine - upper North Shore is very pleasant. Train Link can be problematic and Pacific Highway is colourful in a red, amber and green kinda way.