Hotel recommendation Sydney

GiJo

Will be in Sydney next October :j and would like recommendations for a hotel. We're in our 50's but are fit and active so don't mind if we're within walking distance of the popular areas (although I believe the public transport system is good?).

Good value for money is what we're looking for, mid-range/price. Don't want budget and can't afford luxury.

Thanks in advance.

Counting_Pennies_2

I would suggest staying in Manly, it is across the water, from Sydney, but a much nicer place to stay, and the ferry trip only takes a few minutes and you pass the opera house, which can never fail to impress no matter now many times you pass it.

Have you thought of a self contained apartment, which gets serviced a couple of times a week. It is much better than a hotel in terms of costs and you get much more privacy, as it is a flat not a cardboard wall hotel room.

We rented this apartment and it was incredibly central to everything, and just a few minutes walk to the ferry.
http://www.manly-seaside.com/apartment.asp?AptID=89&Phid=1

We ended up spending just as much time in Manly as we did Sydney. There are some lovely places to eat, and of course you can choose to have your breakfast at whatever time it suits having a kitchen of your own!

richardw

https://www.sullivans.com.au available through many agents aswell.

GiJo

Counting_Pennies - Hi, thenks for that. Hadn't thought about apartments but no reason not to consider.

richardw - have just looked at Sullivans, gets a thumbs up.

Thanks to you both

pjran

We were in Sydney May 06 and I think you'll find the ferry to/from Manly to Sydney takes at least half an hour each way and maybe double that by bus.
There are some very good travel sites on the web and guide books at the library might be worth having a look.
How long are you staying in Sydney?

Pj

GiJo

pjran wrote:

We were in Sydney May 06 and I think you'll find the ferry to/from Manly to Sydney takes at least half an hour each way and maybe double that by bus.
There are some very good travel sites on the web and guide books at the library might be worth having a look.
How long are you staying in Sydney?

Pj

We will be staying for 6 nights in Sydney, having spent 6 nights Cape Trib/Port Douglas and 4 nights red centre.

As you say, there are any number of websites/guides and the choice seems endless. But we try and go by recommendation if possible.

Counting_Pennies_2

pjran wrote:

I think you'll find the ferry to/from Manly to Sydney takes at least half an hour each way

Actually when I look back on it it probably does take about half an hour. I think the fact that I took in so much scenary makes it go so much faster.

When in sydney I found the boat travel so much quicker and nicer than by bus.

When you are in Sydney I would highly recommend a trip to the Aquarium, that was amazing, nothing in the UK compares. Also have a good dig through a Lonely Planet guide from the library to get an idea of places you would like to see, there is an abundance of shopping, beaches, experiences to do there.

I had a child under the age of one, so my husband and I took turns on some things, and I happily made way for him to do the bridge walk, which he said was amazing, but for me I am glad as I cannot do heights!

There is a lovely beach just round the corner from Manly, and there is also a great fish restaurant I think it is called Doyles, of which there are several dotted about Sydney, but I would suggest going to the one in Watsons Bay, the first location for a Doyles, try to book a table at the front of the restaurant, fab beach views. We got a bus there and a ferry back, Nicole Kidman lives in the area and the houses are lovely to look at from the bus.

Also if you get a chance to hire a car, a trip to Barrenjoey, in Palm Beach is also good. That is the location for Home and Away. There is a lovely place call Barrenjoey guest house which does a lovely meal, and also has nice rooms to stay if you fancy it. We were taken their by my sister in law who lived there at the time, she became our tour guide while in Oz and it was great to have her tell us where to go.

Hopefully the waffle above helps.

Counting_Pennies_2

Oh and don't forget to take in the Opera while you are there. Dress smartly, but no need for cocktail dresses, and have a lovely night out.

We saw the Mikado, which was fab

Thomsongolfer

If you look online you might get a good deal for the Observatory Hotel in Sydney- https://www.observatoryhotel.com.au

Ranked as one of the best and where I usually stay. Great location, in between Circular Quay (Opera House, Bridge) and Darling Harbour, with the Rocks down below. Really nice hotel with a superb spa if thats your thing. If you can get a good deal on it, its worth the money.

GiJo

Thanks to Counting_Pennies and Thomsongolfer for your suggestions. I know there's so much to see and do, we're gonna have to go back I'm sure.

martindow

I'll put in a vote for the YHA next door to the main railway station. Very good and cheap a few years ago. They have a good range of rooms (it's not basic dorms!). http://www.yha.com.au/hostels/details.cfm?hostelid=29
If you join the YHA you used to be able to get reductions at some places and on coaches. Manly is lovely for the trip on the ferry and walking back along the shore but over a few days you might regret the travelling time if you want to be in the city centre. If you want another day out I can recommend the Blue Mountains an easy day trip by train from Sydney.