Need help with hotel choices...
In Sydney:
Intercontinental
Mariott Harbor at Circular Quay
Sheraton on the Park
In Cairns:
Hilton
Novotel
Sofitel
--> Looking to stay in places that are nice (we will be on our honeymoon) but that are also centrally located and within walking distance to most attractions, etc.
Also, can anyone recommend any hotels with similar characteristic in Port Douglas?!
Thank you!!!
Hotels:
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Try Mandalay Shalimar in Port Douglas. Right on beach, very short walk to marina or main street for restaurants, shops, bars, etc.
Marriott Harbour is the closest to the Opera House and the Rocks etc. Sheraton on the Park is in the midst of the CBD, close to the shops and also the northern part of Hyde Park. Personally I would stay closest to the Opera House because that's my fav part of Sydney. I've stayed in both, don't recall anything extraordinary about the two. With the Intercon it's also quite close to the Opera House and I think is just a tad more upmarket. I believe G Bush stayed there in September for the APEC summit. Sheraton is closer to places like Darling Harbour and walking to the Opera House would take about 15 to 20 mins.
There are some apartments hotels like Quay West and Quay Grand where you might score a view of the harbour which I think would be great for your honeymoon.
Check last minute rates on www.wotif.com for comparison and also check the hotel's own websites and discount sites.
We stayed at Marriott Circular Quay and thought it was quite nice...very typical Marriott and great location.
In Port Douglas we stayed at the Sheridan Mirage, and I thought this place was really nice, but didn't stay long (find my trip report if you're interested in my rain tree tour adventures). I know we will be back to australia and this hotel will for sure be on the list to go back to. In fact, I thought to myself when i was there, that this would be a nice place for a honeymoon.
In Cairns we stayed at the Hilton which was really basic. Our room was alright, nothing fancy, and could use a spruce up but my kids room right next door was renovated and looked nicer. Overall it's not luxury, but fairly standard. Right next to the casino and easy access to the esplanade and 'main stretch'.
Hope this helps.
We have only stayed in what I would call 'mid range inexpensive' places in Cairns. Good news is there are plenty of them.
We have seen and gone in to some of the 'better' hotels. The Hotel Cairns I guess is probably 4 star, that has character. Rydes Tradewinds has sea view rooms with balconies which should be nice when on honeymoon.