We will be in Sydney for 3 nights in late January
and we are looking for a clean budget hotel or guesthouse. Would prefer something under $100
and withing walking distance of The Rocks, Darling Harbour etc. Does anyone have any suggestions.?
What is the Kings Cross area like. I heard it's the red light district with numerous strip clubs, but it seems to have some hotels that are within my price range. Is the seedy nature of the area a problem?

Hi, Brian.

I've been to Sydney (@ 1996) , but don't think I can help you very much with hotels as we stayed with friends that we met in northern Australia.

I just wanted to tell you about King's Cross... I wouldn't really recommend spending nights in that area. We hit the clubs there (which are opened pretty much ALL night, by the way) and it was a very rowdy, rowdy area. Lots of police uniforms, drunks (from the bars), and transients. If you don't mind not sleeping, it would be okay. Definitely spend some time around there though as it is very interesting and legendary.

All throughout Australia (except Sydney), I stayed in backpacker accommodations that were suited for all ages. They were nicer than some hotels I've seen! They are extremely clean and you get to meet all sorts of people (but you don't have to if you don't want to - you can just hit the beach or whatever!). A couple of the backpacker places I stayed at rivalled the Holiday Inn, believe it or not. Any travel agent should be able to help you with this... if not, let me know and I'll see if I can scrounge up some old brochures.

Well, the previous message said: stay clear of Knigs X.
Dead right.
$100 wont get you far, however email me on
[email protected] and I might be able to recoomend something suitable

My wife and I honeymooned in New Zealand/Australia 2.5 years ago. While in Sydney we found a very nice hotel in the Rocks area overlooking the harbor. The Rusell Hotel is located at 143 A George Street - Telephone (02) 241-3543 Fax (02) 252-1652. If I remember, the cost was around $90 US per night. Undoubtedly, the cost has increased somewhat but the hotel is small and friendly and is idealy located. Feel free to fax me for more info on our trip or suggestions while in Sydney. Have a great time.

I would suggest the Ibis Hotel on Darling Harbour. Can't beat the location or value. The hotel is only 3 years old so is in good shape. I would always choose to stay there as the location is superb and so is the view from harbour view rooms. Rooms are around $120 Australian dollars per night, about $70-80 US. The hotel belongs to the Accor Pacific hotel chain, which is very large and of a good standard.

will be arriving sydney around 18 feb 98. can you recommend accomodations for wife and myself, both seniors. prefer private bath or ensuite. thanhs

I visited Sydney in September '97 and stayed in the Manhattan Hotel in Potts Point, about A$100, quiet and friendly, plus the Airport Bus stops right outside. It doesn't feel like it, but King's Cross is ten minutes' walk away and there are a number of good restaurants nearby, including "The Pig & Olive" which has great pizzas. There are buses down to Circular Quay, though it's a nice stroll especially if you cut through the Botanic Gardens.

By the way, if you don't want to take the Airport Bus there are privately run minibuses which will bring you right to your downtown hotel. It cost A$6 when I was there.

Going on a honeymoon to Australia in April. In Sydney our travel agent booked us into the Sebel hotel which I believe is near Kings X. I have concerns that it may not be in the best area and there may be better choices where should stay for a reasonable rate. Can anyone shed some light on this or offer suggestions?

G'day Michael, Kings Cross has a culture of it's own and not everyone feels comfortable staying there. Sydney is just the best city for a holiday and have been doing so for the last 20 years, not that we would want to live there (grin) My opinion is that you get the best experiences by basing yourself in Manly if you want to be free of city hassles, experience Sydney's beach culture,and be within commuting distance of the city. There is no greater view in the world than the ferry ride across the harbour between the Quay and Manly.Staying in Manly you get to see it each time you set out and you don't have to pay an exorbinant tour costs for sightseeing around the harbour.. When you arrive buy a Sydney Pass it is the best way to travel around using the extensive transport services of ferries, buses and trains. It will be cheaper and easier than using separate components. We never take our car when we holiday there, too many problems finding parking and we found we could get anywhere we wanted to sight see with our Sydney Pass.

Hi: <BR>I would love to find some good budget accommodations <BR>near Kings cross or Bondi Beach? <BR>Safety is a concern though....need safety boxes etc. <BR>I was also thinking about going to the <BR>gold coast Melbourne or Brisbane. <BR> <BR> Im the way to Sydney for the first time in about a week, <BR>Depends on how long I stay in Bali Indonesia. <BR>I have never been there before so I can t <BR>say If I'll want to stay more than a few days. <BR> <BR>I have heard many good things about Sydney . <BR>I am a rockin roll type guy and like good live music, <BR>blues and rock I was thinking about staying in Bondi <BR>beach area or in the city. I am also interested in the <BR>places to go for singles night life. best <BR>bars and stuff. best shopping? Is Kings cross area OK? <BR> I do like to party <BR> <BR>Can you recommned some good hotels to <BR>stay that are around 20-30 US dollars? <BR>I am especially interested in safety. hopefully <BR>ones that have websites or a good Australia travel <BR>website for budget travelers. Its easy to find expensive <BR>hotels on the web I see but not many people advertise the <BR> <BR>low end. I heard the rock hotel in Bondi Beach was a <BR>great place to see music. But is it a good place to stay.? <BR> <BR> <BR>I know just about everything about travel in the <BR>USA or Thailand so any questions are welcome here. <BR> <BR>Please email me Im on the road <BR>[email protected] <BR> <BR>Thanks <BR>Chris <BR> <BR>

Dear Peg: REad you e-mail on the board and thought you sounded knowledgeable about Australia. Making 1st time visit 7/14 - 7/26, with arrival in Melbourne and departing out fo Sidney.A package deal going in has me staying at the Swanson Hotel in Melbourne. Tour operator says its 4-star, but its not listed in Fodor's. I am familiar with Windsor, but a bit pricey. Will be there for an IBM exhibit at convention /exhibit center. Any knowledge of Swanson or good alternative? <BR>Thanks so much for yor help. I certainly appreciate it. <BR>Donna

I spent 2 months in oz backpacking round and stayed with friends in Sydney. Other backpackers I spoke to said to stay out of Kings Cross hostels and stick to Bondi or Coogee Beach ( highly recommended by most). You can easily get into town from there and you are right on the beach. Your best option is look in the Lonely Planet or Rough Guide to find a hostel for one night and talk to other travellers about alternatives or do your own investigation during the day.