Traveling with husband and 17 month old daughter in April. Would like to stay in a hotel or apt. that is located by the water, within walking distance of many attractions. Keeping in mind the accommodations have to take into account our daughter, does anyone have any recommendations?

Hi, Mary! You have a lot to choose from -- many of Sydney's most popular hotels are around the water -- so be prepared to receive lots of recommendations. I have heard a lot of favourable comments about the Russell at Circular Quay. It's a tiny place -- only two floors -- in an old building which is a tourist attraction in itself, and the location just couldn't be better... step outside and you are looking at the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Of course, because it's so small, you won't get the view from your room, but this may translate into a cost saving, too. Another hotel just nearby is the Holiday Inn at the Rocks... it looks just like a dozen others in the area, but its terrific location (and on level ground, probably important if you have a baby to carry around) makes it preferable to some of the others which are built on a hill. A last piece of advice is to stay away from Star City, which is close to the water but a long way from most of the attractions. Have a great time!

Last July we stayed at the Holiday Inn in the Rocks - it is a perfect location - shopping right there, the Bridge climb just down the street... good view from the roof (with pool and hot tub). When the travel agent told me she booked us in a H.I., I told her to change it because I had several bad experiences with H.I. She convinced me to stay there and I'm glad she did. If you stay there, go down the street for b'fast and the G'Day Cafe! It was good homecooking b'fast.

Your price range??

Just came back from 3 weeks in Sydney and New Zealand and had the greatest time. We stayed stayed at the Sir Stamford at Circular Quay which is located within walking distance to the Opera House, the Rocks area, the fery terminal and lots of other places. The staff could not have been nicer and the room was a delight. They didn't have a safe in the room, though. I think this is important - but it's up to you.<BR>