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Inexpensive Sydney Hotel that's Decent

I wanted to ask you all if you could recommend me a decent inexpensive hotel in Sydney. I am looking for something that can also offer us travel to different part of Sydney as well. Something that is well located too and safe. Thanks again!

Hi Nack, It really depends what you call inexpensive, we had a family room at the Marriott for around A$240 with Breakfast which we felt was reasonable, others would say its expensive but location wise for most of Sydney was ok. We are going again athis year and will stay in The Waldorf apartments it is even less here. Muck

Do a search on this site for previous information from Alan Jarman who was always suggesting a couple of very well priced hotels in a good area for about $80 per night - you might have to go back a couple of months though.

The Park Regis on Park St cost us AUD 121 a few weeks ago and was OK. Great view from 45th roof garden / pool. Pleased with location: about 15-20 mins walk North to the Bridge and Circular Quay etc, 10 mins to Chinatown and Darling Harbour, 2 mins to Hyde Park. So you're not just in the touristy area but get a better feel of the place. Felt safe. Check out our report under Advice on a 3 wk holiday if you're interested in what we did in 7 days.

Hi again Nack, Alan the resident Sydney Guru is not around so I have topped a previous posting "Sydney Apartments" for you. There are some good suggestions there. Muck

Hi, Nack! Alan hasn't exactly "gone away"... he is just reduced, sadly, to using the public library on a strict time limit instead of, as previously, his own computer, which is "on the fritz". Why not try the Criterion? Just down from the Park Regis, it's about $AUD65 a double a night, and is close to shops and transport. The only thing is, you'll have to share a bath, but it's not a well-known destination, so you may well have the bathroom to yourself anyway! Lots of money left over for sightseing. Good luck!

Hi, again, Nack! Sorry about the brevity of that last reply... the librarian kicked me off the computer just as I was warming up to the subject. Some more suggestions, in case the idea of sharing a bath is a bit too far "down market" for you: The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel is at the back of the Rocks, in a particularly pleasant part of Sydney that has escaped too much "gussing-up" for the tourists. It's the oldest hotel in Sydney, and charges $AUD180 per night for a double, with breakfast. Although I only know of one poster who has actually stayed there, the Waldorf seems good value, away from the Harbour (closer to Darling Harbour and Chinatown) but near the shops and theatre strip, and some Spanish restaurants. The rooms are, if I recall, about $AUD140 per night. The Russell is, perhaps, the best-located hotel in Sydney, and it's in a great old building to boot. You are only a short stroll from the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, and the ferries are virtually at your door. It's cheaper than most of the hotels in the area (but more expensive than those so far mentioned) because there's no air conditioning (unless you're coming in mid-summer, you won't need it, as those old walls are THICK) and no elevator (but it's only three storeys). You can find pictures of it on its web site if you do a google search. The Australia Hotel is also good value for money, and it is VERY close to the entrance to the walkway across the Harbour Bridge. It's also within sight of the Bridge Climb entrance. It offers bed and breakfast in a no-frills but genuine old Australian "pub" in an area that hasn't changed much in seventy years. Almost UNDER the Harbour Bridge is the Mercantile, a rowdy Irish pub which is full of character. It might be a bit noisy downstairs at night, judging by the crowds of drinkers who always seem to be clustered around, but it is smack in the middle of the Rocks, the most interesting section of Sydney, and only five minutes' walk from the ferry terminals. A bit further from the water, but right near the Wynyard Subway entrance is the Grand in Hunter Street. Built over the historic Tank Stream (so the sign outside says) they offer single rooms for $AUD90 a night, up to quads for about $130. And it's a nice, well-looked after, classy old building of about seven floors.Share bath, however! Finally, just near the Criterion and the Park Regis -- away from the water, but near the Town Hall and the best shopping areas of Sydney -- is the Coronation. I think their rooms are about $120 a night. Hope one of these will suit. Have a great holiday!

Try the Sydney Harbour Bed & Breakfast (or vice versa...Bed & Breakfast Sydney Harbour). You can probably score a room for $90 US per night and, of course, breakfast is included. It's next to the ANA (and a taxi stand) and only five minutes from The Rocks. Excellent deal!

The Park Regis mentioned above is fabulous value - even better than the price there. If you have an Entertainment Card, ask for that rate as they are in the program.

But..... has anyone got some comment about the Harbour Rocks Hotel. ?? We are contemplating staying there when we arrive Easter Weekend. Thanks, Deb

Deb, I've stayed at the Harbour Rocks, which has lots of charm and history - where else can you go and have your luggage hoisted up by a dumbwaiter? :) Of course, that's because it's a heritage site, so no elevators! That said, it's also close to a very popular pub, and depending on where your room is you may have that "built in alarm clock" when the recycling people come to throw all the bottles from the pub into the bins! :) Regards, Melodie Certified Aussie Specialist

A comment on the Waldorf Apartment Hotel on Liverpool St: We had a confirmed reservation guaranteed with a credit card, but were turned away when we arrived at 5 PM on a very busy Saturday night!