reasonable price hotels in Sydney
Dec 7th, 2006, 06:01 AM
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reasonable price hotels in Sydney
Good morning. My husband and I plan for our dream trip to Sydney and Melbourne in March 07. We have never been there and are very excited. We are Senior citizen on a limited income and to pay for a hotel for more than $150.00 U.S. a night is difficult for us. We want to be in Sydney for 4 days and Melbourne for 4 days. Please help.
Dec 7th, 2006, 06:19 AM
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Hi PurpleRose,
I think you could find a hotel room for that rate, but you have to be realistic and consider where it might be located and what type of room it could turn out to be!
I'm in California, and I usually present this scenario to my clients --
"ask yourself what kind of a hotel room you could get in San Francisco for $150".
Right - you're going to end up far from any of the attractions you want to see, so you're going to have to "commute" into the city (spending time and money); or it will be an undesireable hotel, possibly in a neighborhood you don't want to be in!
However, if you're willing to stay outside the city or try to find a last minute special, you could find something in your price range. As your budget is so tight, remember to factor in 10% room tax as well.
Hope this is helpful!
Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
I think you could find a hotel room for that rate, but you have to be realistic and consider where it might be located and what type of room it could turn out to be!
I'm in California, and I usually present this scenario to my clients --
"ask yourself what kind of a hotel room you could get in San Francisco for $150".
Right - you're going to end up far from any of the attractions you want to see, so you're going to have to "commute" into the city (spending time and money); or it will be an undesireable hotel, possibly in a neighborhood you don't want to be in!
However, if you're willing to stay outside the city or try to find a last minute special, you could find something in your price range. As your budget is so tight, remember to factor in 10% room tax as well.
Hope this is helpful!
Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
Dec 7th, 2006, 06:32 AM
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Although we didn't stay in any of their properties in Sydney or Melbourne, we were pleased with the moderately priced Quest chain in other areas of Australia. Check out their website for their Sydney and Melbourne locations:
http://www.questapartments.com.au/
Another good resource is www.wotif.com, which lists hotel discounts 28 days in advance. You'd have no trouble finding good availability 28 days before your March trip. Explore the site now so you'll know how to use it, and pounce on some great rates when you're within the time frame.
(Hi, Melodie!)
http://www.questapartments.com.au/
Another good resource is www.wotif.com, which lists hotel discounts 28 days in advance. You'd have no trouble finding good availability 28 days before your March trip. Explore the site now so you'll know how to use it, and pounce on some great rates when you're within the time frame.
(Hi, Melodie!)
Dec 7th, 2006, 12:35 PM
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Best if we talk Australian dollars from now on, and US$150 is currently (and I stress 'currently') about AU$190.
I'd consider a self-catering apartment, and as Betsy suggests use wotif to score a discounted rate. I just ran a search and found quite a few within your budget. I searched on CBD (Central Business District, = downtown) properties, 1 BR, under $190.
I'm assuming you can do without bellboys, room service or an in-house restaurant. We've only ever used hotel restaurants for breakfast, or for dinner where there's no practical alternative - and there are plenty of alternatives in Sydney. Another plus is that you don't have to eat out for every meal - especially convenient for breakfast if you pick up a few provisions like fruit, yoghurt, cereals and bread.
It would be a good idea to get hold of maps of central Sydney and Melbourne and ask here for opinions on the localities of your shortlisted properties. There are no seriously unsafe areas, but as in any city some are less desirable than others.
Downtown Sydney and Melbourne are fairly compact, with (however Sydneysiders may whinge) good public transport. There are also some good near-city localities within a few kilometres of each city centre.
I'd consider a self-catering apartment, and as Betsy suggests use wotif to score a discounted rate. I just ran a search and found quite a few within your budget. I searched on CBD (Central Business District, = downtown) properties, 1 BR, under $190.
I'm assuming you can do without bellboys, room service or an in-house restaurant. We've only ever used hotel restaurants for breakfast, or for dinner where there's no practical alternative - and there are plenty of alternatives in Sydney. Another plus is that you don't have to eat out for every meal - especially convenient for breakfast if you pick up a few provisions like fruit, yoghurt, cereals and bread.
It would be a good idea to get hold of maps of central Sydney and Melbourne and ask here for opinions on the localities of your shortlisted properties. There are no seriously unsafe areas, but as in any city some are less desirable than others.
Downtown Sydney and Melbourne are fairly compact, with (however Sydneysiders may whinge) good public transport. There are also some good near-city localities within a few kilometres of each city centre.
Dec 7th, 2006, 07:08 PM
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You could try The Castlereagh Boutique Hotel in the Sydney CBD. The location in the centre of the city is excellent and I have stayed there many times and have no complaints. Spotlessley clean, nice restaurant & very friendly staff.
Dec 7th, 2006, 11:08 PM
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Hi Purplerose
Travelodge in Phillip Street, Sydney has rooms on wotif site that should fit in your budget. It's located in a quiet part of the city, but within easy walking distance of the harbour and central shopping area. We've stayed there and recommended it to many others; rooms are adequate, well looked after, and there's a restaurant on site if you want breakfast, dinner etc. Happy Travelling, Di
Travelodge in Phillip Street, Sydney has rooms on wotif site that should fit in your budget. It's located in a quiet part of the city, but within easy walking distance of the harbour and central shopping area. We've stayed there and recommended it to many others; rooms are adequate, well looked after, and there's a restaurant on site if you want breakfast, dinner etc. Happy Travelling, Di
Dec 9th, 2006, 05:42 AM
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Dear Neil_Oz: Could you please give your comments about these properties?
1.Travellodge on Phillip street.
2.Mardina Grand Harborside.
3. Castlereagh Boutique Hotel.
I know that many are out of my price range but with the help of Wotit website I may get lucky?
Didn't get to Melbourne yet but I will.
Thanks.
1.Travellodge on Phillip street.
2.Mardina Grand Harborside.
3. Castlereagh Boutique Hotel.
I know that many are out of my price range but with the help of Wotit website I may get lucky?
Didn't get to Melbourne yet but I will.
Thanks.
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Dec 9th, 2006, 01:13 PM
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purplerose - sorry, but I'm not really the person to ask about Sydney accommodations - I live in Canberra, a 3-hour drive SW of Sydney, and we mostly stay with family when we visit. We did stay at the Pacific Suites in Kent Street a few years back - pretty central, easy access to Darling Harbour - and I can recommend them, but I'm not sure if the name has changed since.
There are other regular posters here who'd be in a better position to comment.
From what I can see you should be able to get inside your budget using wotif, depending on what you see as your minimum requirements. I still think the self-catering apartment option is worth looking at.
For what it's worth, my wife travels to Sydney often on business and has never paid anything close to $190 for a room.
There are other regular posters here who'd be in a better position to comment.
From what I can see you should be able to get inside your budget using wotif, depending on what you see as your minimum requirements. I still think the self-catering apartment option is worth looking at.
For what it's worth, my wife travels to Sydney often on business and has never paid anything close to $190 for a room.
Dec 10th, 2006, 12:52 PM
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We stayed at the Ibis Melbourne in October, compliments of Qantas. I booked an extra night on wotif.com for $99AU and they threw in their (ample) breakfast buffet for an additional dollar.
It's not my dream hotel in terms of luxury, but it was fine for a few days. The location is great. It's very close to the Queen Victoria Market and to the Melbourne State Library, where they were very welcoming when we used the Internet there (free).
It's not my dream hotel in terms of luxury, but it was fine for a few days. The location is great. It's very close to the Queen Victoria Market and to the Melbourne State Library, where they were very welcoming when we used the Internet there (free).
Dec 11th, 2006, 10:22 AM
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Thank you to everyone for your help. I have more confident now that I have places to stay within the budget!
Now the foods! I am a "foodies" and always look for great foods to eat and food markets to visit(the farmer markets are my favorite). I am a cooking teacher and teach "Thai cooking" from my home. I am looking for places for great breads, fruits, cheese, coffee housees. Any advices?
Now the foods! I am a "foodies" and always look for great foods to eat and food markets to visit(the farmer markets are my favorite). I am a cooking teacher and teach "Thai cooking" from my home. I am looking for places for great breads, fruits, cheese, coffee housees. Any advices?
Dec 11th, 2006, 02:10 PM
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Hi Purplerose:
Here are a couple of links ...Sydney Growers Market at Pyrmont http://grabyourfork.blogspot.com/200...t-pyrmont.html
Melbourne: Collingwood Farmers Market is a real gem http://www.whitehat.com.au/Victoria/Markets/Farmers.asp
And, for a foodie ... here's the "Must Go" place ... Melbourne's Queen Victoria Markets
Queen Victoria Market, Corner Elizabeth and Victoria Streets, Melbourne, Victoria | Tel: (03) 9320 5822 | Fax: (03) 9328 2710.
www.qvm.com.au
These two Melbourne institutions are quite different - and something really special. I like to go to QVM really early, shop then have breakfast in one of the little cafes nearby. You can also have wonderful breakfasts (lemon pancakes was my last indulgence) at the Collingwood growers market.
In Sydney, the Growers Market at Pyrmont is in a particularly lovely spot, right on the waterfront, more or less behind Darling Harbour.
Here are a couple of links ...Sydney Growers Market at Pyrmont http://grabyourfork.blogspot.com/200...t-pyrmont.html
Melbourne: Collingwood Farmers Market is a real gem http://www.whitehat.com.au/Victoria/Markets/Farmers.asp
And, for a foodie ... here's the "Must Go" place ... Melbourne's Queen Victoria Markets
Queen Victoria Market, Corner Elizabeth and Victoria Streets, Melbourne, Victoria | Tel: (03) 9320 5822 | Fax: (03) 9328 2710.
www.qvm.com.au
These two Melbourne institutions are quite different - and something really special. I like to go to QVM really early, shop then have breakfast in one of the little cafes nearby. You can also have wonderful breakfasts (lemon pancakes was my last indulgence) at the Collingwood growers market.
In Sydney, the Growers Market at Pyrmont is in a particularly lovely spot, right on the waterfront, more or less behind Darling Harbour.
Dec 12th, 2006, 07:58 PM
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Purplerose, re food - David Jones Market St store, downstairs, across the road from the main DJ's (which is opposite Hyde Park) is brim-full of delicious gourmet foods and goodies. Do have a look at it. You can buy (expensive) food there, or eat at gourmet "snack bars". Good coffee, too.
I believe that Sydney's Fish Market is also worth a look - you take Sydney's one and only tram to get there, from near Central Railway or the Entertainment Centre at Darling Harbour.
I believe that Sydney's Fish Market is also worth a look - you take Sydney's one and only tram to get there, from near Central Railway or the Entertainment Centre at Darling Harbour.
Dec 13th, 2006, 07:55 AM
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There are a lot of hotels in Sydney that are available through Priceline. You can see which ones at biddingfortravel:
http://tinyurl.com/zhx3b
When you learn how to bid on Priceline, you will kick yourselves for not doing it earlier.
http://tinyurl.com/zhx3b
When you learn how to bid on Priceline, you will kick yourselves for not doing it earlier.
Dec 15th, 2006, 04:25 PM
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Prue,
Thanks for your tip about the Castlereagh - I will check it out on my next trip! Looks lovely!
<Waving to Betsey - hi yourself - email me and let's compare how we never got together in Sydney!
Regards,
Melodie
Thanks for your tip about the Castlereagh - I will check it out on my next trip! Looks lovely!
<Waving to Betsey - hi yourself - email me and let's compare how we never got together in Sydney!
Regards,
Melodie
Dec 15th, 2006, 06:25 PM
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Melodie,
I have stayed at The Castlereagh many times and am always surprised it does not rate more mentions on this and other forums. Especially since its location is excellent.
It is very well run - the rooms however are small so don't expect a lot of space - as are the bathrooms, but always spotless.
There is also a Bar area where light meals are served as well as a full restaurant in a beautiful old room which is well worth a look.
I have stayed at The Castlereagh many times and am always surprised it does not rate more mentions on this and other forums. Especially since its location is excellent.
It is very well run - the rooms however are small so don't expect a lot of space - as are the bathrooms, but always spotless.
There is also a Bar area where light meals are served as well as a full restaurant in a beautiful old room which is well worth a look.
Dec 16th, 2006, 12:00 PM
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Hi Purplerose
On our first trip to Oz we stayed close to the harbor at Quay Westand got a pretty decent rate on their website Mirvac hotels. It was all that you would expect it to be.
On our second trip we wanted to stay longer so we rented a condo and that turned out wonderful - had a separate bedroom, living room, small kitchen.
Wwe could not have been more pleased.
Neil has given you good advice - if you'd like do a google search on sydney apartments - that's how we found our place.
Funny thing tho - when we were in Germany a month ago I bid on Pridceline for our rooms in Berlin, Vienna, Frankfurt and Strasburg. For hotels - that was a good way to go. You bid the hotels in dollars which can be much cheaper than the euro. In Oz though you have to be careful to do the opposite!!
Have a wonderful time - we loved the country and its people and will go back again for our third trip.
On our first trip to Oz we stayed close to the harbor at Quay Westand got a pretty decent rate on their website Mirvac hotels. It was all that you would expect it to be.
On our second trip we wanted to stay longer so we rented a condo and that turned out wonderful - had a separate bedroom, living room, small kitchen.
Wwe could not have been more pleased.
Neil has given you good advice - if you'd like do a google search on sydney apartments - that's how we found our place.
Funny thing tho - when we were in Germany a month ago I bid on Pridceline for our rooms in Berlin, Vienna, Frankfurt and Strasburg. For hotels - that was a good way to go. You bid the hotels in dollars which can be much cheaper than the euro. In Oz though you have to be careful to do the opposite!!
Have a wonderful time - we loved the country and its people and will go back again for our third trip.
Dec 18th, 2006, 04:47 PM
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Thanks everyone for your help. Now, another question: Blue Mountain or Tasmania? If you have a choice of the two, which will you select? After reading the tour book on Australia I am torn between the two. I am from VA. and lived close to the Blue Ridge. Shall I forget the Blue Mountain area since it is similar to the Blue Ridge?(well without the Kangaroo.)
Dec 18th, 2006, 05:36 PM
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Hi Purplerose,
re: Blue Mountains vs. Tasmania
Well, the Blue Mountains for most visitors is a day trip, although you could certainly spend more time there if you wished.
Tasmania is a whole different thing - you could go for a few days (but added expense of flights or ferry), but to do it justice I'd suggest a week (or more) because it's fabulous!
Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
re: Blue Mountains vs. Tasmania
Well, the Blue Mountains for most visitors is a day trip, although you could certainly spend more time there if you wished.
Tasmania is a whole different thing - you could go for a few days (but added expense of flights or ferry), but to do it justice I'd suggest a week (or more) because it's fabulous!
Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
