We will be in Australia for two weeks in July. One week at the Sebel Reefhouse in Palm Cove and a few days in Sydney at Quay West. Any comments on either hotel? Also, how hard is it to get an upgrade on Ansett Airlines between Sydney and Cairns?

Ruth <BR> <BR>I cannot speak for Quay West, but we spent a week at the Sebel Reef House at Christmas. We loved it. It's like staying in someone's house. You are immediately made feel exceptionally welcome (even at 2am after a delayed flight). The rooms are beautiful - I would thoroughly recommend the verandah spa rooms. The food (especially the seafood) is excellent). But it wsa the little touches like the honesty bar that made the place special. You are genuinely treated as aguest rather than someone to be fleeced. The staff are also excellent. Barry gave us some superb advice on diving, car hire etc. etc. Any other questions - eel free to e-mail directly. <BR> <BR>Have a good trip. <BR> <BR>Anna

Ruth.. <BR> <BR>Quay West was fabulous....great location and superb accomodations. I'm assuming that you havvve seen their website. We almost stayed a t the Ritz. What a mistake that would have been. <BR> <BR>ARe you going to have a harbour view.,.,,it really is worth the extra cost. We have pictures taken from our patio of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. We were happy that we splurged on a Harbour view room. Our room faced the Harbour. <BR> <BR>When are you going? If you are getting the one bedroom harbour view..let me know.

Dick Yes we are getting a harbor view room. Do they all have balconies? We will be there July 7&8 on our way from Cairns to the Blue Mountains.

Ruth, <BR> <BR>All the harbour view suites have balconies. We were very <BR>impressed....kitchen had granite counters and 2 fridges...one as mini <BR>bar and one empty for personal use. The washer/dryer enabled us to <BR>recharge our wardrobe. Very large rooms. <BR> <BR>The suites start on the 8th floor I believe so that they all have <BR>views. At first we were disappointed to learn that we were only on the <BR>8th floor and not higher...but then we found out that our suite was the <BR>only one with a large outdoor terrace( maybe 450-500 sq ft)...with <BR>separate doors from the living room and the bedroom leading outside. We <BR>were pleasantly surprised to learn that it was all ours. W e ate <BR>breakfasts and dinner, one evening, on the terrace overlooking the <BR>Opera House and Harbour Bridge...it was fabulous..We were there in <BR>November and the weather was warmer than you will have in July...but we <BR>probably would have eaten with coats on just for the view. <BR> <BR>We absolutely loved the property...you will really enjoy it. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>Dick