So good to find somewhere to get unbiased advice. We're leaving for a 10 day Pacific cruise in July to celebrate silver anniversary and staying in Sydney for a night before and two nights afterward (not necessarily at the same place). Trying to decide where to stay - hope to find somewhere fairly good for under $200 a night. Somewhere near to Circular Quay would be best. Have stayed at Rydges Jamison for work and that was nice but a bit exy.

Also looking for advice on places to eat, with a bit of atmosphere, but not too posh. Prob a steak place or seafood - have tried 'I'm Angus' a few years ago and thought it was good - not sure if it's still good. A cafe for breakfast would be good - didn't really like the Cockle Bay ones though.

Any ideas and/or advice welcome!

If you like Thai Food there is a resturant in the Rocks called Sailors Thai that is very close to Cicular Quay on George Street. It has a large communal table downstairs. The food was good as was the atmosphere.

Is that AU$200?

Yes AU$200. Coming down from Brisbane. Hoping to get somewhere with a bit of luxury but still friendly. Have been looking at a few places like Rydges, Wentworth but they're prob a little exy - rather save a bit for some nice meals.
The Sailors Thai sounds nice - few good reviews there. We like many types of restaurants e.g. Thai, steak, Greek and seafood. Coming from sunny Qld we do have plenty of good seafood places though.

Have a look at www.wotif.com.au, there are usually some good deals on accommodation.

There are zillions of restaurants around the Quay & The Rocks, most v.reasonably priced. Or for more "local" flavour, try King Street, Newtown. or Crown Street, Surry Hills.
Forresters (Hotel) does a very good, cheap steak (Surry Hills)

Plenty of great pubs in the rocks, all with lots of atmosphere and some with good food. The pizzas at the Australian (on Cumberland St, up the road from bridge climb) are good. Cook your own steak on the rooftop of the Glenmore hotel; and Harbour View hotel great location (literally under the harbour bridge - I haven't eaten there but looks good). Amo roma is a nice spot in the rocks - I've been there a few times (always consistent). Last time had the bbq seafood platter which wasn't cheap, but a mountain of food.
Another option for dinner places would be at king st wharf - the thai place (i-thai is good) the malaya is good. check out http://www.ksw.com.au/

cafe for breakfast ... not sure in the city. There's a couple in pyrmont I quite like - concrete and pen cafe. also you could something like a ferry ride to balmain (so many places) or go to surry hills or darlinghurst for bill's (foodies may know of bill granger's yummy treats).

not sure whether the renovations will be complete, but the york apartment hotel might be worth looking into. it's quite a good location, so maybe shoot them an email and ask about the renovation schedule. The Harbour Rocks hotel might be in the price range (esp if you can get a wotif type deal). it's right in the heart of the rocks and is quite nice. not as well known as some others. I'm sure i've seen the russell hotel recommended in these forums as well.

York apartments sounds good (will check that refurb is complete) and they have winter special of $175 per night. Sounds like the go for after cruise where a bit of peace and extra space would be welcome. Recent trip report from oliverandharry recommends the location and the friendly staff too (as well as a variety of info for second-time Sydney visitors).

Might splurge on a swish luxury place on the first night of the trip. Someone at work has recommended the newly decked out Sydney Hilton - only if I can find a good enough discount tho - otherwise Wentworth or Rydges. Does anyone has experience with any of these three hotels.

Another Thai place that has been recommended (Sydney seems to have quite a few good ones) is Thai Potong in Newtown. Has anyone been there?