I realize this is probably a longshot, but is anyone out there familiar with a property called Medina Executive Suites, supposedly a block from Coogee Beach? <BR>We're trying to arrange accommodations for the Olympics in 9/00, and are trying to circumvent the ridiculously overpriced package deals the American travel companies are trying to foist on us. The rate and web pictures look reasonable, but certainly could be 'creative advertising'. We've never been to Sydney and desperate to lock in a place to stay somewhere within a reasonable distance from the Olympic venues. <BR>Thanks for any input....

Chris, <BR> <BR>I live very close to Coogee and know of the Medina Suites. I haven't been inside but they look fine form the outside, are quite new and Medina have a good reputation. They are about 300m up from the Beach on Coogee Bay Road with all the essentials at their doorstep (supermarket, post office, banks, loads of cafes and restaurants, 2 or 3 good pubs, etc.) I'd be surprised if you could get a booking during the Olympics, though. For an aerial view of the location, try www.realview.com.au/ Choose "browse a suburb" and select Coogee. The yellow dot in the lower half of the picture marking St Brigids is very close to the Medina location. <BR>Coogee itself is a great location although the water will be a bit cool for swimming in September. The coastal walk to Bondi is spectacular. I reckon it will be great to escape to the coast during the Olympics. Coogee is not particularly close to the main Olympic Stadium which is about 20km west of the city. You will need to get buses or bus/train combination. However some events are in the eastern suburbs. The marathon passes by and the road cycling passes is very near to Coogee. It depends on what events you want to see as they are scattered throughput the city. Its about 20 mins into the city centre by bus from Coogee.

Great info, Matt! Thanks very much. <BR>We were able to get an amazingly good deal on a 2 bedroom apartment at the Medina Suites during the busiest part of the Olympics, which is why I have been skeptical. I feel much better after reading your post. We are primarily there for the Track and Field, which may be a bit of a hike away, but that's OK. Many of our alternatives were 15-30 miles out of Sydney at much higher prices. <BR>Thanks again!

Chris <BR>Do you have an email address or website for the Medina at Coogee. I can only find info on the one at North Ryde. How did you do your booking? <BR>Thanks

Susie: <BR>My credit card's travel service (American Express Platinum Travel) had a list of places they were working with, so I poked around to find out what I could on my own. <BR>Virtually everything in/around Sydney in the way of hotels was contracted out and never available to the 'general public'. The Olympics always work this way. Your options are 1)pay the exorbitant rates of the official ticket distributor/travel agencies (in the USA, it's Cartan Travel in LA) at so-so properties; 2)try to find independent properties, of which there are several, but usually out of the way and/or basic accommodations; 3)wait until the last 2-4 weeks before the games and pick up cancellation rooms at relatively desirable properties....believe it or not, this often works, but it can be a gamble. We got an outstanding room this way in Atlanta in '96. <BR>As for Medina, let me know if you can't find their # and I'll contact AMEX and get it for you.