bookgirl

I will be traveling to AU for July from Canada with my son (14) and daughter (17). I have read many posts and can't decide between the Criterion hotel ($77, share bath) or the Sydney Central hostel (quad for $69). We will be staying for 4 nights (is this enough time to see the sights). We are not fancy folk - just want basic clean rooms, close to sights or easy to travel to them. Please help me decide. Thanks.

alice13

I'm not absolutely sure where The Criterion is but have a feeling it is closer to the waterfront than Sydney Central YHA. Have stayed at the latter.
It's often seen by b/p as a soulless place cos it is so much like a hotel. ie huge - 6 floors and new (now new-ish) and not the in-your-face sharing of public space you would get at smaller hostels. But your 14 and 17 year olds might feel more at home there - and it's only, a 20 min walk from Circular Quay (but longer coming back as it's uphill!!). Close to loads of bus transport in most directions, and a stone's throw from Central Stn.

bookgirl

Thanks Alice - I am leaning toward the hostel as my daughter will be turning 18 when we are in AU and will be travelling on her own after we leave so it might be a good experience for her (and relieve some stress for me).

Alan

Hi, bookgirl!

If you're planning lots of train trips to places outside of Sydney, you could scarcely be better placed than the YHA, as it's directly opposite Sydney Terminal Station. However, if you and your daughter plan to do any shopping, then the Criterion is in a honey of a location, and I think, without doubt, I would go for that. It's right near the Town Hall, a block from Hyde Park, a block from the Pitt St Mall shops, near the Queen Victoria Building, close to the Monorail stop and the subway, and a couple of blocks from the George St Cinema complex. It's not in a tourist area -- the crowds of people nearby are Sydneysiders going about their normal day out. I think it's a top spot, though the hotel itself isn't fancy (as you would guess from the prices).

bookgirl

Well, crap - I though that this would be an easy decision, we won't be doing a lot of shopping but want to see all the sights - thanks for all the great tips on sightseeing in your other posts, Alan - they are what I am using to plan our stay. I will contact the Criterion to see if we will be all in the same room for that price. Thanks again.

Mucky

Alan,
Ijust feel compelled to congratulate you on your phrase
"In a Honey of a location"
Fantastic. Never heard that before and it really cheered me up on a damp cold day here in Wales.

Thank you

Muck

Alan

It was great to hear from you, Mucky, but I never knew that the weather in Wales got that good! Must be Indian summer!

Mucky

Hey Alan,
You are mistaken.
We had a lovely day once...lol
The Indian summer is scheduled for sept 26th this year.
I hope I don't miss it !!


Muck