Hello <BR> <BR>Can you recommend a really nice (something special but not mega-bucks) hotel in Sydney, that is central to all the sights. Or can anyone recommend a suitable area, we will be travelling with kids and would like to walk safely in the evenings. <BR> <BR>Thanks.

Just finished a 2 wk trip to Oz, and in sydney, I would defiently recommend staying in the Darling Harbor area. It is a beautiful area, with shops, restuarnats, parks, and atttractions that are geared towards kids. There are several hotels in the area, All Seasons, Novotel,Ibis, Mecure, Furama; The Four Points Sheraton , which was formally The Nikko, seems like a nice choice.

I am also looking for a nice hotel in Sydney. I saw a description of the Wentworth in one website and it sounded OK. Has anyone been there, so they could give me an idea of what it's like? Thanks, <BR>Martha <BR>

Youdel, I have stayed at the Wentworth a number of times, and found it very satisfactory. It is located in the centre of Sydney which makes sightseeing very easy. The rooms and bathrooms are a good size and well maintained. I am sure you will enjoy staying there if you decide on it.

Sorry my reply about the Wentworth should have been addressed to Martha. <BR> <BR>Youdel, I would agree with the suggestion of Darling Harbour, as there is such a good selection of both hotels and things to do in the area.

Dear Youdel <BR> <BR>I'm from Sydney originally, and yes Darling Harbour is fine, but it is designed for tourists. Therefore commercial. I'd really recommend Paddington as an ideal area - a beautiful mixture of Victoriana and some late Georgian buildings, which is a partly residential, plus has good shopping, art galleries, museums, parks and views of the harbour. The hotel I stayed in when I was last home was called the Hughenden, a Victorian mansion with about thirty rooms. The staff were very polite, and the restaurant and cafe were both of a good standard. You will be about three kilometres from the city centre, but closer to the beaches in the bay and coast. (Sydney has good public transport however). To get a real taste for Sydney beyond the famous harbour etc., the initial neighourhoods give you a great indication of life in Sydney. This area is quite upmarket, but the price should be about right. <BR> <BR>14 Queen St, Woollahra 2025 <BR>(02) 9363-4863 <BR>www.hughendenhotel.com.au <BR>

<BR>We stayed at the Russell Hotel at the circular quay end of the Rocks a couple years ago & really enjoyed it. It's got a B&B feel & is probably much cheaper than the big international chains. Yes it is touristy area, but aren't we tourists?