We are disembarking in Sydney from a cruise on 12/30/2010. I made our plane reservations home on the 1st, thinking it would be nice to spend a couple days in Sydney. I didn't realize that the WHOLE town is sold out for new year's! Does anyone have any suggestions of hotels or B & B's to try that might not be right at the harbor and, therefore, would have a room for two nights?

I understand your plight, but have you considered asking a Sydney-based travel agent to look for you?

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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

Or perhaps your cruise director/client relations manager may have some contacts with the major hotels.

There are, of course, many hotels away from the harbour which are not sold out. Those closest to the CBD will be much more expensive over New Year, as one would expect.

www.wotif.com.au will give you some idea of various accommodation options & locations.

The cruise line isn't being very helpful, which is a tad annoying. We don't mind staying out of the city as long as it isn't TOO far out. But not being familiar with Sydney at all, I'm not sure which direction to look. I'd be happy to use a Sydney-based travel agent. Does anyone have a good suggestion??

Hi Abbeau,

I'm going to assume that you didn't use a travel agent to book your cruise either, otherwise you'd he getting help from them....not only do the hotels book up far in advance for the holidays, many of the Sydney hotels have a required minimum stay of 3 nights or more -- this would be the case with anything around the Harbour area. I suggest you concentrate your search in areas that aren't close to the Sydney Harbour.

Sydney's a great walking city and there's good public transportion if you find something further afield.

Hope this is helpful!

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

We can probably give you a few pointers.

Here's a map of the CBD & immediately surrounding suburbs, with some accommodation options marked. Self-catering apartments are good options,too.
http://www.wotif.com/search/Advanced...1&viewType=all

Suggest you have a look at some of the properties & see what you like. Remember the prices shown now will not be the same at New Year.

Some places that my friends have liked:
Simpsons of Potts Point - http://www.simpsonspottspoint.com.au/

Kathryns on Queen - http://www.kathryns.com.au/
The Hughenden - http://www.thehughenden.com.au/rooms/
Albert & Victoria Court- http://www.bedandbreakfastnsw.com.au/victoriacourt/

Marriott Hyde Park - http://www.marriott.com.au/hotels/tr...arriott-hotel/

Serviced Apartments: Meriton World Tower &
Meriton Kent Street - http://www.meritonapartments.com.au/

Quest World Square - http://www.questworldsquare.com.au/


Another option is to stay in Manly - 30 minute ferry/ 15 minute fast-cat to the city. Or one of the closer suburbs - North Sydney, Cremorne, McMahons Point.

Sebel Manly Beach - http://www.mirvachotels.com/sebel-manly-beach

Novotel Manly Pacific - http://www.novotelmanlypacific.com.au/
Quest Grand Apartments Manly - http://www.questgrandeesplanade.com.au/

Cremorne Point Manor - http://www.cremornepointmanor.com.au/index.html

Park Regis Cremorne - http://www.staywellgroup.com/hotels/...rge-apartments

Harbourside Apartments McMahonsPoint - tp://www.harboursideapartments.com.au

Bokhara2, good on ya!

_______________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

Thanks Vic, it will give the OP a starting point, at least.

Of course we are pretty busy then, as one would expect, but they'll be able to find something. Just have to do a bit of research - and be prepared for the same sort of price hikes that happen in NYC, London, Paris, etc., at New Year.

I was unexpectedly in Sydney last New Year's Eve and found a room near the airport on my 3rd phone call at about 6pm. It was more than double the normal rate (and I'm a preferred status client with the group), but it was within walking distance of a party I was attending. Not having to find a taxi on New Year's Eve, being able to have a champagne or two & not worry about driving .... "Priceless" !

I hope you get something. I cannot offer much help I am afraid... I live in Sydney and I want to come down for the fireworks on new years eve but the hotels are so expensive, and many make you stay a minimum of a few nights. Keep hunting.

A lot of good suggestions, also look at Chatswood, there a few serviced apartments and will be dead as it's mainly Shopping / business centre

It's on a rail line and is only 15 mins to the city

Geordie

Here's the deal: Sydney has one of the most famous (and elaborate) fireworks-entertainment-party events for New Year's in the world so why didn't you know that? The Sydney planning is more elaborate than Times Square.

You likely need to take what you can get at this point and look broadly on a trip advisor type site for availability on your nights. You will also almost certainly get rooked because most places have minimum stay requirements that exceed your two nights and most will increase their rates by 100% or more for that time of year. The Sebel Pier One is likely booked to the hilt, but it only hiked its rates about 25-30% when I stayed there over NYE in '03-'04 and it is right under the Bridge.

We stayed in the Waldorf on Liverpool st 5 yrs ago which was reasonably ok.

I notice they have an apartment available but you need to stay 7 nights and the cost is $500 for 31st and $220 every other night.

This is a typical example of what you are up against.

You need to look further out, not sure what else to suggest.

Good luck
Muck

Yes there is no shortage of hotels in Sydney for your chosen time.
Here is a site that allows you to see the locations of hotels on a map, so you can be sure you are close enough to the action!
http://www.accommodationplus.com.au/...01&com=2011-01

Abbeau, where you able to find a hotel? You can also try your luck from this booking website, http://www.hotelssydney.com.au/