Appreciate any suggestions for a few hotel recommendations in Sydney. <BR><BR>First would be for modestly priced (3.5 to 4.5 star) hotels which would be in optimal location for sightseeing. <BR><BR>Second would be a moderately priced hotel in a "safe" location as a good place to stay before heading to the airport the next day.<BR><BR>Thanks in advance.

I like the Menzies Hotel in Sydney as you walk outside and there are the taxis and the busses and also you can just cross the road and take the escalator and you are down in the underground railway and can go anywhere.

My partner and I use Sydney Vista Hotel in York Street, on our regular weekends away to Sydney.. It's an easy walk down to Circular Quay, and a few blocks the other direction into the CBD shops. It's only a block from Wynyard Station. Last time we visited, we actually took the train from Sydney Airport to Wynyard, then walked 20 metres to the hotel. I'm not sure if the train from the airport is still working - you may want to check it out. The Vista is moderately priced, nice rooms, and there's a cafe downstairs. Although we used the train from the hotel to the airport last time, on previous visits we used an airport shuttle mini-van which wasn't too expensive, and they pick you up at the hotel front door. However, allow a bit of time, as they do go from hotel to hotel before leaving the city. If you are interested in the Vista, they have a website, from memory.

Go to www.wotif.com.au - have booked online many times and no problems. The Harbourside at Rushcutters Bay special is good value (King Bed V/good - Twin beds too firm. Pretty sure airport shuttle.

Jane,<BR>Some other suggestions are the Wentworth hotel which belongs to Rydges and can be seen on their web site - it is also well situated in the CBD and an easy walk to most attractions.<BR>Also a small hotel called the Castlereagh Inn in the city centre - it is fantastic value for its location but only 3 Star - very basic but clean and comfortable, with en-suites. It has its own web site - price includes room service continental breakfast and a newspaper. www.castlereaghinn.com.au -from memory.<BR>I have stayed in both hotels on a number of occasions as I live in rural Australia.<BR>Both of those hotels would have access to one of the Airport Shuttles.

We're heading to Sydney in a week and are staying a few nights at the Sheraton Four points, it's in Darling Harbor and my husband who was there in Sept loved it, the rooms with the harbor view were very nice, the food and sevice were wonderful. The location was very conveinent. Then we are moving a short distance away to the Goldsborough Apts, $140 Au for a one bedroom apt, bigger and cheaper, including kitchen and laundry. Great if you are staying for longer than a few days, we're staying there for 5 nights.It also has a pool and restaurant and transportation is outside the door. The discount site Liz mentioned looks good for last minute reservations and you can also use it to bargain directly with the hotel for advance reservations, asking if they can meet or beat the price on the discount site. From what I read I would stay away from the Kings Cross area. Serena

Jane, try the Russell at Circular Quay... a tiny little (only two floors) hotel in a very old building, and as you step outside, the best of Sydney is right there in front of you. Because of its uniqueness, the Russell may be a high-pricer, but you might think the experience is worth it, as it is as UNlike the big chains as you could possibly get.... and it is very well-regarded by contributors to this forum.<BR>For the moderately-priced hotel, you might like the Grand, which is almost opposite the entrance to a subway station, so travel to the airport is easy. (When I last walked past there, they had a special going, with rooms well under $100 Australian per night).

Just got back from Australia yesterday and stayed at the 4 points Sheraton on Darling Harbor. Got a room with a harbor view and it was so pretty we kept getting up in the night to just look out. Hotel is quiet, efficient and very nice. You can look out the window and there is the Aquarium and the Maritime museum. I called the toll free international number and got a rate of under $100 american. The number is 1-800-325-3535. It is convenient for catching buses, trains, etc.