We are going to be in Sydney for three days in late October 2015. I have a physical problem and walking hills is an issue. I understand the Shangri-La is up a hill, so that is out. My other problem is the cost associated with being in the Four Seasons, the Marriott or Inter-Continental locations.

We are looking for a good 4 star - not a 5 star - hotel in easy walking distance of the Circular Quay. I'm reluctantly okay paying $250 - $300 per night but not above that.

Supply & demand for prime positions in one of the most expensive cities in the world don't make for too many bargains. Circular Quay & The Rocks are top of the desired position list.

Additionally, it is at sea level and all of the hotels surrounding it are at least a slight rise above. The ShangriLa & Intercontinental are fartherest away and on more of an incline than the 4 Seasons & Marriott, which are almost flat walking from Circular Quay.

There is a small boutique hotel, The Russell, a few metres north of 4 Seasons, but I'm not sure whether they have a lift, or stairs only, if that would be an issue for you.

Past that, The Old Sydney Holiday Inn may suit you.

Behind the 4 Seasons, The Rendezvous may also be something to consider, although there is a slight incline if you go via the street opposite the MCA & left into Carrington street.. Steeper from the 4 Seasons' southern side.

Have a look at wotif.com.au & bookings.com - they will list property details & prices, although it's unlikely October prices will be firmed up yet. It's a busy month in Sydney, BTW - and Saturday nights are traditionally more expensive than the rest of the week.

Perhaps the Pullman Quay Grand might suit?

http://www.pullmanquaygrandsydneyharbour.com/

We stayed here for a couple of nights in January 2014 and I seem to recall the entry from Circular Quay was on the flat.

We had a type of 2 room suite/apartment (three of us) and the rate happened to be very good.
The service was average but the space was great.

It is not new and some might prefer rooms that have been more recently updated but the view was good!

we stayed at the Rendezvous - you could get to it the hard way via the steps, or the easy way via a number of ramps, which was longer but less strenuous.

reasonable rates and we had a room with a kitchen and living area which was nice and useful. They also had rooms with views of the harbour, a laundry, and a swimming pool.

https://www.tfehotels.com/brands/ren...ney-the-rocks/

I was going to say you could also walk through the 4 Seasons to get to it, Annhig - but couldn't remember whether there's a lift to the mezzanine level & didn't know whether the OP could manage the stairs if not.

I've not stayed there but often park nearby & always thought it would be a good location.

I had no idea that you could do that, Bokhara - just as well as we'd probably have stopped off for a drink or two that we couldn't afford!