I will be spending 4 nights on a first time visit in Sydney. Trying to decide on staying in the ANA Harbor hotel or the Sir Stamford. Anyone stay at either recently or know anything about them? Recommendations/opinions appreciated.

HI! The ANA is very good and be sure to get a harbor view. The Hyatt is excellent, in the Rocks, opposite the Opera HOuse. Also good is Quay West Suites. Seeing it's your first visit and for just a short time you'll enjoy a harbor view.

Hi, Valerie!<BR>Both these hotels are popular with people looking for close-to-the-harbour locations and hang the expense. The Sit Stamford is actually closer to the water, and has the added advantage of facing the Botanical Gardens... it's on the Opera House side of the harbour, close to historic Macquarie Street and the Art Gallery whereas most of the other hotels are on the Harbour Bridge side, near the Rocks. It's a pleasant building, but I think you'd have a better chance of a great view at the more-imposing ANA, which is a much taller establishment. The ANA is also closer to the shopping centre around the Rocks. So I guess it depends on what's most important to you... gardens and history, or shopping and a view.

We just returned from our first-time 3 week trip to Oz which included 6 nights in Sydney. We stayed five nights at Quay West Suites (Darling Harbor view room = looking at other buildings)and found it OK and the price was right. As a tourist, I would have liked to have been a little closer to Circular Quay to avoid the hike back to the hotel. (Even with the shortcuts through the shopping center, it was still a bit of walk) And the ANA is just &quot;behind&quot; Quay West in terms of Circular Quay.<BR>I would agree that the Sir Stamford would be a lot closer and is close to the beautiful Botanical Gardens and the museums and historical spots around Macquarie St. We found ourselves over around that area a lot, and still did not see all we wanted to over there.<BR>We stayed at the Westin our last night in Australia and while it is a wonderful hotel, it is better suited to the business traveler because of it's location. Taxi rides to and from the Westin take forever because of the traffic. <BR>

I just booked the Four Seasons (used to be the Regent). Just wondering how it's location is in reference to Circular Quay?

Hi Joan, the Regent (oops, I keep forgetting its the four seasons now!) is perfectly located for easy access both to Circular Quay &amp; the Rocks - its a very short walk to both.

Rick..we also spend 5 nights at the Quay West and loved it. Found the location to be no problem at all.<BR><BR>I do think it makes a big diffenece if you get a Harbour View room.<BR><BR>We had phenomonal views of both the Opera Houes and HArbour Bridge. Our huge terrace enabled us to eat outside with &quot;view to remember&quot;

I am amazed that RickK found Quay West to be 'a bit of a hike' to Circular Quay etc. I would have thought it was in an ideal situation.