We will start our trip in Sydney at the Four Seasons and will then travel up north for two weeks. We have one night back in Sydney before we depart. Any thoughts about staying in the Darlinghurst area? We are a young active couple in our early 30's. I was looking at the Medusa or the Kirketon.

Would Darlinghurst be more exciting after spending our first four days near the rocks? Or would you suggest we opt for a place like Lord Nelson Hotel in the same location?

Thanks,
Amy

A friend of mine stayed at both the Medusa and the Kirketon earlier this year. I can't remember which was which, but they said the cheaper one was awful - and I had to agree - it was like those cheap Indian hotels around Victoria Station on London. (Be useful if I could remember which one it was!) There was quite a difference in price.

Darlinghurst is sort of interesting, and quite different - not exactly my cuppa tea! And I got pulled up by the cops for making an illegal right hand turn and driving the wrong way in a one-way street, when I went to pick them up.! Who knew?!? Very confusing

I suppose it depends on what you want to do / see.

I am a reasonably regular visitor to Sydney and am in the same age bracket as you. When I'm in Sydney on business I stay at the Westin in Pitt St which has all mod cons, but the CBD is pretty dead at night.

Darlinghurst on the other hand is very lively at night and close to other areas with great restaurants and bars - Potts Point and Paddington. I would always try to stay in the neighbourhood if I'm there over the weekend. Be aware that the area can be quite noisy at night.

I have stayed at the Kirketon and was quite disappointed with my room. Having said that, my friend ended up with a fantastic room with balcony (instead of my view of a wall) for the same money. It might be worth investigating an "executive" room or something rather than the basic one on offer.

The restaurant in the Kirketon (Salt) is fabulous and there is also an excellent bar in the lobby.

There are lots of great cafes in the area (mainly on Victoria St and Dralinghurst Rd), my favourites being Latteria and Bills (an institution - located on Liverpool St).

Try a wander up Oxford St towards the Paddington shopping strip on a weekend morning.

I've not heard of the Lord Nelson so can't offer any help there.

Hi, amyw!

I agree that Darlinghurst would make an interesting change from the Rocks area, and my only reservation here is that it's not a terribly pleasant area... it's just far enough from the CBD to involve you in a walk, and not far enough for you to see a different aspect of Sydney. I think, if you would like a change, you should either try Wattle House in Glebe (a bit further out of the city, but much more pleasant than Darlinghurst; the restaurants are not quite as well-frequented by the tourist trade, so are less -expensive) or maybe Manly, where you'd have the pleasure of a great ferry ride and some pleasant walks around the ocean foreshores.

I have not stayed at either but lived in Darlinghurst..it is not scenically attractive but is ok. I think you would be better off there than Lord Nelson which is not so far from where you have arranged to stay first and is much older than the other places you mentioned. Darlinghurst is handy to town..one train station away. I agree Salt restaurant is fabulous and cocktail bar is very smart. The other place you mentioned is in Surry Hills..not as handy as Darlinghurst but not too far and is supposed to be good..it too is close to some very good restaurants. Hope it works out for you and that you enjoy your stay!

Thank you all very much for your feedback!

Amy