W Hotel - Sydney ???
 

I just booked accomodations at the W Hotel in Sydney. It is quite new so I have not heard guest comments about this hotel. <BR> <BR>The area it is situated in is somewhat marginal area (according to Excite Travel). <BR> <BR>Can anybody provide me some insight as to their hotel experience there? Also, is the location ideal for travellers wanting to do a lot of walking (sightseeing, exercise, etc...)? <BR> <BR>Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated. <BR> <BR>Thanks.

Hello, Ro <BR>We have been to Sydney twice and both times stayed at the Wynyard Hotel about a five block walk from the Rocks. There you can book the DAY Ferry Pass and get out on the bay in every direction (BEAUTIFUL) for a very low one/ticked price. The Wynyard Hotel is a very nice highrise and the price was great, as well. Good luck and have a wonderful time. Enjoy all the wonderful food. Sydney is full of it! Great fish and chip and super views to be had by taking a ferry to Watsons Bay for a few hours. Walk up the GAP to view a surprise !!! <BR> Don't forget to climb the Harbor Bridge, and definately get out on the harbor on the ferries. It's great fun! <BR> <BR>To answer you question. Not familiar with the W Hotel. I would not recommend the Kings Cross area, generally. Look into a day trip into the Blue Mountains. Ask your hotel Concierge to recommend the one(s) that use small (15 or less guests) tours. It is so fun and beautiful and you do some walking along the ridge trails. <BR> <BR>Let me know what you find and have a blast.

Ro, <BR>The W has received rave reviews for his design, its interior, its rooms, and generally its location on the water. It has been criticised for its lack of customer service from its staff. The location is ok, it is not in Kings Cross, having said that it is also not close enough to the CBD to just walk into town - although a taxi fare would only be a few bucks. Depending on what you are paying , if it is top dollar , then there are hotels with better reputations for service and definately better locations (Regent, Quay West, Intercontinental, ANA, Park Hyatt to name a few).

Just back from Australia (4 weeks)and New Zealand (1 week) and would strongly recommenbd the Weatin Sydney. We stayed there for 5 days. Great location and an interesting site. (old post office) We paid about $240A. Initially we had planned to stay at the Russell in the Rocks for more money and were glad that we changed.

Laurie, I am glad you enjoyed your stay at the Westin Hotel in Sydney. Are the accomodations good? and were you able to find reasonably priced places to eat close to the hotel? Thank you for your help.

Acomodations were great at the Westin Sydney (a modern styled hotel with a good view). It's only about a 10 minute walk to the habour. As for restaurants, there are a couple in the basement of the Westin which are good and a great cheese store and coffee place. For lunch we went to David Jones (a department store) which has a great takeout food selection in their basement. For a splurge, we went to Rockpool (a restaurant in the Rocks) which was excellent. We also ate at Doyles on the habour one night. ( Great view but basically expensive fish and chips) There are also a number of restaurants on the wharf at Woolloomooloo Bay. (about a 15 -20 min walk) from the Westin through the Royal Botanical Gardens. We ate at one there but I can't remember the name. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps...Laurie

Laurie, thank you for the information - the Westin sounds just what I was looking for.

Hi Ro <BR>I am an Aussie from Bathurst NSW. I havn't stayed at the W but have seen reviews and they are consistent with previous posts. It is a very new hotel constructed on an old wharf jutting out into the harbour. Views on the eastern side would face the naval shipyards and I would be annoyed if I paid good money to look at grey boats. The Western side faces the city and gardens. it is not walking distance to the CBD unless you like a good long walk though taxis are plentiful and get you into the city for about A$10. <BR>If you do stay there, be sure to "dine" at Harry's Cafe d Wheels, which is located on the footpath just outside. It is a famous pie cart - have the pie with mushy peas and gravy - a gourmet delight!!! <BR>The Westin is very central and historic. Some friends stayed at the Ibis at Darling Harbour last weekend and it was good. Very well located to tourist areas and monorail connections if you dont want to walk. <BR>A good way to see the harbour is to take a ferry to Manly and walk down the Corso to the Beach. There are also many walks around the harbour foreshores. <BR>For beach walks, do the Bondi to Bronte walk. <BR>Enjoy your stay