We are going to Sydney in February and had planned on making reservations at the Regent. Now we heard they have closed six floors and laid off some of the staff! Should we stay there or ANA or the InterContinental or The Sir Stamford on Circular Quay? We really want a nice harbor view and also good food where we stay. Location is also important. Many Thanks!

If location is the main thing for you then I would be staying at the Hyatt ( it is the Hyatt folks that is right on the water at the Rocks isn't it) That would give you views and the best location. The Sir Stamford is also in a terrific spot but I am not too sure about views - someone may be able to help there. The ANA has views but I am not sure about it as a hotel. The Sheraton on the Park is in the central CBD and is lovely. The Renaisance is very close to Circular Quay and has views too. Of the 3 your mention I would stay at the Sir Stamford myself. <BR>Hope we get some more ideas tho" <BR>Liz <BR>

Karol, if I were you I would think carefully about the Russell at the Rocks. It's just a few doors down from the Regent, if anything in a slightly better location, and it couldn't be more different from the Hyatt or the Regent if it tried.... it's tiny, and quite old, and terribly romantic, and if you look through the past postings on this board, you will see nothing but raves from the people who know it. Since it's only two storeys high, you won't get the views... until you step outside the front door, that is, and see that you are IN the view.... Harbour Bridge to your left, Opera House straight ahead, Sydney at your feet. Don't know about its prices, but because it is viewless and elevator-less, it may also be a money saver.

Karol, <BR> <BR>Not to confuse you any more...but we stayed at the Quay West( a 5 star apartment hotel) ...that has FABULOUS views. View from our suite included both Opera House and Harbour Bridge. <BR> <BR>You can email me direct if you want further info. <BR> <BR>

Thanks to all of you that have answered so far. I had also considered the Russell, but my husband wants A/C and an elevator. Also, Quay West is full for the four days that we will be there. Park Hyatt was a little high, so I am back to the Regent, ANA, Intercontinental or the Sir Stamford. Any more input from anyone? Thanks, Karol

Karol - <BR> <BR>I stayed at the Intercontinental in August and thought it was very nice. The room was quite large for a standard room, which was pretty cheap. The location is excellent and the service was very good. <BR> <BR>Martha <BR>

Martha, <BR>What did you have to pay? Did you have a view of the harbor? It looks like they have a wide variety of restaurants within the hotel according to what I have read. Was the food good? Thanks! Karol

Karol -<BR><BR>I paid $130 US per night at the Intercontinental for a standard room without a view of the harbour. I ate at one of the restaurants on the upper floor, which had a nice view of the harbour and great food.<BR><BR>Martha<BR>

Don`t know if you want to stay on Darling Harbour, but we called the Sheraton Hotel`s international number and got a harbour view room for $100. This is a 5 star hotel so it should be nice. There is good transportation from there.

Hi Karol, I stayed at the Sir Stamford on Circular Quay when it was the Ritz, and we loved the hotel and location. Views aren't that great, but the garden across the street is lovely. <BR><BR>Note - they Hyatt is beautiful, but it's at the tip of a peninsula, so you have to walk through the Rocks section anytime you want to go anywhere.

Thanks everyone, I think I have it narrowed down to the Regent or Sir Stamford now. Also, maybe the InterContinental if I can get a good price for a view. The Regent has also dropped its' prices, and the Sir Stamford has not replied back to me yet with their rates. Anyone else that loved any of these, let me know! Thanks!

Karol,<BR>We stayed in the Holiday Inn @ The Rocks and is was nice. Although I had forever sworn off staying at Holiday inn, this was a much better experience than ever before. The location is perfect, catty-corner from the information center, a short walk to Circular Quay, and very hot tub with nice view on the roof. Don't know the price 'cause we had a pkg. deal, but I would definitely stay there again.

Thanks Jill, I will check it out!

Hello Karol:<BR><BR>I know that for most people, accomodations are important. I, though, don't understand spending a fortune for a room that I'm not going to be in all that much. Views are nice from rooms, but I prefer to be IN the view, not looking at it from a hotel balcony. <BR><BR>The hotels you mentioned all seem very nice and posh. What is important in choosing where you stay is location. I would choose the Rocks because of its location and proximity to Circular Quay (where ferries depart). <BR><BR>That being said, the Hyatt is in a great location with romantic views...and it seems a bit less imposing than some of those high rise hotels. Don't worry about the food where you stay...there's plenty of good restaurants in the Rocks.

We stayed for 10 days at the Park Hyatt, and is my favorite hotel. We had a standard room, but still had a great view and the location is perfect. There are many reasonable as well as expensive restaurants to choose from. We walked by the Russell Hotel, and frankly it seemed to be nothing special. Also, in February you want air conditioning, as that is summer, and it can get warm and quite humid. Have a great vacation.

I want to thank all of you for your excellent advice! I can't wait for our trip in February!!