Sydney. Where to stay.

Old Jan 8th, 2017, 10:09 AM
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Sydney. Where to stay.

We will have 3-4 days in Sydney before our cruise late next year. We've never been to Oz before so am looking for an area nearby restaurants, shopping and other attractions. Area tips and properties appreciated. Budget up to $300.00 per night. Thank you.
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Old Jan 8th, 2017, 11:57 AM
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The most convenient is the area around Circular Quay and Hyde Park although the restaurants are spread out. Nothing in the central business district is more than a 15-30 minute walk. I really like the Sir Stamford for its comfort and historic charm; it is a block away from the Opera House as well as all transportation but none of its rooms offer views of the icons.
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Old Jan 8th, 2017, 12:10 PM
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That budget just might get you into a property near Circular Quay and The Rocks across from (and mostly in glorious view of) the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Go to Google Maps and look up Circular Quay. That's a hub of ferries, trains, and buses, with lots of restaurants and some hotels in the vicinity. Zoom in until you see business names, switch to "street view" and “walk” up and down the street, and to "satellite view" to get the lay of the land, and google the individual websites of any properties that look promising.

From there you can walk up to the Harbour Bridge and climb onto the Pylon that's open to the public - grand 360 views, highly recommended: www.pylonlookout.com.au

Then Google "Darling Harbour" - also by the water, on a bay, and offering numerous hotel and restaurant options also.

While in Sydney, make sure to take a daily ferry trip, just to somewhere and back:

To Manly for a walk to the open ocean beach along the pedestrianized Corso;

to Balmain Wharf then walk up Thames St to Darling St and walk East to the East Balmain Wharf where you pick up a ferry to go back;

to Cremorne Point (by Robertsons Point Lookout) then walk to Mosman Wharf - a lovely perambulation by the water (see http://www.wildwalks.com/bushwalking...man-wharf.html)

Pick the traditional open-deck ferries fore and aft and enjoy the breeze. Those ferry rides might well become the most treasured of all your future Sydney memories, and your camera will agree...
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Old Jan 8th, 2017, 12:29 PM
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Which cruise terminal does your ship sail from? If it is the Overseas Passenger Terminal which is near Circular Quay, then the Holiday Inn could be a good choice. It's literally a short walk to the cruise terminal.
Our personal choice is to stay at the Novotel in Darling Harbour. Five minutes walk to the waterfront and ferries, restaurants, shops etc. and ten minutes walk to the CBD. It should be within your price range.
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Old Jan 8th, 2017, 01:20 PM
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we stayed at the Rendezvous The Rocks, also very near circular quay; we didn't have a room with a view but apparently they do have some.

https://www.tfehotels.com/brands/ren...n=googleplaces

we had a room with a separate sitting room and kitchenette which was useful for breakfast and hot/cold drinks. There is a good laundry room, and breakfast but we didn't eat in.
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Old Jan 9th, 2017, 05:45 AM
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Thank you for the suggestions as this gives me area and property ideas.

Michel I love your idea about using google maps.

Marg not sure about what terminal the ship leaves from. Its the Ovation of the Seas to mainly NZ.

Ann your hotel looks promising.

I will try to find a hotel which includes breakfast but of course if the cost is impractical then forget it. The hotels we stayed at in Singapore already had it included so that was nice though that may be more common in Asia vs. Oz.

Cheers, Larry. .
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Old Jan 9th, 2017, 12:32 PM
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You can google cruise departures from Sydney and it should tell you which terminal your ship will leave from. Of course there are no guarantees that it will not change, particularly so far ahead.
I'm not familiar with Ovation of the Seas but think it is a fairly large ship so will probably leave from the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Otherwise it may get jammed under the Harbour Bridge. Smaller ships leave from White Bay Terminal and sail under the bridge, which is quite spectacular, particularly with walkers on top of the bridge. You almost hold your breath waiting for the ship's funnel to hit the bridge.
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Old Jan 9th, 2017, 01:45 PM
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Mega cruise ship Ovation of the Seas in Sydney:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/cruisi...ives-in-Sydney
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Old Jan 9th, 2017, 01:48 PM
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Thank again.

Actually its smaller than the Oasis class ships.
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Old Jan 9th, 2017, 02:31 PM
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Have been to Sydney several times staying at several hotels. When we stayed prior to a cruise around NZ on an RCI ship, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Old Sydney. Loved, loved, loved it. Great location. We walked to the Overseas Passenger Terminal, walked out our hotel door to the Saturday Market in The Rocks and swam at the rooftop pool with a view of the stunning harbor with a view of the Opera House. Quick walk to restaurants, bars, and Circular Quay. If you are up early, you can watch your ship arrive in the harbor!
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Old Jan 9th, 2017, 03:15 PM
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BarbAnn:
Thank you. I looked at this property and it ticks the boxes so to speak. It has good location, great views from the roof top, free wifi and a reasonable add on fee for breakfast so all in all pretty good choice.
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Old Jan 10th, 2017, 09:10 AM
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glad you liked my suggestion, jacket watch. Hope you have a great time.

to get there with luggage from Circular quay, it's easier to head south along the walkways until you come to slope to your left and then up onto the road and across, rather than take the direct route which requires negotiation of a few flights or steps - it's easier to understand when you're there!
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Old Jan 11th, 2017, 02:15 PM
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Ok. I was a bit taken aback at the hotel prices I saw until I realized most of the quotes were in AUD so that takes some of the bite out given the current exchange rate. I think 1 USD now = about 1.35 AUD.
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Old Jan 12th, 2017, 11:59 AM
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Also remember, related to Australian prices:

1. The price shown is the price you pay, inclusive of the 10% GST, if applicable. There are no "mystery taxes" slapped on at the cash register, as in the US.

2. You don't need to tip everyone who breathes.

3. It's Australia. Prices will be shown in AUD ( unless you are on an internet site and have selected the "USD" option).
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Old Jan 12th, 2017, 01:17 PM
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I am aware of the tipping practices, thank you.

As for the "mystery taxes" I'm well aware of what a final price can be!

Actually today I went to a local place to grab a sandwich to take out. You place and order and pick it up yourself even if you eat in. They don't have table service but when I used my cc to pay there was a tip question before you slid your card! Huh? A tip now for this?

We are used to tipping but only for table service, not self service. However all that is another issue. We are looking forward to our first trip Down Under.

Cheers, Larry.,.
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Old Jan 12th, 2017, 07:55 PM
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You may find a "tip" line on some of the restaurant dockets & screens here too, Jacketwatch. It's inbuilt software - feel free to ignore if.

"Final prices" are easy to determine here as they are advertised up front & on the price tag of every item. I mention the US system because it is different. Ours is s pleasant surprise to some who don't know our pricing practice. The reverse is true of those travelling to the US, who are unaware of their practices.

I hope you have s great holiday here, too.
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Old Jan 12th, 2017, 08:26 PM
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Thank you.

Honestly the Aussies we've met abroad have been pleasant company and our niece who emigrated there loves it. She is in Brisbane and we plan to spend a few days there too.

Larry. .
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Old Jan 12th, 2017, 09:55 PM
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I think Brisbane is a lovely city, sold short by some.

It's home to an excellent art Gallery https://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/,
Some very good restaurants & has an easy - going, laid back feel. The River winds through some beautiful suburbs ( take a ferry).

A visit to Lone Pine wildlife sanctuary is a must - even for locals like me, whenever u have s spare couple of hours up there.

Have a look at some of the iconic "Queenslander" houses around St Lucia, Indooroopilly & West End.

no doubt your niece will have an interestimg Itinerary mapped out for you.
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Old Jan 12th, 2017, 10:10 PM
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True. She and hubby are there now for 3-4 mos. so by the time we arrive next Dec. they will know a lot more.

I just like to get out, meet the locals and see sites and have a local brew. .
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Old Jan 12th, 2017, 10:40 PM
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My mechanic uses software that spits out a creditcard slip for customers to sign that has a line on it for tips. Some software company must have the monopoly on their software coming bundled with the CC swipers/readers machines.
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