Sydney Hotels
$$$$ (over A$300)
$$$ (A$200 to A$300)
$$ (A$100 to A$200)
$ (under A$100)
The prices quoted above are the starting prices for a standard double room and include breakfast unless otherwise specified. The central Sydney area has a 10% accommodation levy, commonly known as the bed tax. This is added to the bill and included in the prices quoted here. Most hostel-type accommodation is exempt from this tax.
Luxury
Arguably the most boldly conceived of the newer hotels in town, BLUE (formerly W Sydney), acquired by Taj Hotels in 2006, occupies the renovated interior of an old loading wharf, jutting out into the harbour at Woolloomooloo Bay. Retaining the original exterior and many of the interior beams, the refit is an ingenious exercise in industrial chic, which sees a vast central atrium occupied by a bar, cafe and massive, obsolete conveyor belts - once used for loading bales of wool. Rooms feature sophisticated modern styling, while business travellers are well catered for with oversize work desks, ISDN lines and two telephones.
6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo
Tel: (02) 9331 9000.
Website: www.tajhotels.com/Sydney
Price: $$$$
For the best in boutique hotels look no further than the Establishment. Oozing with style and sophistication this is the place to stay if you want to mingle with the rich and famous. There are just 31 guest rooms, including two penthouse suites, distinguished only by their colour schemes. The more modern rooms feature warehouse ceilings, black floorboards and strong colours, while those favouring a more serene environment can opt for rooms with a softer paint palette. All rooms come with a business desk, mini-bar, and generous marble or bluestone bathrooms. Clubs, bars and restaurants are all on site including the award-winning est., the Establishment's fine dining restaurant.
5 Bridge Lane
Tel: (02) 9240 3100.
Website: www.establishmenthotel.com
Price: $$$
Occupying a unique position on the water's edge of Sydney's Harbour, the views from the Park Hyatt are unlike any other. There are a wide range of rooms to choose from all offering deluxe amenities including shoeshine, turndown, robes, gym access and 24-hour butler service. The hotel's restaurant, the Harbour Kitchen & Bar, offers incredible views of the harbour and opera house through floor-to-ceiling folding glass doors, and the Harbour Bar is well known for having some of the best panoramas in the city. The hotel also features a spa, fitness centre and fantastic rooftop swimming pool.
7 Hickson Road, The Rocks
Tel: (02) 9241 1234.
Website: www.sydney.park.hyatt.com
Price: $$$$
Moderate
Set within an 1830s Georgian mansion in the heart of Darlinghurst, the Hotel Altamont has seen many a famous face walk through its double doors, most notably Mick Jagger. But despite its star-studded guestbook, the Altamont represents excellent value. The boutique-style accommodation is fun and quirky. Instead of conventional hotel corridors, rooms here open onto a curved communal street and internal courtyards and a spectacular rooftop garden lend a sense of openness. Much of the furniture here has been custom-designed for the hotel and the smart guest rooms feel as though they should cost much more than they do.
207 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst
Tel: (02) 9360 6000.
Website: www.altamont.com.au
Price: $$
This no-nonsense hotel in the financial district offers the familiar Travelodge amenities for the budget-minded traveller. Rooms are workmanlike and feature a kitchenette with microwave and cable television. There are also five disabled access rooms. All rooms are en suite. The building houses the NSW Leagues' Club (guests gain automatic membership) whose four bar areas fill up with after-work revellers. The Quay is a five-minute walk away and Martin Place is just around the corner, although visitors should not expect any views apart from the central atrium's rather unconvincing trompe l'oeil mural.
165 Phillip Street
Tel: (02) 8224 9400.
Website: www.travelodge.com.au
Price: $$
Other Recommendations
The award-winning Kirketon is a byword for stainless steel, mirrors and conspicuous cool. Bright wall colours, stylish bathrooms and retro furnishings are the norm here, as are the fashionable clientele. The 40 guest rooms have been recently refurbished but still feature their trademark mohair throw rugs, designer toiletries, top-of-the-range linen and bathrobes so cosy you'll want to take them home with you. More dramatic renovations occurred on the ground floor, which was completely recreated to house the hotel's new restaurant, and bar, Kells Kitchen.
229 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst
Tel: (02) 9332 2011.
Website: www.kirketon.com.au
Price: $$
A vast 1960s semicircle of concrete, the Sofitel Wentworth was one of Sydney's first modern prestige hotels and is heritage listed for its space-age design. It is located in the heart of the CBD, close to key attractions such as the opera house and The Rocks. The hotel specialises in conventions: it can cater for up to 1,100 people in the function and meeting rooms, and an in-house audiovisual department offers state-of-the-art equipment including satellite teleconferencing. The charming guest rooms have been recently renovated and many of the 46 luxury suites overlook the courtyard garden. The lounge bar/restaurant offers morning tea and all-day brasserie dining.
61-101 Phillip Street
Tel: (02) 9230 0700.
Website: www.sofitel.com
Price: $$$
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