Accommodation
The gateway to Australia, Sydney is a sprawling city that requires some travelling to see its attractions. Here are the best areas in the city to stay and be close to public transport. What's more, accommodation prices are high, in line with the rest of the country. Here's where to stay in Sydney.
Where to stay in Sydney: neighbourhoods and hotels
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD)
This is Sydney's business nerve centre and hub for transport, shops, malls, large hotels and office buildings. From here you can walk to The Rocks, the Opera House and Darling Harbour, and it's easy to catch the ferry to Maily Beach and the bus or train to Bondi Beach.
For a comprehensive listing of all the top places to stay in Sydney's Central Business District, why not check out this comprehensive directory of Sydney hotels at http://www.newsouthwaleshotels.net/en/sydney-hotels-30285/. It's the perfect tool to help you find the best option to fit your preferences and budget.
Veriu Central (from US$ 132): good location (easy to get to Surry Hills too), stylish lobby, cute rooms, ok price.
Hyatt Regency (from US$ 174): qualities of this good chain and one of the best rooftop bars in town, overlooking the bay.
QT (from US$ 380): it has a cool design, different staff, rooms with stylish bathtubs and a top restaurant.
THE ROCKS AND CIRCULAR QUAY
Almost the same characteristics as the CBD: super central and charming area, close to good museums, restaurants, the harbour and the Circular Quay ferry and metro hub. You can get to all the city's main attractions (Opera House, Notanic Gardens, Harbour Bridge) on foot and choose between some good five-star hotels.
Sydney Harbour YHA (from US$ 44 in a shared room): perfect location and lively rooftop bar overlooking the Opera House.
Hotel Palisade (from US$ 173): a boutique hotel with a sober and cosy décor in Millers Point, overlooking the city.
Harbour Rocks Hotel (from US$ 311): part of the MGallery Sofitel chain, it's in the heart of The Rocks in a charming historic building.
SURRY HILLS
A 10-minute bus ride from the CBD, this modern neighbourhood (like Vila Madalena in São Paulo or Palermo in Buenos Aires) has residential streets and a series of cafés, shops, restaurants and bars. Where to stay in Sydney: for a more "real life" feel to the city, stay here.
Bounce Sydney (from US$ 31 in a shared room): a mix of hostel and hotel, with graffiti walls, honest rooms and a rooftop with a beautiful view.
57Hotel (from US$ 158): good value for money, this brand new boutique hotel is well decorated with spacious and comfortable rooms.
BONDI BEACH
A favourite with Brazilians who live in the city, Bondi, 8 km from the CBD, has a beautiful stretch of sand and is the starting point for the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, which runs along the coast and passes a series of other beaches. The neighbourhood also has a life of its own with a few hotels, restaurants and bars. If you're keen to stay close to the sea (or the surf) and want to experience Australia's special nature straight away, stay here.
Bondi Beach Backpackers (from US$ 18 in a shared room): a good experience for young backpackers who want to meet people and enjoy the rooftop overlooking the beach.
BondiBeach House (from US$ 100): here you feel like you have a beach house in Bondi, beautifully rustic and well decorated - the rate includes breakfast. The location also appeals.