Where to Stay

Sydney is home to many corporate and financial headquarters, and hotels are reflecting this by offering facilities dedicated to the business traveller. However if you are on a budget, there are plenty of cheap, fun establishments, particularly around Kings Cross, Sydney Central Station and the seaside suburbs of Bondi Beach and Manly Beach.

Watch out for the 10 percent surcharge GST (Government levy) on bookings. Tipping housemaids, front of house and waiting staff is commonplace, although not obligatory.

The Rocks The historic Rocks offers antique-filled terraces, such as the Russell and the Rockfort hotels. The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel features a sandstone pub with homemade beer and jovial clientele, while the Observatory Hotel has the added pampering attraction of a Day Spa & Health Club.

Circular Quay

Circular Quay has recently undergone a transformation, including the building of some controversial apartments, bars and restaurants around the foreshore. The development, nevertheless, has turned a bleak spot into a stunning, paved colonnade. The InterContinental Sydney is just up the road, with the Four Seasons at the western end of the quay. Just along the road from the Museum of Contemporary Art, you will find the grand opulence of the Park Hyatt. For those on a budget, head to the Grand Hotel on Hunter Street.

City Centre

Two of Sydney's most luxurious five-star hotels are located in the middle of the city; the Swissotel Sydney, above Grace Bros. department store, and the Westin in Martin Place. Business travellers love the Saville 2 Bond Street Apartments near the Stock Exchange, which combines serviced apartments with classic hotel accommodation. The art deco Grace Hotel is also situated nearby.

Central Station and Chinatown

There is bargain accommodation to be found around Central Station and Chinatown. The mega-giant Sydney Central Youth Hostel has a pool, spa and sauna, dormitories and private rooms. The Mercure and Macquarie Boutique Hotel are both moderately priced, along with the quirky Aaron's Hotel in Chinatown. With four-and-a-half stars, The Citigate Central Sydney specialises in theatre and family accommodation packages.

Darling Harbour

The Darling Harbour district is awash with hotels. Whether it is glitz and glamour or family oriented budget-style, you will have a myriad of choices. For deluxe accommodation, head to Star City Hotel. The former jazz pub on Wattle Street, Vulcan, is a family-run bed and breakfast, which will not break the bank.

Kings Cross

Kings Cross is backpacker heaven. Party around the rooftop barbecue at Eva's Backpackers or squeeze yourself into the tiny boutique Hotel 59. For a moderately priced hotel with a few, check out the stylish Vibe Rushcutters offering park and harbour views.

Darlinghurst and Paddington

This area is dotted with ultra-cool boutique hotels, catering to those who enjoy the finer things in life. Closeness to shops, eateries and the Oxford Street nightlife make the Kirketon Hotel, with Armani-clad staff, popular with gay visitors. On the Darlinghurst side of Victoria Street, Morgans is popular for a room or a meal in the restaurant. Up the Centennial Park end of Oxford Street you will find the Hughenden, a renovated terrace full of comfort. On the cheaper end of the scale, stay at the Park Lodge Hotel, a terrace with the friendliest staff, comfortable lounges and shady gardens.

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is a stunning setting, just 10 minutes from the city, with a great selection of places to stay. The Swiss Grand Resort & Spa Bondi is one of the most expensive on the beachfront, while a more moderately priced establishment is the Hotel Bondi. Ravesi's is a small, fashionable hotel featuring a popular restaurant with a wrap-around terrace above the beach. A couple of beaches to the south you will find Coogee Beach and Surfside Backpackers.

Manly

Home of surfing, sand and year-round holidaymakers, Manly is surrounded on all sides by beach, with a choice of surf or calm inner harbour. If you are looking for some seaside pampering, then book into the Manly Pacific. Families and those budgeting should try the Manly Paradise Motel, offering childproof, cheap accommodation with kitchenettes, pools and activity rooms.

North Sydney

North Sydney and Crows Nest are home to most of Sydney's advertising, film and computer companies, so there is a selection of hotels catering to business travelers, as well as leisure. The Vibe Hotel in North Sydney is very popular along with a variety of other medium priced establishments to be found scattered along the North Shore.

Worth Mentioning

Highly recommended is Billabong Gardens, a five-star hostel with a pool, children's activities and family rooms, tucked away in Newtown, and the Pittwater Youth Hostel for its unique and beautiful coastal bush setting. Also, the Tricketts B&B in Balmain is a cozy heritage Victorian mansion with convivial hosts.