Page 480 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

478  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

WHERE TO STAY

The wide range of places to stay in cottage bed and breakfasts, self-catering
Australia is a reflection of the country’s apartments, youth hostels, houseboats
size and diversity, as well as its position and, of course, all the usual international
as a major tourist destination. There are chains. Visitors will find accommodation
tropical island resorts, luxury and boutique options to suit every need and budget –
city hotels, ski lodges, converted shearers’ from simple beds for the night to glitzy
quarters on vast sheep stations, colonial all-inclusive holiday resorts.

room. Budget motels and
the majority of B&Bs operate
within the A$120–A$220 range.
Prices may increase slightly
during peak seasons and
come down during the
low season. Tipping is not
expected and is discretionary.

Bookings
Pressure on room availability
can be high, especially in the
capital cities and the coastal
destinations in Queensland.
For school holidays and major
cultural and sporting events
(see pp44–7), it is advisable to
book well in advance.
Local and state tourist offices
can help with or even make
bookings. Major airlines, agents
and operators also often have
The superb harbour-front location of the Park Hyatt Sydney hotel (see p482) discounted packages on offer
(see pp554–7).
Gradings and Facilities Prices
State motoring organizations, Prices for accommodation
some state and regional vary according to the location Children
tourism bodies, and the STAR and the facilities on offer. The Travelling with children is
Ratings scheme rank hotels presidential suite in a luxury relatively easy throughout the
with one to five stars as a city or resort hotel may have country. Most forms of accom-
useful indicator of standards a four-figure daily rate, while a modation will provide a rollaway
and facilities. Ecotourism night in a backpacker hostel or sofa bed or cot in family
Australia runs a certification will generally cost less than rooms, often at no extra charge;
scheme for environmentally A$35 for a bed in a shared enquire about any special rates
friendly properties. room or A$90 for a private in advance. However, be aware
In city hotels, resorts and
motels, air-conditioning in
the summer and heating in
the winter are almost always
provided. Other standard
features include tea- and
coffee-making facilities,
televisions, radios, bar fridges
and ensuite shower rooms;
bathtubs are less common. A
room for two may have either
a double or queen bed or twin
beds. Luxury accommodation
often features on-site swimming
pools, exercise facilities, and
a bar or restaurant. Impressive manicured gardens of Canberra’s Hyatt Hotel (see p485)
Shopping and dining at the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney