Page 172 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sydney

170  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

WHERE TO STAY

Australia’s emergence as a major tourist back packer hostels for those on a budget,
destination in the 1980s, coupled with a and homestay accom modation, generally
building boom before the 2000 Olympic outside the main city areas. History buffs can
Games in Sydney, resulted in a large pool find a range of accom modation in buildings
of quality and good-value accommodation with interesting post-European-settlement
choices. Many of those hotels have under- heritage, particularly from Colonial times to
gone extensive refurbishments in the the early 1900s, in The Rocks, the finger
intervening years to meet the modern needs wharves at Walsh Bay and Woolloomooloo.
of a thriving visitor market. In addition to The hotels listed on pages 174–9 are among
hotels, Sydney has an impressive array of self- the best in Sydney and cater to a variety of
catering apartments, numerous well-located different budgets and requirements.

Where to Look
Many pubs provide basic
It is easily possible to find accommodation, usually on
accommodation within most the floor above the ground-
price ranges throughout Sydney, floor bar areas. Bear in mind it
although a sought-after central can be noisy at night, especially
city location with or without at week ends and if live music is
harbour views comes with playing. Check closing times and
the heftiest price tag. entertainment before booking
Cheaper accommodation can if you are a light sleeper.
be found in the Kings Cross and
Darlinghurst area. Choices here How to Book
range from backpacker hostels
to small boutique and budget It is advisable to book well in
chain hotels. Many of the older advance, especially for December
low-rise buildings may be three and January, the Sydney Gay
storeys but do not have lifts Eating alfresco at the Admiral Collingwood and Lesbian Mardi Gras in
owing to heritage regulations. If Lodge (see p177) February to early March, Easter,
mobility is an issue, ask about the school holidays and when
stairs and ground- floor rooms. vibrant and bohemian inner major sporting events are held.
In The Rocks area, you can west suburbs of Newtown, Bookings can be made online,
opt for a bed-and-breakfast in a Enmore and Glebe are home to by phone or email, or through
converted Colonial-era building, numerous affordable accommo- a travel agent. A credit card
a youth hostel with views from dation choices, while still being number is generally required
the rooftop deck or the opulence close to the city. to secure your booking. Check
of a five-star luxury hotel. The popular beachside cancellation requirements. Many
The hotels around Chinatown suburbs of Bondi, Coogee and operators charge no cancellation
and Surry Hills offer good value Manly are a little way out of fees as long as minimum notice
for shoppers and foodies and the centre of Sydney but are periods are met, which could
are also within easy reach of the accessible by public transport be anything from 24 hours to
city centre, while Darling Harbour and provide the opportunity two weeks or more.
hotels tend to the grander end to enjoy beach life during the The Sydney Visitor Centre
of the scale, with Sydney’s warmer months. books certain hotels and has a
largest luxury hotel, the Sofitel.
The adjoining reinvigo rated
Pyrmont area is a good choice
for accom mo dation, blending
contempo rary fit-outs inside
heritage buildings.
Quaint Paddington has
limited offerings, with one
low-rise hotel and a scattering
of bed-and-breakfasts.
Just beyond the city fringe,
imaginative urban planning
has brought contemporary
accommodation to the creative
hub of Chippendale, while the The stunning Full Harbour View junior suite at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney (see p177)
Detail of hand-painted didgeridoos

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