Page 173 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sydney

WHERE T O ST A Y  171

wealth of options on its website.
Australian Accommodation
Services (“Ausacom”) arranges
bookings for all styles of accom­
mo dation. If you belong to a
motoring association, ask about
discounts through hotels affili­
ated with the NRMA (National
Roads and Motorists’ Association).
NSW TrainLink travel centres
at major railway stations offer
a comprehensive service, and
AFTA travel agencies will book
most major hotels. Tourist
information centres can also
offer valuable advice about
where to stay in Sydney.
The opulence and understated elegance of The Langham (see p179)
Discount Rates Special Offers
often reduce the daily rate for
The best way to secure discount bookings of five and seven days Hotels promote special deals
rates is by booking directly on or longer. Asking for a room heavily on their own websites,
the accommodation providers’ without a harbour or ocean view so check regularly before your
website. Virtually all accom mo­ is another good way of reducing trip for any deals. They also often
dation styles, from hostels to the costs. (You may still be able cooperate with airlines, theatres
luxury, offer online booking. to secure an upgrade at check­ and entertainment and sporting
Most will show their best online in if the hotel isn’t full.) event promoters to provide
flexible rate – a sensible choice The booking service at the package deals that include
if there is a chance you may Sydney Coach Terminal can discounted accommodation.
need to cancel or change the often arrange discounts off the Combined special event and
booking. The best rates are price of regular hotel accom­ accommodation packages can
usually for those with “no mo dation rates for those who be a good way to snare a ticket
cancellation” clauses attached, book in person on the day a to an otherwise sold­out event.
so beware if your plans may room is required (this does not
change. It is always worth normally apply to budget hotels).
asking for the corporate rate at Disabled Travellers
which hotels give discounts for Most new hotels now provide
group or company bookings. Hidden Extras wheelchair access and toilets
At the weekend there are Breakfast is usually charged on for the disabled, but many older
fewer business clients in the city top of the room rate in the more establishments will have more
centre, so this is the time when expensive hotels. It is best to limited facilities.
prices are frequently cheaper in avoid consuming any of the Spinal Cord Injuries
the top hotels. Smaller operators contents of the mini­bar as Australia’s web site provides
alcohol and snacks are usually information regarding getting
much more expensive here around (such as public transport,
than in shops. Some B&Bs only driving and car hire) and where
provide breakfast provisions or there are public toilets. Its
cooking facilities and charge online publication RollAwayz
extra for providing a cooked opens in Google Earth to show
breakfast. Free Wi­Fi is widely the location of wheelchair­
available, although in­room accessible accom modation
fixed broadband connections across Australia.
may incur extra charges. Also, Sydney­based Time Flys
be wary of telephone charges. Travel focuses on planning
There will almost certainly be travel, including hotels and
a considerable mark­up on any specialized transport for
calls you make from your room. the disabled.
In general, tipping is not wide­
spread, but it is expected in the
more expensive hotels. Make a Travelling with Children
note of the check­out time when Many of the larger hotels
you arrive, or negotiate a late offer deals that allow children
The stunning 1850s sandstone façade of the check­out, since a surcharge (usually aged up to 12, some­
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel (see p178) may be incurred if you stay later. times 14) to stay for free when

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