Sydney is Australia's oldest and largest city, located in the state of New South Wales. Set on the picturesque Sydney Harbor, the city is famous for its opera house, cosmopolitan living, and places such as Bondi and Manly Beaches. Like many cities, Sydney is divided up into distinct neighborhoods, each equipped with numerous hotels of all types.
The Rocks is Sydney's historical neighborhood, home to old houses, shops, museums and cobblestone streets. The Russell Hotel is one option in this tourist-friendly area. The Russell offers 29 rooms, some with private bathrooms and some with shared bathrooms. The building, built in 1887, is full of old-fashioned charm like narrow staircases and floral designs in the rooms. If you are looking for something more raucous, try the Australian Heritage Hotel. Doubling as a pub that offers beer and pizza, the climb up the stairs to the room may be physically demanding, but the 10 rooms offer sleigh beds and access to a rooftop terrace.
Getting a hotel in Circular Quay is advantageous because you can easily catch a ferry to many of the city's attractions. Also, you will be within walking distance of the Opera House. Many of the chain hotels have locations in this section of the city. The Travelodge Phillip Street Sydney City Hotel, near St. James Church and Hyde Park Barracks Museum, features 86 standard guest rooms. If you want to stay somewhere more upscale, consider Marriott Sydney Harbour which offers 550 rooms and includes a gym and spa services.
Sydney's Central Business District is a cluster of office towers, fine restaurants, government buildings and shopping centers. The Metro Hotel on Pitt is a four-star hotel that offers 100-plus rooms and is especially popular with business travelers. Regular guests receive a complimentary bottle of wine with each visit, according to Lonely Planet. For something less formal, head over to the Vibe Hotel Sydney, located near the Australian Museum and Chinese Garden of Friendship. This mid-range hotel has brightly colored rooms and a more relaxed vibe than most hotels.
Darlinghurst is a quiet section of Sydney that comes to life each year for its GLBT Mardi Gras. It is also home to some of the city's best restaurants. For a hip and stylish place to stay, consider L'otel, a small hotel that features 16 guest rooms and is only a few minutes from many of Sydney's attractions. Another option is the quiet Albert & Victoria Court Sydney, housed in one of the city's 19th-century Victorian houses. Offering standard, superior and deluxe rooms, the Albert & Victoria Court Sydney also offers a leafy courtyard for its guests.
