Solo traveler in Sydney reconsidering hotel choice

Sorry for asking another hotel question! As a solo traveler, I have to make all decisions and just really want to make sure my decision is okay.

Will be leaving for Australia in two weeks. Honestly, I'm having a difficult time planning my time in Sydney - will probably do the HO HO and/or free walking tour of the Rocks on one day, Bondi beach/walk another (with China Town food tour at night), Blue Mountain and, maybe Manley ferry or whale watching tour last day (with a show at the Opera House at night). The only things not changeable are my Blue Mountain tour and "My Fair Lady" reservation.

Based on Tripadvisor and Bookings.com reviews, I booked 1888 Ovolo Darling Harbour (Pyrmont). Breakfast is included, as is free happy hours. Just seems like a funky place! But, now I'm thinking I should stay in the Rocks, and have recently also reserved Shangri-La. Price is about the same, but Shangri-La loses some of the character - plus there's no freebies. I probably won't be doing anything crazy at night - just want decent places to eat nearby where I, as a solo traveler, won't feel out of place. I know the Rocks is, in general, the better location, but is 1888's location good enough for my needs?

Thanks in advance!

I hadn't heard of the 1880 but just checked its webpage and reviews and will probably stay there one time.

I really like the Pymont/ Darling Harbour area, there are heaps of bars and restaurants as well as being close to Chinatown, the Fish Markets and the Casino if that is your thing. I always feel safe there at night as it is quite busy. If you want to visit the Rocks area you can always catch a ferry.

There is so much to see and do in Sydney. Public transport is great for getting around. Enjoy your stay.

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Either will be fine.

It's a fair trade-off. The Rocks is a much better, convenient location. But you get extras at Pyrmont to even that up.

It just comes down to which you value more; quirky hotel further away with extras, or location and convenience.

I would definitely recommend staying at the Rocks over Darling Harbour!! I'm an Aussie and lived in Sydney for 10 years. I stayed at Shangri-la pre cruise earlier this year and loved it. They have an incredible bar at the top of the hotel. I think Darling Harbour is stuck in the 80's and very touristy! Please definitely don't eat there either - average overpriced food! Your plans for Sydney sound good - you can do a tour of the opera house too whilst you are there. Thought about a Harbour Bridge climb?

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Wanted to pop in and thank everyone for their comments. Really appreciate these forums and the help they provide.

It's been many years since my stay but I loved the week I spent at the Russell in the Rocks. Located just across the street from the cruise terminal and Circular Quay I loved wandering around the harbor area and the Rocks every night. I did many of the things you have on your list, the zoo was a nice place to visit and so were a lot of the museums in the Darling Harbor area. Also had a nice harbor tour when I got on the wrong ferry one day LOL

I'd stay at the Shangri-la.

Good location ,and, as mentioned a spectacularly positioned bar on the top level. You think that you are on top of the harbour bridge. Definitely go and snag a table by the window for late afternoon and/or sunset drinks.

Darling harbour - as also mentioned- is a bit 1980s. Overpriced food and a general tourist trap. OK for a burger or fish and chips, but not much else. (but there are a lot of option with restaurants for most tastes. Just expensive for what you get.) It can get a bit roudy with bucks/hens nights sometimes and after work drinking crowds. Also getting around is not TOO easy from there.

The Shangri-La and nearby places are nicely located, especially for all those things you have planned, such as the Opera visit, Whale watching etc.

From there you can also do a very pleasant 1/2 hour stroll across the harbour bridge. The concierge will draw you a map how to find the access point to the walk way.