Sydney Hotel recommendation

[Larger Bowl]

Spending a week in Sydney prior to a cruise in April 2023. Anyone have recommendations for a hotel. 3 adults travelling, looking for 2 bedrooms.

 

Thanks

[possum52]

3 hours ago, Larger Bowl said:

Spending a week in Sydney prior to a cruise in April 2023. Anyone have recommendations for a hotel. 3 adults travelling, looking for 2 bedrooms.

 

Thanks

As there are three of you and you are in Sydney for a week, I would suggest an apartment which has cooking and laundry facilities in it. That way, you don't need to eat out for every meal if you don't feel like it. Usually on our visits to Sydney, we stay at a Meriton Suites Hotel. The majority of Meriton Suites have apartments with 2 bedrooms. Meriton Suites Hotels

 

Or check your favourite hotel booking site for hotels that suit your budget. Note that Easter starts 7th April and for most of Australia, it will be school holidays from then through to 23rd of April so it will be busy and hotels are likely to be more expensive. 

 

There are quite a few threads on this board for Sydney hotels so have a look.

Edited September 5, 2022 by possum52

[buchhalm]

If you prefer a hotel over an apartment and don't need a city centre hotel "with a view", consider a stay "in the suburbs".

For example there is s brand new and moderately priced Travelodge hotel in Hurstville, 15 to 20 minutes by very frequent train to the city centre. 

Hurstville is a major stop on the T4 line between Bondi Junction and Cronulla beach (And further down the South coast), and every train stops here.

There are dozens of (mainly Asian) restaurants within 5 minutes walk from the hotel and a large Westfield shopping centre (3 supermarkets, food courts, a cinema, nedical facilities,  pharmacies...) is just across the road. The train station is 3 minutes walk away. Despite the convenient location,  the hotel is quiet and the rooms are well appointed and lovely.

[Larger Bowl]

Thanks possum52 and buchhalm for your suggestions. We have booked the Meriton Suites on Sussex. Hope it is a good choice. 

[GUT2407]

21 hours ago, Larger Bowl said:

Thanks possum52 and buchhalm for your suggestions. We have booked the Meriton Suites on Sussex. Hope it is a good choice. 

Yep that should be a good choice.

[Luv Cruising Land or Sea]

1st time in Sydney - coming in Apr 2023 for a cruise.  We will arrive 2 days early.  Looking for suggestions of where to stay and how to get from airport to hotel and then hotel to Cruise Port.  And  of course what to see in that limited time.  Thank you in advance.   Two couples in our early 70's - quite mobile and not adverse to public transportation.

 

[GUT2407]

1 hour ago, Luv Cruising Land or Sea said:

1st time in Sydney - coming in Apr 2023 for a cruise.  We will arrive 2 days early.  Looking for suggestions of where to stay and how to get from airport to hotel and then hotel to Cruise Port.  And  of course what to see in that limited time.  Thank you in advance.   Two couples in our early 70's - quite mobile and not adverse to public transportation.

 

Firstly which terminal are you sailing from.

 

Do you have any hotel affiliations?

 

do you have any special interests?

 

Where are you coming from, it can be long trip which will cut into your two days with jet lag and just plain exhaustion.

 

But meantime.

 

We really like Rydges at the Rocks, literally over the road from the Overseas Passenger Terminal. And the Grace which is more centrally located.

 

It is well worth a walk around the Opera House, Rocks Botanic Garden area.

 

A Ferry trip on the Harbour is also great value.

 

Airport to hotel I’d suggest a Taxi or Uber, there is a train, but that means lugging your bags and by the time you pay for two isn’t much less cost than a taxi.

 

Hotel to terminal really depends on which hotel and which terminal (OPT or White Bay).

 

[chubbypiggy]

We will be coming in Apr 2023 for a cruise.  We will arrive 1 day early just in case of flight delay.  Looking for suggestions of where to stay and how to get from Kingsford Smith Int'l airport to hotel and then hotel to the Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT).   

 

We are 2 females in our mid 60's, each will have a 28" luggage and a carry-on.  Do not want to take train or bus.  We will arrive on April 3 (Monday) around 7 a.m. from the U.S. on a 15-hour non-stop flight.  

 

We visited Sydney about 20 years ago on a 7-day escorted land tour, so already saw most of the sightseeing sites.  For our 1 day pre-cruise, we mainly want to find a hotel that is: clean and safe, within walking distance (or short taxi ride) to the cruise terminal, convenient to casual eating places (for lunch and dinner) and will be nice, but not a must, if also convenient to some casual/market shopping.  If we are not tired, then after check-in to the hotel, we will walk to nearby area for shopping.  If too tired or jetlag, then just relax in the hotel and only go out when time to eat lunch and dinner.

 

Questions:

1. On the average, how far is the ride from the airport to the hotel (near OPT)? 

2. If take taxi, approximately how much is the ride?  Can I pay the driver using credit card?

3. Suggestions for hotel that is within walking distance or short taxi ride to the OPT?

4. Can we use credit card for the taxi/eating/shopping (souvenirs)/market (buy water, snacks, etc.)?

5. Or it is wise to get some AUD at the airport ATM?  

 

Thanks in advance for any assistance!! 

[Chiliburn]

On 10/7/2022 at 12:20 PM, chubbypiggy said:

We will be coming in Apr 2023 for a cruise.  We will arrive 1 day early just in case of flight delay.  Looking for suggestions of where to stay and how to get from Kingsford Smith Int'l airport to hotel and then hotel to the Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT).   

 

We are 2 females in our mid 60's, each will have a 28" luggage and a carry-on.  Do not want to take train or bus.  We will arrive on April 3 (Monday) around 7 a.m. from the U.S. on a 15-hour non-stop flight.  

 

We visited Sydney about 20 years ago on a 7-day escorted land tour, so already saw most of the sightseeing sites.  For our 1 day pre-cruise, we mainly want to find a hotel that is: clean and safe, within walking distance (or short taxi ride) to the cruise terminal, convenient to casual eating places (for lunch and dinner) and will be nice, but not a must, if also convenient to some casual/market shopping.  If we are not tired, then after check-in to the hotel, we will walk to nearby area for shopping.  If too tired or jetlag, then just relax in the hotel and only go out when time to eat lunch and dinner.

 

Questions:

1. On the average, how far is the ride from the airport to the hotel (near OPT)? 

2. If take taxi, approximately how much is the ride?  Can I pay the driver using credit card?

3. Suggestions for hotel that is within walking distance or short taxi ride to the OPT?

4. Can we use credit card for the taxi/eating/shopping (souvenirs)/market (buy water, snacks, etc.)?

5. Or it is wise to get some AUD at the airport ATM?  

 

Thanks in advance for any assistance!! 

Have a look at this place.

https://www.rydges.com/accommodation/sydney-nsw/sydney-harbour/

 

You probably won’t be able to get your room till about 2:00 .

 

All of sydney is safe 

[chubbypiggy]

18 minutes ago, Chiliburn said:

Have a look at this place.

https://www.rydges.com/accommodation/sydney-nsw/sydney-harbour/

 

You probably won’t be able to get your room till about 2:00 .

 

All of sydney is safe 

Thank you for the link.

 

I noticed you live in Sydney, can you also help me with the following questions.  Much appreciation!!

 

Questions:

1. How far is the ride from the airport to the the Rydges Sydney Harbour hotel? 

2. If take taxi, approximately how much is the ride?  Can I pay the driver using credit card?

3. Is the Rydges... hotel within walking distance to the Oversea Passengers Terminal? If so, 

   an easy short walk?

4. Are there convenient store (buy water and snacks) and casual eating places near Rydges...?

5. Can we use credit card for the taxi/eating/shopping (souvenirs)/market (buy water, snacks, etc.)?

6. Or it is wise to get some AUD at the airport ATM?  

 

Thanks in advance!!

 

 

[Chiliburn]

2 minutes ago, chubbypiggy said:

Thank you for the link.

 

I noticed you live in Sydney, can you also help me with the following questions.  Much appreciation!!

 

Questions:

1. How far is the ride from the airport to the the Rydges Sydney Harbour hotel? 

2. If take taxi, approximately how much is the ride?  Can I pay the driver using credit card?

3. Is the Rydges... hotel within walking distance to the Oversea Passengers Terminal? If so, 

   an easy short walk?

4. Are there convenient store (buy water and snacks) and casual eating places near Rydges...?

5. Can we use credit card for the taxi/eating/shopping (souvenirs)/market (buy water, snacks, etc.)?

6. Or it is wise to get some AUD at the airport ATM?  

 

Thanks in advance!!

 

 

Yes , I have lived in Sydney most of my 60 years and are glad to help.
Just note , I haven’t ever taken the taxi. I much prefer the train.So I’m just guessing.

1. The airport to the Rocks is probably about half hour by taxi.
2. Taxi will cost about $50  

3. The Rydges is about 100 meters ,it’s the closest hotel.   It used to be a holiday inn so only about 3 star but very popular with cruisers.

4. Rydges is right in the middle of the Rocks , the main tourist area of sydney. Lots of places to eat, shop and take your money.
5. You can use your credit card everywhere, even on public transport .

6.Its up to you if you want to get local cash ,a lot of people here don’t have any cash .My daughter gives me a dumb look when she sees cash .

I like to have a little but I’m a bit old fashioned. You can always give it to your cabin attendant as a tip .

[GUT2407]

I used to stay at the Rydges a lot when it was. Holiday Inn haven’t stayed there since the conversion but have stayed at Plenty of their other properties, it was looking a little tired last I stayed there, hopefully Rydges have done a bit of work. But it’s location if cruising out of OPT is just unbeatable, I usually get up early and watch my ship come in.

 

Time and fare airport to city depends on time of day and week, but roughly half an hour and 50 or 60 bucks.

[chubbypiggy]

1 hour ago, Chiliburn said:

Yes , I have lived in Sydney most of my 60 years and are glad to help.

5. You can use your credit card everywhere, even on public transport .

6.Its up to you if you want to get local cash ,a lot of people here don’t have any cash .My daughter gives me a dumb look when she sees cash .

I like to have a little but I’m a bit old fashioned. You can always give it to your cabin attendant as a tip .

Thank you for all your answers.  

 

You said "a lot of people don't have any cash", so if I go to a convenient store just to buy maybe 2 bottled water, I can still pay with credit card?  Or go to market to buy a few fruits, also can pay with credit card?

 

Someone in other thread suggested Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, do you know how far is the walk from the Four Seasons to OPT?  From Rydges or Four Season walking to the OPT, is it an easy walk (for example, smooth roads OR rough roads with lots of uneven pavement)?  

 

[chubbypiggy]

49 minutes ago, GUT2407 said:

I used to stay at the Rydges a lot when it was. Holiday Inn haven’t stayed there since the conversion but have stayed at Plenty of their other properties, it was looking a little tired last I stayed there, hopefully Rydges have done a bit of work. But it’s location if cruising out of OPT is just unbeatable, I usually get up early and watch my ship come in.

 

Time and fare airport to city depends on time of day and week, but roughly half an hour and 50 or 60 bucks.

Thank you.

[Chiliburn]

2 hours ago, chubbypiggy said:

Thank you for all your answers.  

 

You said "a lot of people don't have any cash", so if I go to a convenient store just to buy maybe 2 bottled water, I can still pay with credit card?  Or go to market to buy a few fruits, also can pay with credit card?

 

Someone in other thread suggested Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, do you know how far is the walk from the Four Seasons to OPT?  From Rydges or Four Season walking to the OPT, is it an easy walk (for example, smooth roads OR rough roads with lots of uneven pavement)?  

 

99% of the time they will take a card but sometimes because of technical problems they can’t. As with the U.S. most people use card.
Four seasons compared to Rydges?

Rydges is slightly closer not by much ,there is stairs you will have to go down but you can walk straight into the upper level of the cruise terminal and catch the lift down.
Four seasons is without a doubt is the better hotel but is expensive, 5 Star , a very attractive hotel. It’s a flat walk to the cruise terminal ,about 150 meters. 
So you are comparing a 3 star to a 5star.

If you can afford the Four seasons, that would be my choice .

[chubbypiggy]

6 hours ago, Chiliburn said:

99% of the time they will take a card but sometimes because of technical problems they can’t. As with the U.S. most people use card.
Four seasons compared to Rydges?

Rydges is slightly closer not by much ,there is stairs you will have to go down but you can walk straight into the upper level of the cruise terminal and catch the lift down.
Four seasons is without a doubt is the better hotel but is expensive, 5 Star , a very attractive hotel. It’s a flat walk to the cruise terminal ,about 150 meters. 
So you are comparing a 3 star to a 5star.

If you can afford the Four seasons, that would be my choice .

Thank you.  Took your suggestion and just booked the Four Seasons Hotel harbour view room.

[GUT2407]

19 hours ago, Chiliburn said:

99% of the time they will take a card but sometimes because of technical problems they can’t. As with the U.S. most people use card.
Four seasons compared to Rydges?

Rydges is slightly closer not by much ,there is stairs you will have to go down but you can walk straight into the upper level of the cruise terminal and catch the lift down.
Four seasons is without a doubt is the better hotel but is expensive, 5 Star , a very attractive hotel. It’s a flat walk to the cruise terminal ,about 150 meters. 
So you are comparing a 3 star to a 5star.

If you can afford the Four seasons, that would be my choice .

We don’t use the stairs, wheelchair doesn’t like them we just walk the extra few metres and use Circular Quay Way which on non cruise days is the car park entry.

[Chiliburn]

43 minutes ago, GUT2407 said:

We don’t use the stairs, wheelchair doesn’t like them we just walk the extra few metres and use Circular Quay Way which on non cruise days is the car park entry.

What about the upper level of OPT ? Then there’s a lift.

Wont Graham come and get you at the Rydges?

Edited October 10, 2022 by Chiliburn

[GUT2407]

10 minutes ago, Chiliburn said:

What about the upper level of OPT ? Then there’s a lift.

Wont Graham come and get you at the Rydges?

Never tried to enter OPT upper on a cruise day, one problem would be you’d be going against the flow trying to get to luggage drop, and no Gbenjo makes me find him, then expects that he get special treatment, plus we mainly cruse Princess to avoid him.

 

I think our Princess cruises outnumber all the other lines put together 2or 3 to 1.

[Luv Cruising Land or Sea]

On 10/6/2022 at 5:47 PM, GUT2407 said:

Firstly which terminal are you sailing from.

 

Do you have any hotel affiliations?

 

do you have any special interests?

 

Where are you coming from, it can be long trip which will cut into your two days with jet lag and just plain exhaustion.

 

But meantime.

 

We really like Rydges at the Rocks, literally over the road from the Overseas Passenger Terminal. And the Grace which is more centrally located.

 

It is well worth a walk around the Opera House, Rocks Botanic Garden area.

 

A Ferry trip on the Harbour is also great value.

 

Airport to hotel I’d suggest a Taxi or Uber, there is a train, but that means lugging your bags and by the time you pay for two isn’t much less cost than a taxi.

 

Hotel to terminal really depends on which hotel and which terminal (OPT or White Bay).

 

Thanks - we are coming from Boston MA - will transit thru LA - a 6 hour flight and then a 15 hour overnight flight - so yes we will be quite exhusted that first day.  We arrive on a Sunday early AM and board our ship at the Overseas Terminal ( I beleive)  on Tuesday so hoping we will have about a day and a half to see some sights...

We love architecture and historical places... Opera House is of course on our list...

Rydges has been mentioned by others as well

Good to know Uber works well there - very familiar with that and you are probably correct about "lugging our bags" after a long journey - not the best way to start a vacation!

 

Thanks for the suggestions!

Edited October 22, 2022 by Luv Cruising Land or Sea

[GUT2407]

History and architecture “The Rocks” area wind hands down, short stroll to the the Opera House, lots of historic buildings just a short walk to under the Bridge. Lots of hotels to choose from. We haven’t stayed at Rydges at The Rocks since it changed from Holiday Inn, though we have stayed at many other Rydges properties, this one was looking a little warn before the change, but for us the location more than made up for that, but plenty of other hotels close by.Pier 1, Park Hyatt, Four Seasons are all worth a look.

[Muffinz]

On 10/7/2022 at 8:54 AM, Luv Cruising Land or Sea said:

1st time in Sydney - coming in Apr 2023 for a cruise.  We will arrive 2 days early.  Looking for suggestions of where to stay and how to get from airport to hotel and then hotel to Cruise Port.  And  of course what to see in that limited time.  Thank you in advance.   Two couples in our early 70's - quite mobile and not adverse to public transportation.

 

if your cruise departs from Circular Quay cruise terminal then I'd recommend staying at the Rydges in Circular Quay https://www.rydges.com/accommodation/sydney-nsw/sydney-harbour/ 

We stayed here before our 2018 cruise and the cruise passenger terminal is literally just across the road - took us about 4 minutes to walk there with our suitcases (and it's a downhill walk)

 

We met some people on our flight from Auckland that were on the same cruise and they had pre booked 'ready 2 go' shuttle from the Airport to their hotel, so we booked it as well from their counter at the airport. They dropped us off right at the hotel front door.

Alternatively you can get the train from the Airport to Circular quay station and I think it's a 5-10 minute walk to the Rydges hotel from there?

[CU64]

We are going in March. 2 days & 2 nights; precruise booked Jamison Hotel recommended by others & people who live in Australia. Decided did not need direct harbor view but a comfy room and bed after 15 hr flight…..

also in Rocks area & close to everything….we can walk.