Sydney stays for any budget


Sydney has a lot of awesome hotels to choose from. Like, a LOT. A-lot-a-lot. But don’t get overwhelmed. Our Sydney hotel guru Scott is here to save the day with his top picks for bargain, plush, and super luxe stays. Thanks, Scott!

Splash out – $$$

QT Sydney

When it comes to cool, one-of-a-kind stays, QT never fail to bring the fancy-hotel goods. And QT Sydney is no exception. Located in the historic Gowings building, next to the State Theatre, QT Sydney shows off its showbiz cred with a retro Hollywood design that includes faux fur throws, lightbulb-letter signs, rich dark-wood paneling, art deco décor, and cool modern art. Pamper yourself at spaQ – QT’s lush day spa – with an indulgent massage or facial, or go old-school with a straight-razor shave from the on-site barber. Afterwards, grab a bite at the Gowings Bar & Grill, or sip a cocktail (or five) at the Gilt Lounge.

The Residences Centennial Park

The Residences is a truly unique property that’s perfect for weddings and special events. Instead of a room in a hotel, it offers a private parkland – your own exclusive corner of Sydney’s famous Centennial Park – and two stunningly restored sandstone cottages. With full kitchens, huge bathrooms, and gorgeous gardens, they’re kid-friendly, pet-ready, and awesome for group stays. When you’re not celebrating (or just taking selfies. Because with that backdrop, why wouldn’t you?), make the most of the parkland setting, with cycling, horse riding, rollerblading, BBQ spots, and playgrounds all available within the park.

Ovolo Woolloomooloo

Sure, you could stay at Ovolo Woolloomoolo for the comfy king-sized beds, complimentary wi-fi, yummy free mini bar (with beer, wine, and snacks), fancy designer toiletries, fun Lo Lounge (with games and a pool table), and brilliant location. Those are all good, sensible reasons. But the real reason to check it out ‘cause it looks awesome. Once an old wool-shipping warehouse, Ovolo Woolloomooloo mixes super high ceilings, exposed girders, and epic wharf-front views with bold colours, twinkling fairy lights, unique bed head art, and some of the coolest bathrooms you’ll ever see. Oh, Ovolo. Why you gotta look so good?

 

Affordable gem – $$

North Sydney Harbourview Hotel

A stylish Sydney stay with epic Harbour views? Yes, please! Located in North Sydney, the Harbourview Hotel is a chilled-out alternative to the hustle and bustle of a CBD stay, just 10 minutes by train from the city-centre action. Relax at LB’s Restaurant and Blues Bar, the yummy on-site restaurant, or get out and explore local faves like the Greenwood and Firehouse Hotels. PRO TIP: Make sure you check out Wendy’s (not-so) Secret Garden, sneakily tucked away behind Luna Park. It belongs to Wendy Whiteley, wife of celebrated Aussie artist Brett Whiteley, and adds a little magic to any Sydney visit.

The Grace Hotel

An elegant stay in a heritage-listed building with comfy beds and an awesome CBD location? Sounds pretty graceful! Get it? GRACEful. OK, that joke was lame. Which is a shame, ‘cause The Grace Hotel is anything but. With its spacious rooms, free wi-fi, handy on-site gym, tasty buffet brekkie, and 24/7 room service (and, seriously, did we mention that location?), it’s a fantastic pick for business travellers and anyone who wants to stay in the thick of it.

Larmont Sydney by Lancemore

Cool Potts Point location? Check. Newly renovated, with a stylish modern design? Double check. Pet-friendly, with a 24hr fitness centre, on-site parking, complimentary wi-fi, AND free yoga and pilates classes? Check and mate. For a taste of the Sydney good life in one of the city’s most enviable suburbs, you can’t go past the Larmont. It’s a top pick for foodies, with on-site restaurant The Hyde serving up mouthwatering modern European cuisine (think fresh shucked oysters with lemon and lime, wild boar ragu with cocoa pappardelle, sheep’s milk cheese with honey… *drool*) and some of Sydney’s best bars restaurants right on its doorstep. Yum!

 

Bargain pick – $

Best Western Haven Glebe

Want a bargain modern stay in one of Sydney’s coolest (and most convenient) inner suburbs? This is the place. Stroll to the CBD, or hop on one of the many buses and trams that run through the neighbourhood. The Best Western Haven Glebe is awesomely located for the University of Sydney and University of Technology, and it makes the perfect homebase for exploring the best of the Inner West. On Saturday morning, head to Glebe Public School to check out the famous Glebe Markets, then pop across the road to Sappho Books for some quality wine and reading time. Sydney weekend perfection!

The Kirketon Hotel

Darlinghurst’s Kirketon Hotel is a serious hidden gem. From as little as $150 per night, it’s a sweet boutique stay in the heart of one of Sydney’s hottest nightlife districts. By day, check out Paddington Markets (held every Saturday) and The Intersection (trèschic!) or grab a bite at one of Darlinghurst’s many awesome cafes. By night, get your cocktail fix at local faves Big Poppa’s, Darlo Bar, or your brand-new local, Eau die Vie. Located on-site at the Kirketon, the Great-Gatsby-Meets-Weird-Science vibe is truly unique, and the drinks are spot on. The fact that it’s stumbling distance from your comfy hotel bed is just an added bonus 😉

ibis Sydney World Square

Three words: location, location, location. OK, so that’s one word repeated three times, which is actually pretty obnoxious. But we had to do it. Situated at 382 Pitt Street, just across the road from the World Square shopping, dining, and, uh, fun-ing complex, Ibis Sydney World Square offers one of the most convenient locations – and some of the best value – in the CBD. The rooms are modern and comfy, and the iBistro buffet brekkie is top-notch. There’s even a gym for when you’re feeling virtuous. But who’s got time for that on holiday?

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