“Comfortable and convenient.”
We wanted a hotel that was handy for boththe Darling Harbour area and Sydney Harbour so chose this hotel.
The reception area was somewhat shabby but reception staff was friendly and very helpful. We had arrived too early for our room to be prepared for us but our luggage was taken from us and stored until the room was ready.
We were pleasantly surprised with our room, which overlooked a courtyard area and to brighten up the courtyard space outside, the bare walls had been painted with what appeared to be a view of the sea from a balcony window!! Very cleverly done, we thought..Even though it was throwing it down with rain outside, the 'sunny' sea scene put a smile on our faces!! Stones and plants had been added tothe ground area to finish it off.
We had our own microwave, cups, plates, cutlery etc, which we hadn't expected, so we were able to prepare some of our own meals.
Area recommendations
We have visited Sydney on four occasions now and have stayed in different accommodation each time.
We love the atmosphere of the city and depending on what you want from your stay there, most parts of the city are handy and within walking distance of the tourist sights and the various transport systems.
When to go
So far, we have visited Sydney in early October, late October and November.
We haven't been too lucky on any of our visits with the weather. One day, the temperature can be unbearably hot and the next day, many degrees cooler!!!
On the day we arrived on our last visit (25 November), we certainly needed umbrellas and raincoats and once our room was ready, we decided to stay in as it was so bad.
The weather did improve, fortunately so probably, December and January could br the best months.
Getting around
Many modes of trasnsport are available.
We decided to get an airport taxi which worked out as cheap as travelling on the train!
There is the sky train, which we haven't yet rried but is on our 'to do' list on our next visit.
Buses are frequent and to make travel easier, you have to purchase a ticket before your journey but this is on selected buses only.
There are also the ferries which leave Circular Quay and can take you to various attractions, but they can be expensive.
We generally walk around the city, taking in ther sights.
What to pack
Umbrellas are a must, along with a pair of water tight shoes. When it rains in Sydney, you certainly know it! it cannot be described as ashower!
Other than that, it's the usual summery clothes, plus cardigans and a jacket.
Must see
The obvious places are Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, although the latter was surrounded by scaffolding this time and parts of the steps were being replaced so were cordoned off. So glad I had already photographed it on our last visit in 2009.
Darling Harbour is actually a far cleaner and vibrant area than Sydney Harbour yet doesn't seem to get the same publicity.
Consequently, restaurants around Darling Harbour, including Cockle Bay, are far cheaper than around Sydney Harbour.
Other places to vist in the Darling Harbour area is the National Maritime Museum, the aquarium, the Imax Theatre and a short walk away are the Chinese Gardens. The gardens are well worth a visit, but there is an entrance fee!
We visited Bondi Beach but it was on a Sunday and the weather, although good was fairly windy.
We weren't as impressed this time as it was crowded and very noisy. Aimed at youngsters, we felt ancient!!
There was a live 'band' playing on the prom and the queue for the toilets was unbelievable!
We had previously visited Bondi in early October 2009, on a week day. Such a difference. Our recommendation to others wishing to see Bondi at its best is to avoid weekend and try a warm day early spring.
A walk along the coastal path from Bondi toother beaches and coves is well worth it. Some of the views are spectacular.
Other places recommended are the Royal Botanic Gardens, Hyde Park (for kookaburras!) and Queen Victoria Buildings & The Rocks .
Dining
If you like Italian cuisine, then Giovanni's is the place to go. It is on the corner of Harrington and Essex Streets. Essex Street is off George Street, at the Sydney Harbour end.
There is a good selection of restaurants on the Harbourside of Cockle Bay. There are some 'deals' such as a free glass of wine with each meal ordered. ('Plate' is the restaurant we chose).
One restaurant to avoid is the Emperor's Choice Chinese Restaurant, on George Street.
There were more staff than customers, which is a bad sign.Although the food was just OK, it was very expensive and the staff didn't really want to serve us but chose to stand around chatting and texting! We gave up waiting for the dessert manu and left.
No one asked if our meal had been satisfactory. Staff just didn't want customers.
Nightlife
The Showboat which sails from Darling Harbour, under the Bridge and around Sydney Harbour is a must.
There is a 3 course meal, which is excellent with live entertainment. We have been on this twice and enjoyed it each time..
