Whoever you are, whatever you’re doing: Top places to stay in Sydney

Sydney is Australia’s largest and oldest city as well as one of the world’s most exciting cities. It has a great reputation and is popular with tourists wanting to explore everything this cosmopolitan city has to offer.

Sydney can really cater for everyone, offering lively fun for kids, great bars and nightlife for those who like to party as well as chic sophistication for those who prefer something more tranquil and upmarket.

The choice of accommodation is vast, you will find family friendly hotels, hotels that are more appropriate for couples and even budget accommodation and inner city hostels for backpackers.

Splash out

As well as your budget, your choice of accommodation will largely depend on what you want from your Sydney trip. A Sydney Harbour Hotel with views of the iconic Opera House are of course incredibly popular. A luxury Harbour Hotel such as the Park Hyatt with balconies overlooking the water and every service and amenity imaginable will come with a price tag to match. This is Sydney with style and sophistication.

Sydney is for children

For something completely different and fun, whether you have kids or not, why not stay at Sydney Zoo? Accommodation is in a tent, so, as long as you are not averse to sleeping under canvass, in close, but safe proximity to a whole host of wild animals, this is a real adventure. You can even enjoy a special safari around the zoo, children (both big and small) will love it. However, this is not suitable for children under 5.

If you are travelling with a young family, an apartment might be a better idea. There are plenty of short term (and longer term if you are planning an extended visit) furnished apartments to rent throughout Sydney offering total privacy and a home from home. You can choose from inner city, the suburbs or waterfront locations and enjoy your holiday your way.

Quirky

You will find plenty of Victorian era buildings which have been converted into hotels, some of them are quite eccentric and offer a fun place to stay. The Hughenden Hotel in the Paddington area of the city appears on a number of best Sydney hotels lists. With typical Victoria winding staircases and servants bells, this hotel is located in one of Sydney’s trendier areas with plenty of quirky cafes and antique shops. The Chelsea Guesthouse in Darlinghurst is another Victorian style hotel. Again, it is quite quirky and also quite small but it offers chic and trendy for those on a stricter budget.

Trendy

For something really chic however, try the Blue in the Marina in the Woolloomooroo area of the city. This is one of those converted Wharfs with hip and trendy bars and restaurants. Woolloomooroo is also one of the most fashionable places to live, watch out for Russell Crowe!

For more of the same but in a boutique hotel rather than a large complex, try the Financial District of the City. The Establishment has just 31 rooms but all of them are worthy of the name ‘Penthouse Suite’. There is a cocktail bar and a swanky sushi restaurant on site where Australia’s rich and beautiful party until the wee small hours.

Australia really does have something for everyone. It is an amazing country and would take you forever to explore. However, Sydney is a great place to start.

This article was contributed by Lloyd, a travel blogger, on behalf of Cheapflights.

This is a guest post.