Good, Top Notch luxury Hotels in Sydney, Australia

Good 5 star hotels in Sydney

If you are thinking of having a luxury stay or holiday in Sydney here is a list of recommended hotels to stay at.

Park Hyatt Hotel with a superb view of the Sydey Opera House and the Harbour is pretty nice. 

Another option is (not a hotel) the Quay West Suites which are on Circular Quay and minutes walk from a nearby railway station. You get an apartment with kitchen for no more than rooms only in the 5 star hotels. This can save you a lot of money as you can self cater as needed to save some money. Another set of serviced suits is World tolwer apartments - good for short or long stays.

Depending on your budget;

The Hilton Relaxation Suites are nice, but the rooms are quite small.

The Westin(very flash – posh bathrooms) and Sheraton on the Park are both great Hotels. Sheraton offers some great price resulting in good value for money if you are on a bit of a budget(as most people are). The Sheraton has view of the Sydney water "heads" - very picturesque.

The Darling - has a Casino, 5 restaurants, nightclubs access to WildLife Sydney  and the Sydney Harbour aquarium.

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel. Walk to Martin Place, The Rocks, Circular Wharf, Martin Place, Town Hall, the Sydney Tower and the MCA and Sydney Museum.

The top-end is Park Hyatt, the Four Seasons, Shang-ri-la and the Observatory. The Observatory ironically does not have a view but the othjer Hotels do.

The Observatory Hotel stands out as a non chain like resort, so if you are looking for something to spoil yourself thats the place to go! It has beautiful rooms in an older, classical style.

The Langham - stands out with custom made elagant fittings.

The Shangri-la has a well known bar called "altitude". Known as one of the best bars in Sydney. 

Circular Quay has a couple of Hotels; -  Intercontinental, Westin, Marriott and Four Seasons. My experience of the Intercon is great, there are great panoramic views of Sydney Harbour from the club lounge on the top floor. 

The Marriott is a bit dated or tired. The Oberservatory is more of a boutique hotel and are quite expensive though.

More five star options;-

Swissotel, Sir Stamford, Sofitel, Stamford Plaza, Radisson and Hilton.

Its good to phone up and  ask if they have day spa's or 'romantic package deals'.

Here are some excellent restaurants with their Chefs names located within the various hotels

• Altitude Restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel – Matthew McCoolGlass 

• Brasserie at the Hilton Hotel – Luke Mangan

• Momofuku Seiobo at The Darling/Star – David Chang

• Galileo Restaurant at the Langham Hotel – Jonathan Bruell

• Gowings Bar & Grill at the QT Sydney – Robert Marchetti 

Hi, planning on Studying in Australia?  Why not use our community forum - all about living, working, playing, moving and studying in Australia.





How I got my visa, Life, Lumps and spirit, Hate your new country? Your not alone! A good Furniture Rental company in Sydney,Why do immigrants leave Australia?, Sydney - Scotland island - hidden gem, Malls in Sydney, Living in St Ives, Arriving in Sydney, Driving through Sydney - first day, How expensive is Sydney

Where to stay in Sydney if I am only visiting for a few days

If you are only staying for a few days, then the best place to stay would be somewhere in the Sydney city center. The Opera House and the Zoo are on the opposite sides of Sydney Harbour. One can easily catch a ferry from the City to the Zoo or vice versa. 

From the city centre you can catch a train or bus to Bondi beach or any other area.

There are also heaps of hotels in the city.

There is also an area called the 'Rocks' which is close to the harbour and the Opera House.  

Circular Quay or the Rocks are the names of the areas to start your hotel search. You will have great access to the site of the original establishments of Sydney. There are historical buildings here still. 

From Circular Quay you can catch a ferry to Taronga Zoo. Along the Circular Quay foreshore you can access the Opera House and / or the Botanical Gardens. This area plays host to a number of museums and many eclectic restaurants. 

Pubs, buses and city rail are available from Circular Quay. 

Please also consider Darling Harbour. This area is close to the CBD and also China Town and you can travel around it using the monorail. 

A short walk can be made to Queen Victoria Building or Pitt Street Mall from Darling Harbour (about 15 mins by foot). Darling Harbour hosts many shops, tourist spots (a small zoo, IMAX and a world class aquarium) and many many places to eat. 

Free entertainment is available at either area. Either one of these places is an attractive base. 

Sydney is a simple place. take some energy and an adventurous spirit and get out there. - You wont be disappointed - its also quite safe.

The top chain hotels are located around the Circular Quay and the Rocks areas. Staying in these areas as previously mentioned will give you easy access to the ferry terminal for the zoo and shopping.

Darling Harbor has an ride operator that offers a zoo catamaran trip direct from Darling Harbour, this includes entry fee to the Zoo ant it is cheaper than catching a ferry and separately paying for entry - plus you get a free tour around Sydney Harbour (lots of bays and info about the houses and islands etc). 

As for hotels, this of course hugely depends on your pockets budget bulge. The Metro apartments are cheap, Four Points Sheraton is lovely but is very expensive and upmarket, The Ibis was great too. There are lots of place to stay around there - some way more expensive than others.

You can walk to the Rocks from Darling Harbour as well as walk to the Centerpoint tower.

As for hotels, depends on your budget. The Metro apartments are great value, we loved Four Points Shearaton (but is very expensive - thanks work), and the Ibis was OK. There are heaps around there, some more expensive than others.

Have fun in your Holiday. Don't stress and remember its about having a good time. So if you value luxury - spend a little more on the hotel 

If you value the adventure - spend less on the hotel, bring your energy and get out there and do more.

Don't forget to walk/climb the harbour bridge.


See ya later. 




Hi, planning on Studying in Australia?  Why not use our community forum - all about living, working, playing, moving and studying in Australia.




How I got my visa, Life, Lumps and spirit, Hate your new country? Your not alone! A good Furniture Rental company in Sydney,Why do immigrants leave Australia?, Sydney - Scotland island - hidden gem, Malls in Sydney, Living in St Ives, Arriving in Sydney, Driving through Sydney - first day, How expensive is Sydney

Funny answers to funny questions in Australia

Some helpful yet funny answers to general questions in and about Australia.

Q: Does it ever get windy in Australia? I have never seen it rain on TV, so how do the plants grow? (UK)

A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around watching them die.

 

Q: Will I be able to see kangaroos in the street? (USA)

A: Depends how much you've been drinking.

 

Q: I want to walk from Perth to Sydney - can I follow the railroad tracks? (Sweden)

A: Sure, it's only three thousand miles, take lots of water...

 

Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in Australia? Can you send me a list of them in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville and Hervey Bay? (UK)

A: What did your last slave die of?

 

Q: Can you give me some information about hippo racing in Australia? (USA)

A: A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe. Aus-tra-lia is that big island in the middle of the Pacific which does not... oh forget it. Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday night in Kings Cross. Come naked.

 

Q: Which direction is north in Australia? (USA)

A: Face south and then turn 90 degrees. Contact us when you get here and we'll send the rest of the directions.

 

Q: Can I bring cutlery into Australia? (UK)

A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do.

 

Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? (USA)

A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which is...oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Kings Cross, straight after the hippo races. Come naked.

 

Q: Do you have perfume in Australia? (France)

A: No, WE don't stink.

 

Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Can you tell me where I can sell it in Australia? (USA)

A: Anywhere significant numbers of Americans gather.

 

Q: Can I wear high heels in Australia? (UK)

A: You are a British politician, right?

 

Q: Can you tell me the regions in Tasmania where the female population is smaller than the male population? (Italy)

A: Yes, gay nightclubs.

 

Q: Do you celebrate Christmas in Australia? (France)

A: Only at Christmas.

 

Q: Are there killer bees in Australia? (Germany)

A: Not yet, but for you, we'll import them.

 

Q: Are there supermarkets in Sydney and is milk available all year round? (Germany)

A: No, we are a peaceful civilisation of vegan hunter gatherers. Milk is illegal.

 

Q: Please send a list of all doctors in Australia who can dispense rattlesnake serum. (USA)

A: Rattlesnakes live in A-meri-ca which is where YOU come from. All Australian snakes are perfectly harmless, can be safely handled and make good pets.

 

Q: I have a question about a famous animal in Australia, but I forget its name. It's a kind of bear and lives in trees.(USA)

A: It's called a Drop Bear. They are so called because they drop out of gum trees and eat the brains of anyone walking underneath them. You can scare them off by spraying yourself with human urine before you go out walking.

 

Q: I was in Australia in 1969 on R+R, and I want to contact the girl I dated while I was staying in Kings Cross. Can you help? (USA)

A: Yes, and you will still have to pay her by the hour.

 

Q: Will I be able to speek English most places I go? (USA)

A: Yes, but you'll have to learn it first.

Hi, planning on Studying in Australia?  Why not use our community forum - all about living, working, playing, moving and studying in Australia.


How I got my visa, Life, Lumps and spirit, Hate your new country? Your not alone! A good Furniture Rental company in Sydney,Why do immigrants leave Australia?, Sydney - Scotland island - hidden gem, Malls in Sydney, Living in St Ives, Arriving in Sydney, Driving through Sydney - first day, How expensive is Sydney

Map of Australian territories or states

Hi, planning on Studying in Australia?  Why not use our community forum - all about living, working, playing, moving and studying in Australia.



How I got my visa, Life, Lumps and spirit, Hate your new country? Your not alone! A good Furniture Rental company in Sydney,Why do immigrants leave Australia?, Sydney - Scotland island - hidden gem, Malls in Sydney, Living in St Ives, Arriving in Sydney, Driving through Sydney - first day, How expensive is Sydney

Immigrating to australia? - a real map

Hi, planning on Studying in Australia?  Why not use our community forum - all about living, working, playing, moving and studying in Australia.


How I got my visa, Life, Lumps and spirit, Hate your new country? Your not alone! A good Furniture Rental company in Sydney,Why do immigrants leave Australia?, Sydney - Scotland island - hidden gem, Malls in Sydney, Living in St Ives, Arriving in Sydney, Driving through Sydney - first day, How expensive is Sydney

Map of Australia for immigrants

speaks for itself







Hi,  Immigrating to Australia?, why not use our community forum - all about living, working, playing, moving and studying in Australia.




How I got my visa, Life, Lumps and spirit, Hate your new country? Your not alone! A good Furniture Rental company in Sydney,Why do immigrants leave Australia?, Sydney - Scotland island - hidden gem, Malls in Sydney, Living in St Ives, Arriving in Sydney, Driving through Sydney - first day, How expensive is Sydney

Is Australia a good place for Indians to migrate?

In 2011-12 people of Indian nationality became the largest group of permanent migrants to Australia and formed 15.7% of the total migration population. Australia's Indian population has is the  fastest growing population in the country in 2008-2009 - it has increased by 44,012 which is 17%
DNA studies have even found that indians may have been coming t Australia as much as 4000 years ago.

In 2009 there were 120 000 indians studying at Australian tertiary institutions and Australia has become the place to study and is a popular choice over the USA and the UK.

In 2009 there was also a lot of reports in the Media of Australian racism against indians in the form of robberies and violence. This resulted in mass protests and public awareness.

The size of the Indian poplation in Australia is now only second to the Chinese. (Excluding European)

There was a time when Australia had a "white only" immigration policy, but when this was cleared away indians soon took up the opportunity to immigrate to Australia.

Experiences

From researching with various connections, Many Indians find Australian culture to be very shallow.

They find themselves disconnected and isolated, finding it very difficult to let go of their "great past" but have to because no-one in Australia is interested in their Indian-ness. Many Indians find living in Australia to be very bland. (and we are not talking food here :) )

Australia is promoted like mad, but its not India and is highly regulated - Many indians find it hard to fit into the 9-5 working lifestyle.

Some find Australia to be very negative towards entrepreneurship and lacking in vision and drive.
Even though many indians feel like Australia is clean and neat, they find that very neatness to be stifling, They feel like aliens and are unable to broaden their horizons. Many indians feel that in order to be themselves they need to return to India.

I had to laugh when one person described Australia as a Dumb blonde.

Many many Indians come to Australia, but leave again, this seems to be a pattern that is similiar to any immigrant who is missing the familiarity and culture of home.

Another Indian gent describes Australia as a mix of arses and good people like anywhere else- He also said its like a slightly backward clone of the UK but with a warm climate. "Australians don't want to be multicultural, they want you to come over and become Australian (or bugger orf mate)"

It does seem that Melbourne is the favourite City for Indians immigrating to Australia. Some Indian guy commented recently that he prefers it over New york city.

In conclusion it looks like Australia oin the whole is a good place to go and study and broaden ones horizons and for thos willing to work and push their way through the glass ceilings, then there is a huge future with a lot of opportunity.


If you are looking for a awesome, cheap international money transfer company go here.


Hi,  Immigrating to Australia?, why not use our community forum - all about living, working, playing, moving and studying in Australia.




How I got my visa, Life, Lumps and spirit, Hate your new country? Your not alone! A good Furniture Rental company in Sydney,Why do immigrants leave Australia?, Sydney - Scotland island - hidden gem, Malls in Sydney, Living in St Ives, Arriving in Sydney, Driving through Sydney - first day, How expensive is Sydney