AustraliaGuideSydney

Best Places to Stay in Sydney For Your Budget and Style

Not sure where to stay in Sydney, Australia’s largest city? From the solo backpacker, to the history buff, Sydney has plenty of choices to offer every type of traveler.

Because it can get really expensive or niche, the wrong hotel choice can easily make or break your trip. Luckily, we’ve got great recommendations heading your way. Read below for the best areas to stay in Sydney for an awesome Aussie experience— whether you’re with your family, alone, or with that special someone!

For Budget Travelers

The Capsule Hotel

(Image via Wikimedia Commons)

At the heart of Sydney and located in George Street’s cinema strip, The Capsule Hotel brings travelers a taste of Japan’s pod room experience. Note that this type of hotel appeals to any sci-fi fan who’s neither claustrophobic nor picky about shared spaces. The rooms have a Star Trek spaceship vibe to them, complete with a magnetic door and an all-white interior.

That being said, if you don’t really need privacy and space, this is the perfect budget accommodation for only 40 bucks! Enjoy convenient access to shopping, cinemas, and restaurants all around the hotel. World Square, Chinatown, and Town Hall (where public transpo is readily available!) are just a few of the landmarks that are easily walkable from the hotel’s cool central location.

Highlight: The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House are an easy 25-minute walk from The Capsule Hotel. Also, we think the discomfort is part of the charm.

  • Address: 640 George Street, Sydney CBD, 2000 Sydney, Australia
  • Price: ~US$40.00 per night

Vulcan Hotel  

(Image via Vulcan Hotel)

Should you be willing to shell out double the price of a capsule room for a more cozy experience, try The Vulcan Hotel! Its location on the west side of CBD and Darling Harbour means endless indoor attractions within walking distance: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Powerhouse Museum, Star City Casino and the ICC Sydney just to name a few. Darling Harbour and Sydney Central Station only take 15 minutes to reach.

The hotel boasts friendly and efficient staff, a quaint cafe which serves free breakfast, and sleek, modern decor. Enjoy air-conditioned rooms equipped with a TV, a DVD player, and tea/coffee makers — plus your own private bathroom! It’s perfect for travelers who seek simple luxuries while traveling.

  • Address: 500 Wattle Street, Ultimo, Sydney, Australia
  • Price: Starts at US$81.22

For Couples

The Ultimo

(Image via The Ultimo)

Discover Sydney’s rich cultural heritage with your special someone by staying at this heritage-listed building. Not only is it located in Haymarket, Chinatown district, it boasts a 5-minute walk from the Central Train Station. This means you can go on an all-out Sydney adventure to anywhere (super easily)!

Inside the world’s first astrology hotel, artsy couples will love extra special amenities aside from the barista coffee station: Astrolo-tea to match your zodiac sign and even an Astrology library! The hotel includes Astro packages curated to match your star sign, face-to-face astrology reading, and more depending on your package.

  • Address: 37 Ultimo Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
  • Room Prices: Prices are estimated ~US$136.57 per night

For Families:

Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour

(Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Traveling with family and need to make sure all their needs are met? The 4.5 starred Novotel Darling Harbour is your best bet. Their standard room can host around 4 -5 people (2 adults with children) with their two double beds, flat screen cable TVs, and in-room childcare. Fitness centers, cafes, buffet breakfast, and laundry facilities are all available, too!

Because it’s on Darling Harbour, you can take the kids to Maritime Museum, Aquarium, and Wildlife world in a cinch!  The nearby Harbourside shopping center, light rail and the ferry stop complete the icing on the cake.

  • Address: 100 Murray Street | Darling Harbour, Pyrmont, Sydney, New South Wales 2009, Australia
  • Room Prices: Start at US$150.49

For the Luxury Hotels with a View:

Park Hyatt The Rocks Sydney

(Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Ahhh, the top tier — Sydney’s best of the best. If you are coming to Sydney for a grand celebration, like a wedding or Hollywood-level glam events, you can’t miss Park Hyatt The Rocks. The highlight aside from its centrally perfect location? Unparalleled panoramic views of the city, including iconic landmarks, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge!

Admire the stunning architecture against the stone Circular Quay, local paintings, and sophisticated cream palettes. Everything about this refreshingly low rise hotel screams extravagance. Name it, they’ve got it: high tea, spa, gallery, rooftop pools, a 24-hour personal butler, a sharp and snappy concierge…if only daily living was this easy! Save this for your honeymoon list.

  • Address:  7 Hickson Rd, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
  • Room Prices: Starts at a whopping US$1007.69

Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour

(Image via Pullmanquaygrandsydneyharbour)

Where the hip and happening (aka millennials) actually check in. Head to the Sydney’s famous Macquarie Street and step into the main promenade of Circular Quay for a taste of heavenly luxury. Stylish apartment-style accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows offer the best views of the harbour.

Be surrounded by high-end luxury bars, restaurants, and shopping centers. You’ll literally be a stone’s throw away from main attractions Sydney Harbour, The Harbour Bridge and The Opera House.

  • Address: 61 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
  • Room Prices: US$222.38 to US$337.53

Shangri-La Hotel

(Image via Flickr)

Another popular five-star hotel around the Circular Quay,  Shangri-La boasts magnificent harbour view from any of their ‘city view’ rooms — which are all accented with Asian-style decor. Drink in Sydney’s skyline, the Opera House, and other CBD landmarks at Level 36 Horizon Bar.

Pro-tip: Shangri-La has internationally sized plugs while offering free Wi-Fi! You have no excuse not to post that Insta-worthy cityscape.

  • Address:  176 Cumberland St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
  • Room Prices: Starts at US$172.40

Airbnb by Newtown

(Image via Andchill)

Looking for a more lively and less ‘touristy’ area for your stay? Discover a more local food and art scene at Newtown, a formerly grungy university suburb bursting with youth and culture. Feel the urban vibe with street art, cool pubs and cafes scattered all around the area.

Make sure everyone in your group is over 18 to get served by the pubs; then truly enjoy the music scene, savor craft beers, and meet cool artists! Although it’ll take 14 minutes by train to CBD, the location is perfect for the hip, young and alternative group. Check out Airbnbs here (cost starts at around US$94).

For Backpackers and Surfers

Adina Apartments Bondi Beach

(Image via Adinahotels)

Beachside lovers, we didn’t forget about you. Delight in this wonderfully convenient accommodation beside Bondi Beach, 7 km east of Sydney. With clean and comfy rooms equipped with full kitchen and dining areas, Wi-Fi, and friendly staff. Sit back and relax inside any of the laidback cafes and restaurants on the main street.

From here, it’s easy to go out and immerse yourself in nature’s gifts: go jogging from Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk or surf the powerful waves to your heart’s delight.

  • Address: 69/73 Hall St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia
  • Room Prices: Starts at US$164.19 per night

For Vintage and History Lovers

Heritage – Simpsons Potts Point: Kings Cross and Potts Point

(Image via Booking.com)

Built back in 1892, the Simpsons is a boutique hotel and National Trust listed property. It has since been remodeled in the 1980s, transformed into a regal hotel with a classic Australian feel. Once you step inside, the timeless decor and solid colored furniture will speak for itself.

Old souls and romantics will surely admire the period furnishing and majestic communal library. Bonus: it’s in Potts Points, the uber trendy and charming street lined with bistro lunches and bold fashion —prep that #OOTD.

  • Address: 8 Challis Ave, Potts Point NSW 2011, Australia
  • Room Prices: Starts at US$190.00

So, have you decided where to stay in Sydney? We hope you’ll have a grand time in Australia and embark on an adventure you’ll never forget.

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