Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Hotel IN SYD Airport?

Howdy-
My mom is going to be taking the last flight in from AKL for the night, and has the first flight to LAX out in the morning...she wants to have as little hassle as possible in getting to a hotel, sleeping and getting back to the airport. As I have never been to SYD, can someone tell me if there is a hotel attached to the airport, or one that has very reliable, constant shuttle service?

No hotel in the airport but a number close by which I'd imagine have free shuttle.

However, the flights from AKL dont arrive particularly late (early evening) and the flights to US dont leave too early (mid morning) so I'd be inclined to go into town (it is very close for a major city) and stay somewhere nicer.

So would I, but she doesn't want to deal with it. Is there a nice Starwood or Hyatt near the airport?

No hotel in the airport but a number close by which I'd imagine have free shuttle.

However, the flights from AKL dont arrive particularly late (early evening) and the flights to US dont leave too early (mid morning) so I'd be inclined to go into town (it is very close for a major city) and stay somewhere nicer.

The hotels near SYD are poor and over-priced plus their shuttle is actually more hassle then taking the train into town ... something to consider. I would stay at the Westin, think that is faster than the "airport" hotels and far nicer for the same price.

If you mum wants to stay near the airport..tell her to check out the Airport Hilton, or even the Novotel at Brighton Beach. These are reasonable hotels and fine for one night stay.

Lugging suitcases on the train is a hassle and trust me..the less anyone has to deal with the Sydney train system at present the better off they are :)

The Airport Hilton long since ceased to be a Hilton. Not sure but it may be a Mercure now?

There is a left luggage service at the International terminal arrivals (to the right as you exit customs). Cost about AUD 10 per bag (there are also lockers but they are often out of service depending on the security level; and much cheaper lockers at Central station in Sydney, but not really relevant here).

Still doesn't solve the problem of relying on the extremely unreliable Sydney train system to get you to a flight on time...with or without luggage. :)

Both the Mecure Hotel Sydney Airport (+61 2 9518 2000 - rates around A$160/night) or the Stamford Sydney Airport (+61 2 9317 2020 - rates around A$185/night) would be your best choice in terms of location and both offer a complimentary shuttle service. I would definitely recommend you call the hotel though to confirm the logistics/timing of the shuttle. Alternatively take a taxi into town (around A$25 one-way) - some superb hotels in the CBD (Westin is highly recommended). Alot depends on your accommodation budget for that 1 night. Cheers, gb.

I stay at the Mercure Airport (the old Hilton) and the shuttle runs every 30 minutes to and from the airport from 5am till 11pm and never fails.

I stay at the Mercure Airport (the old Hilton) and the shuttle runs every 30 minutes to and from the airport from 5am till 11pm and never fails.
Note that this shuttle leaves the hotel on the hour and half-hour. It first drops at the International terminal departures, then over to Domestic departures, down to domestic arrivals, and then back to the hotel via International arrivals.

In my experience, it gets to Int Departures about 5 mins after leaving, another 5-6 mins to Domestic Departures. Another 3-4 mins to Domestic T2 arrivals (so almost 15 mins after the hour), a few more mins to Domestic T3 arrivals (definately 15 mins or more after the hour), then 5-6 mins to International arrivals (between 20 and 25 mins after the hour).

And of course I always seem to get there just after one shuttle has left and have to wait 30 mins for the next one!

We always stay at the Holiday Inn at Mascot $125AUD for our family. Free shuttle to and from the airport.

It's not fancy but very clean.

Donna