Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Recommendation for hotel in Sydney

I am looking for a recommendation for a hotel in Sydney. I have gold status at Marriott, and Hilton and platinum status at Starwood. I would like to use points for our stay and have enough for any hotel. Based on my status what would be the best hotel, for comps and location.

I am looking for a recommendation for a hotel in Sydney. I have gold status at Marriott, and Hilton and platinum status at Starwood. I would like to use points for our stay and have enough for any hotel. Based on my status what would be the best hotel, for comps and location.

I can only comment on Starwood properties but have stayed at the Sheraton on the Park many times and the Westin just once and on each occasion have been more than happy with the room and service. Both are well located in the CBD. As an SPG gold I have scored several upgrades so as a Platinum you should do very well. YMMV.

I've stayed at both the Sydney Harbour Marriott near Circular Quay and the regular Sydney Marriott on Hyde Park. The Harbour Marriott has the sexier location and great views of the water and Opera House; it's also more of a "wow" building. The Hyde Park property is smaller, more elegant and we found the service better, but the location is a little bit out of the way. Both are fine choices. I think we liked the Hyde Park Marriott a little better.

With those affiliations, both the Westin and Hilton are lovely properties. I like the Westin more, both the hotel itself and its location (though they are quite close to one another).

I've had very good experiences at the Westin. I really like the Four Seasons there (not on your list) and really dislike the Shangri-La. I've also had good stays at the Sheraton on the Park, which is in a different neighborhood and was convenient for the client I was workign with. I'll book at the Westin again when I go next year.

Sheraton on the Park gave me an awesome room upgrade when I was SPG Gold, so as Platinum you could be really pleased. The location is quiet and easy walk to Circular Quay (10-15 minutes). OTOH, Sydney Harbour Marriott is right there ( less than 5 minutes) - nice hotel also, but busier.

Sydney Harbour Marriott is right there ( less than 5 minutes) - nice hotel also, but busier. Yes, it's definitely a beehive. It's got that smart-urban-bustle thing going on. The other Marriott is quieter. Can't speak to the Starwood properties.

As an SPG Platinum using points for vacation travel in Sydney, you'd be crazy to not stay at the Westin or Sheraton.

I stayed at the Westin in Dec 07 and the Sheraton in Aug 08 and had great stays at both. Both properties have excellent lounges and you'll have a decent shot at an upgrade. The hotels are relatively close to each other, I think the Westin has more of a business vibe and the Sheraton more of a leisure vibe.

I'm only a SPG Gold, and while I agree the Westin is an excellent property (closely followed by the Sheraton, and then 4 Points), as reflected by the price, I think 4 Points would offer the best opportunity for an upgrade.

I'd get an upgrade on most (if not all) stays at the 4 Points. I even had a couple of upgrades to a suite (even if it's just city-facing) from the cheapest room. I'd get an upgrade at the Westin sometimes, even if it's just a 'token' upgrade (as one would get as a Gold), but I'd hardly get anything at the Sheraton though.

To me, the likelihood of an upgrade ranks as follow:
- 4 Points
- Westin
- Sheraton

I'm a local but I LOVE the Sheraton on the Park. Lovely location overlooking Hyde Park. As a plat, as others have said, I am sure you will do nicely w/r/t upgrades. Request a Park view room and you should be very happy ^. This hotel is seconds away from Sydney Tower which is a good touristy way to see the whole of the city (great views). You can walk to Circular Quay or if you dont feel like walking, catch a bus down.

I have also stayed at Four Points at Darling Harbour. As a gold I have been upgraded. Its a good location if you want to explore Darling Harbour. If I had a choice, I would pick SOTP over Four Points because its simply a much nicer hotel :D.

BTW I agree with Leumas - I was not successful with upgrades at SOTP, whereas 4Pts seem to be more appreciative of their gold SPG members. I have not stayed at Westin.

Enjoy :)

Sydney Tower

:mad:

CENTREPOINT!!!

:mad:

CENTREPOINT!!!

Ahem! Well since I was actually up there recently (AUG 08) that is what they call it. Didnt realise this was a problem though...dont be mad! RELAX ;) :p. Try a nice weekend in Manly after doing SYDNEY TOWER and OZ TREK ;).

Ahem! Well since I was actually up there recently (AUG 08) that is what they call it. Didnt realise this was a problem though...dont be mad! RELAX ;) :p. Try a nice weekend in Manly after doing SYDNEY TOWER and OZ TREK ;).

I thought it was AMP Tower? Or have I lived away from Sydney for too long?

I think Sydney Tower is the 'official' name, Centrepoint is the name of the shopping centre at the bottom. 'AMP Tower' was the old name before Westfield took over the shopping centre (Centrepoint) and renamed it.

I agree that most people think it looks like a TV transmission mast!

CENTREPOINT!!! To my family it's the Cupcake. We went up the Cupcake and liked it.

I'm a local but I LOVE the Sheraton on the Park. Lovely location overlooking Hyde Park. As a plat, as others have said, I am sure you will do nicely w/r/t upgrades. Request a Park view room and you should be very happy ^. This hotel is seconds away from Sydney Tower which is a good touristy way to see the whole of the city (great views). You can walk to Circular Quay or if you dont feel like walking, catch a bus down.

I have also stayed at Four Points at Darling Harbour. As a gold I have been upgraded. Its a good location if you want to explore Darling Harbour. If I had a choice, I would pick SOTP over Four Points because its simply a much nicer hotel :D.

BTW I agree with Leumas - I was not successful with upgrades at SOTP, whereas 4Pts seem to be more appreciative of their gold SPG members. I have not stayed at Westin.

Enjoy :)

Are the 4Pts and SOTP in vastly different parts of Sydney? We are planning an Australia vacation and will probably visit Sydney at the beginning and end of our trip for a few days each. Would we do well to stay at both hotels (one to begin the trip and one to end the trip) to see different parts of Sydney or should we just stay at the more centrally located one and just use public transport to get around anyway?

I am SPG Platinum if that makes any difference w/r/t upgrade opportunities & lounge access? From reading the SPG forum, the SOTP appears to have a fantastic lounge which as a Platinum I should have free access for snacks & drinks (breakfast?). Does the 4Pts have a lounge?

Thanks,

Onedog

The 2 properties are about 5 or 6 blocks from each other and about 10 minutes walk. Technically, they're at opposite side of the CBD, but as someone mentioned before, the Sydney CBD isn't that big. Staying at the different properties to see different parts of Sydney won't really make a difference. The entire CBD is walk-able.

SOTP is closer to a subway station (other side of the road) and the 4Pts has a 2-3 block walk.

SOTP also has a very nice lounge, and I don't think the 4Pts has a lounge. Even though you're more likely to get a better upgrade at the 4Pts, SOTP is a better hotel all round. As you a Plat, you should still get a suite at SOTP and the viiew from there alone will be worth it over than at the 4Pts.

I'd just stay at SOTP for both stays.

I agree with Leumas ^. The SOTP is a far nicer hotel with a wonderful view. You should be fine with a suite upgrade at SOTP as a plat. The lounge is very nice, the indoor pool (with outdoor seating area on high floor) is also very nice. They have a nice Spa also. The restaurant (I think its called the Brasserie) does a nice buffet breakfast and overlooks the park. The bathrooms at SOTP are pretty large and have sep tub and shower.

4PTS dont have a lounge, or a pool and the restaurant location is not that spectacular. So if those things are VIP then I think the decision is clear. I have had suites at 4PTS which gave a nice view of Darling Harbour and are nice rooms, but you can just visit DH from SOTP and still take in the view.

The Australian Sheraton properties are generally high 4 to 5 star, they are far nicer than the Sheraton hotels I have stayed at in the USA. Just better quality IMHO.

Enjoy your time in SYD :).

The 2 properties are about 5 or 6 blocks from each other and about 10 minutes walk. Technically, they're at opposite side of the CBD, but as someone mentioned before, the Sydney CBD isn't that big. Staying at the different properties to see different parts of Sydney won't really make a difference. The entire CBD is walk-able.

SOTP is closer to a subway station (other side of the road) and the 4Pts has a 2-3 block walk.

Is the subway line stop opposite the SOTP connected to the Airport? In another thread someone provided a map of all the rail lines in Sydney that shows a rail line connection at the airport, but is the RAIL the same as the Subway?

The reason I ask is because some cities use the two interchangably when there is only one system and no one can get confused, but in cities with both above ground rail lines and a subway system (here in Los Angeles we have both, how small and limited usage they are) and so I don't want to mistake one for the other in Sydney.

We will have our luggage and two kids so I always try to be as sure of what we are trying to accomplish transportation wise as possible and try to avoid any confusion.

Thanks,

Onedog

Is the subway line stop opposite the SOTP connected to the Airport? In another thread someone provided a map of all the rail lines in Sydney that shows a rail line connection at the airport, but is the RAIL the same as the Subway?


Here's a map (http://www.131500.com.au/maps/train/) of the rail network.

Yes, subway and rail are the same thing here. In fact, we don't really use the term subway in Sydney.

If you're arriving with a family I suggest you take a taxi rather than the train. It will be cheaper, more direct and you won't have to struggle with bags getting on and off the train.

If you want to take the train, the nearest station to SOTP is St James which provides access to the Airport and East Hills Line.

With children and luggage, you should really consider a taxi or similar for your airport journeys. Costs will be similar and it gets you door to door.

As mentioned, the closest station to SOTP is St James. While it's just on the other side of the road from the SOTP, St James is not a luggage/disability friendly station (lots of stairs with no lifts and no escalators).

The restaurant (I think its called the Brassiere) does a nice buffet breakfast and overlooks the park.

With a name like that I'm not sure you want to be taking children there!:p;)

With a name like that I'm not sure you want to be taking children there!:p;)

Oops - too late :eek:. MDG and myself had breakfast there in MAY :D! And plan to have more breakfasts there in the near future ;).

OK I will go fix the typo! Its the Brasserie I think ;)

With children and luggage, you should really consider a taxi or similar for your airport journeys. Costs will be similar and it gets you door to door.

As mentioned, the closest station to SOTP is St James. While it's just on the other side of the road from the SOTP, St James is not a luggage/disability friendly station (lots of stairs with no lifts and no escalators).

True, but depending on when you're arriving and how much baggage you have, don't let this deter you much. I took the train in from the airport, arriving approximately 6am at St. James with a couple of carryons. No problems at all getting to the hotel, which as noted above, is literally across the street.

True, but depending on when you're arriving and how much baggage you have, don't let this deter you much. I took the train in from the airport, arriving approximately 6am at St. James with a couple of carryons. No problems at all getting to the hotel, which as noted above, is literally across the street.

How much does the train cost from the airport to SOTP?

With children and luggage, you should really consider a taxi or similar for your airport journeys. Costs will be similar and it gets you door to door.

As mentioned, the closest station to SOTP is St James. While it's just on the other side of the road from the SOTP, St James is not a luggage/disability friendly station (lots of stairs with no lifts and no escalators).

How mcuh does a taxi cost from the airport to the SOTP? You mention "similar" transportation. Are there shared ride vans or buses? How much do these cost?

Thanks,

Onedog

Fare calculator
http://www.cityrail.info/fares/calculator.jsp
http://www.airportlink.com.au/ticketing.html

It really depends on how much you need to mind your children. If they're young and can't really help with the luggage, I'd consider a taxi. As someone mentioned, a family pass may save you some money, especially with a Sydney pass which I think you said you may get.

I don't think there'll be problems getting a taxi from the airport that is big enough for 5. With traffic and various surcharges (bags, etc.), I think you'll be looking at $40-$50 (or more) for a taxi.

There're shared vans, and Google should be able to help you there. You may be looking at ~$20 per person per trip.

How mcuh does a taxi cost from the airport to the SOTP?


About AUD30-40

How much does the train cost from the airport to SOTP?

I remember it being approximately $15 (can't remember if it was USD or AUD), but regardless that should give you an idea.

Fare calculator
http://www.cityrail.info/fares/calculator.jsp
http://www.airportlink.com.au/ticketing.html

It really depends on how much you need to mind your children. If they're young and can't really help with the luggage, I'd consider a taxi. As someone mentioned, a family pass may save you some money, especially with a Sydney pass which I think you said you may get.

I don't think there'll be problems getting a taxi from the airport that is big enough for 5. With traffic and various surcharges (bags, etc.), I think you'll be looking at $40-$50 (or more) for a taxi.

There're shared vans, and Google should be able to help you there. You may be looking at ~$20 per person per trip.

On further thought, I think I'd have to agree with the suggestion to consider a taxi. My family of 5 took a taxi/van from SYD to the Westin - it couldn't have been more than AUD $50. The only issue was the terribly long line, although I let another family member wait in it for me while I got our $150 per person baggage delay voucher processed :p