Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Sydney for New Year 2009/2010

Starting with what seems the obvious, there's a lot of accommodation in Sydney. The question is how easy is it to book a good hotel for the New Year festivities? The advice here seems to be as soon as possible, hence my question!

I've been looking at the Park Hyatt and the Observatory both of which appear to be booked out already, which I'm both surprised and unsurprised at the same time (I did look before Christmas, but that may or may not have been early enough). I have also requested pricing from American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts (the answer to which is still pending).

I was wondering whether there are 'special' ways of getting value at this time of year, such as booking a New Year flight/hotel package and if so, where (and when) should I look for such a deal? Already looked at Qantas and Flight Centre, both of which have no hotel and/or flight availability yet...

I am planning on arriving in Sydney on the 30th December, and departing on the 2nd January 2010. I will be in Perth for the remainder of the trip (currently planned for the 19th December - 8th January)...

Most of the primo view hotels/suites have a 4 day minimum for NYE in SYD, and many are already sold out. Some are sold as "season tickets". If you are looking for the best (and mentioning Observatory and PH indicates that you are) then you need major vigorish. Very few TAs have these kinds of contacts. Of course there are lots of other hotels in the CBD and no problem booking any of those instead. You pretty much have to be known to the hotel if you want to get a prime booking for NYE. Maybe booking some other dates in 2009 at the Observatory would help you to land NYE.

We're trying to do the same thing, and found that many of the suites have a 7 or even 10 day minimum over that period. We ended up using it as a base for longer than planned we get somewhere good and our doing more day trips. We've just managed to get into http://www.mirvachotels.com/quay-grand-suites-sydney

Built into a big package (going for 23 days) so don't know the exact price - we're negociating on the total price rather than on each individual element.

Starting with what seems the obvious, there's a lot of accommodation in Sydney. The question is how easy is it to book a good hotel for the New Year festivities? The advice here seems to be as soon as possible, hence my question!

I've been looking at the Park Hyatt and the Observatory both of which appear to be booked out already, which I'm both surprised and unsurprised at the same time (I did look before Christmas, but that may or may not have been early enough). I have also requested pricing from American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts (the answer to which is still pending).

I was wondering whether there are 'special' ways of getting value at this time of year, such as booking a New Year flight/hotel package and if so, where (and when) should I look for such a deal? Already looked at Qantas and Flight Centre, both of which have no hotel and/or flight availability yet...

I am planning on arriving in Sydney on the 30th December, and departing on the 2nd January 2010. I will be in Perth for the remainder of the trip (currently planned for the 19th December - 8th January)...

The Park Hyatt is definitely the best bet for NYE because it is right on Circular Quay.

Suggest you ring the Park Hyatt directly during normal business hours and speaking with in-house reservations. They will have NYE packages available. You are still far enough out that you should be able to obtain availability.

I believe it is possible to obtain guaranteed availability with the Park Hyatt if you have top tier status with Hyatt Gold Passport. I am not sure if they have black-out dates over NYE.

Direct contact with the hotel, rather than through an airline or some other party would probably be your best bet.

Be prepared to pay through the nose. The PH is always the most expensive hotel in Sydney, but will raise their rates to astronomical levels for NYE.

While the OP didn't specifically ask for suggestions regarding fireworks on NYE, I'll throw in my 2c for consideration anyway... :)

I'm not sure how good the PH is for looking at fireworks. IMHO, it's too close to the bridge and you can't really see it in its full glory.

Perhaps consider the Shangri-la, the 4 Seasons or the IC?

As an indication, for the 08/09 NYE, the Shangri-la wanted ~AUD$1800/night with a 3-night minimum for a standard room, all pre-paid. They also said they wouldn't guarantee a harbour bridge view room until I pay.

I'm curious about suggestions as well. We are thinking about Sydney over New Years 09/10.

Based on what I read above I called a few places today just to get an idea of prices, and to make sure everything wasn't completely sold out already. According to the phone reps I spoke with there is still availability.

The Four Seasons quoted me AU$665/night, with a 4 night minimum, and complete payment by 9/1/09.

The InterContinental actually quotes the rooms on their website, and shows AU$780/night for a Harbour View room.

The Shangri La reservations desk wasn't open yet, so I'll try later and see what they say.

Does anyone else have any experiences to report at any of these hotels for New Years?

Rather than trying to book the perfect hotel room to see the fireworks, I suggest booking a hotel a little farther south and walking to Circular Quay to experience NYE with the locals. That whole section of the city essentially becomes a giant pedestrian-only zone on NYE so it doesn't really matter where you stay. Staying even a few blocks south can make a big difference in your rate.

I did this for NYE 2005/2006 and it was quite an experience surrounded by locals that "adopted" me for the night. I stayed at the Mecure near Central Station (def not the PH, but also def not the price of the PH) and had the most memorable NYE of my life. You could easily stay at the Hilton or one of the nicer hotels just south of Circular Quay.

Rather than trying to book the perfect hotel room to see the fireworks, I suggest booking a hotel a little farther south and walking to Circular Quay to experience NYE with the locals. That whole section of the city essentially becomes a giant pedestrian-only zone on NYE so it doesn't really matter where you stay. Staying even a few blocks south can make a big difference in your rate.

I did this for NYE 2005/2006 and it was quite an experience surrounded by locals that "adopted" me for the night. I stayed at the Mecure near Central Station (def not the PH, but also def not the price of the PH) and had the most memorable NYE of my life. You could easily stay at the Hilton or one of the nicer hotels just south of Circular Quay.

This can be a good option, but to the OP if you want to do this then you will need to arrive *very* (around midday) early to snag a decent seat. Assuming it's not stinking hot then it's probably not too bad, otherwise it's a long day in the heat.

Stay at the beach and then take a cruise on NYE-- we did this one 07-08 (http://www.newyearsevesydney.net.au/new_years_eve_magistic_program.html) and it was amazing. You get a front row seat for all the fireworks, nice sunset harbor viewing, and all the drinking and dancing you can muster.

Another option is to book a hotel in the central business district and then plurge on the New Years Eve package at the Opera House. We did that this past NYE and it was amazing!!! One of our greatest travel experiences any where in the world!

Hotels in the CBD will be more reasonably priced--and allow you to book a fewer number of nights. Example hotels are Westin, Hilton.

You'll love NYE in Sydney!