EAST

How is East Sydney (let's say the area not far from the original Marriott) these days? Lots of food options, close to transport and a walk away from all kinds of action, without being in the middle of an inner-city ghetto. Or maybay it still is.

It might be a little more convenient than KX, though I'd not mind staying around Potts Point and there are lots of places to hang there, too. How about the hotel beside Rushcutters Bay?

NORTH

Sydney's north shore, especially Crows Nest, has a ton of restaurants and bars, if you want to get out of the city rat race and still enjoy the finer things, with only a short ride to the city.

Getting slightly further out, to the northern beaches, you can get a nice beachy lifestyle with perhaps lesser crowds at one of the beaches, starting with Manly and heading north. Tons of food options and activities if you're outdoorsy. Definitely not inner city.

Either option has hotels. Either would be fairly convenient and give you a taste of Sydney, though not that much different from if you were staying next to the CBD.

[I enjoyed my time living in the East (close to KX/Rushcutters Bay) and then North]