Thank you to both of you. Unfortunately or fortunately I have Hyatt points to burn and would rather not have to pay for a hotel as the Aussie $ isn't as strong as it once was. (If I had to I probably would have booked Le Sheraton for the amazing club room deal on currently!) Instead, I have chosen Hyatt Place as it includes breakfast by default, has some shops attached and is super close to transport. The Centric looked nice but as you say Old Town will not be lively in winter nor as convenient public transport wise in the cold snowy weather for this Aussie snow novice