Where to stay in Sydney

The booming metropolis of Sydney is where a lot of travellers begin their Australia trips – and if you don’t, it will only be a matter of time before you end up in Australia’s largest city. Famous for its unique Opera House, gorgeous beaches and idyllic climate – there are so many reasons to visit the wonderful state capital.

Along with researching Sydney’s best attractions, you’ll likely be wanting to research where to stay in Sydney. Depending on what you’re after, there are a few great neighbourhoods to enjoy within the city. If you fancy kicking back on the beach, choose an eastern beach such as Bondi or Coogee. If you want the experience of city living, the CBD is probably the place for you – or if you want to stay somewhere fresh and alternative, opt for Manly or Newtown.

This guide will show you the best places to stay in Sydney and suggest some of our favourite hotels, guesthouses and hostels.

Sydney Central – CBD

The best place to start looking for your Sydney accommodation is the CBD. While not the most aesthetically pleasing part of the city (the CBD – Central Business District – refers to the area of the city in-between Central Station and the harbour), it cannot be rivalled in terms of things going on. Stay in the centre to be in walking distance to some of Sydney’s best attractions, including the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and its many museums.

Why stay in the CBD

You’ll be right in the heart of the action of Australia’s largest city, with restaurants serving up every cuisine imaginable, bars for all budgets, and some of the world’s best shopping right on your doorstep. You’ll be close to some of the main attractions of Sydney by staying in the CBD, but also be in a great position to take public transport to any other area of the city.

Where to stay in Sydney Central

Space Q Capsule Hotel
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

A fantastic cheap hotel for travellers to Sydney, the Space Capsule Hotel offers private ‘pods’ for each guest, where they can stay in a secure, self-contained space which contains a flat-screen TV and USB ports. Facilities such as a kitchen and men’s and women’s bathrooms are shared. The hotel is located close to Darling Harbour.

Click here for prices and book Space Q Capsule Hotel

Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

A great value property, this hotel offers luxury for a smaller price tag; containing facilities such as a day spa and swimming pool. Rooms include flat screen TVs, free WiFi, deep bathtubs and separate shower. The property is close to many of Sydney’s favourite attractions.

Click here for prices and book Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

Primus Hotel Sydney
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

The rooms in Primus Hotel offer flat-screen TVs and coffee machines. The hotel makes use of a restaurant, gym and an outdoor swimming pool, as well as an on-site bar and room service. The hotel is located in a fantastic location in the CBD, very close to all the main attractions.

Click here for prices and book Primus Hotel Sydney

Bondi

Sydney’s most famous beach, Bondi offers a breathtaking stretch of blue sea and golden sands, not to mention that famous outdoor swimming pool – Bondi Iceberg’s Pool. Bondi is Sydney’s epicentre of hip, with acai bowl joints and trendy cafes lining nearly every strip. It’s also a great place to enjoy an ice cream or BBQ on the beach as you soak in the sweltering Sydney summers.

Why stay in Bondi

Stay in Bondi to enjoy both the beach and city life in one; you’ll be a stone’s throw from the world-famous Bondi beach, yet only be a short subway ride into the city. Bondi’s also a great suburb to enjoy a more relaxed, slower pace of life than the CBD – which of course is what many people go on holiday for!

Where to stay in Bondi

The Village Bondi Beach
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

This property is 2 minutes walk from the beach. Located just 2 minutes’ walk from world famous Bondi Beach, The Village Bondi Beach offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms on a budget. This is perfect for those interested in experiencing Bondi at a lower price.

Click here for prices and book The Village Bondi Beach

Service Apartments Sydney – Eclipse
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

These 5* apartments come at a mid-range price, meaning that you can enjoy luxury for less! Check out this fantastic accommodation which includes free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and some have kitchenettes – so you have the option to be fully flexible with your trip to Bondi, enjoying meals at your own leisure.

Click here for prices and book Service Apartments Sydney – Eclipse

QT Bondi
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

Relishing in one of the best locations in Sydney, QT Bondi is not exactly budget friendly – but if you’re after a night’s stay in ultimate luxury, it may be a great choice. Enjoy vistas of Bondi Beach from your apartment, as well as deluxe additions like a flat-screen TV, free toiletries and a minibar. Of course, the hotel also features free Wi-Fi and air conditioning, among other facilities.

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Manly

The easiest way to reach Manly is by ferry from Darling Harbour – and when you arrive into the northern beach suburb, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a completely different part of the country. While still technically a part of Sydney, Manly has its own unique vibe and atmosphere – which makes it a popular favourite for young travellers. Draws of the northern beach suburb are: spectacular – and often deserted – beaches, quirky cafes and delectable restaurants, and easy access to some of North Sydney’s most loved beaches and national parks.

Why stay in Manly

If you’re of a younger generation and want to be around similar people, Manly may just be the place for you. With lots of hostels and backpacker joints, it’s no wonder why Manly is loved by youthful travellers. However, it’s not just backpackers that enjoy staying in Manly; often, older travellers find it a great springboard to both explore Sydney’s northern beaches and reach the city via ferry.

Where to stay in Manly

The Outback Lodge Manly
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

Accommodation options include private rooms, self-contained apartments and a free-standing cottage. All apartments offer cooking facilities and an en suite bathroom, while private rooms offer a kitchenette. This budget property is located just 2 minutes from the beach.

Click here for prices and book The Outback Lodge Manly

Q Station
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

Q Station is a beautifully unique hotel with sweeping vistas along Sydney Harbour. Known to be the city’s only hotel with a private beach, the hotel is perfectly positioned close to Manly or 30 minutes to the city centre by taking the ferry. The rooms have spectacular views, and the hotel itself offers ghost tours around the property – which acknowledges its intriguing history.

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Simpsons Of Potts Point
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

Enjoy a luxury boutique-style accommodation at the wonderful Simpsons of Potts Point. This 19th century hotel provides gorgeous period style accommodation, with boutique rooms and deluxe touches that give this hotel its well-deserved 4* rating.

Click here for prices and book Simpsons Of Potts Point

Newtown

Is this Sydney’s trendiest neighbourhood? With hip streets lined with vintage shops, vegan cafes and street art to make Melbourne feel envious, Newtown is an up and coming area of the city with almost weekly entertaining events and dynamic, fun things to do.

Why stay in Newtown

Newtown is the perfect place for backpackers, anyone who likes the funkier things in life or people who have visited Sydney before and fancy staying in a different area of the city. Accommodation in Newtown is also cheaper than standard prices in Sydney.

Where to stay in Newtown

Billabong Gardens
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

Offering an outdoor pool, a communal terrace and a shared lounge area, Billabong Gardens is located in the heart of Newtown, just 3 minutes’ walk from King Street’s bustling restaurants, bars and shops.

Click here for prices and book Billabong Gardens

The Urban Newtown
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

The Urban Newtown is just 2 minutes’ walk from Enmore Theatre and 4 minutes’ walk from Newtown train station. Each room has its own air-conditioner, a flat-screen TV, microwave, espresso coffee machine and a refrigerator.

Click here for prices and book The Urban Newtown

The Old Clare Hotel
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

Located close to the city, but still near to Newtown High Street, staying at the Old Clare Hotel is an experience that should be on every Sydney traveller’s bucket list. The stunning hotel takes advantage of beautiful décor with airy, spacious rooms – which are kitted out with all the amenities you could wish for – as well as a sun-drenched outdoor pool and a great bar, decorated with exposed brick and magazine covers. The Old Clare is a one-of-a-kind hotel, that you’ll be wanting to return to time and time again.

Click here for prices and book The Old Clare Hotel

The Rocks

Famed for being the Sydney destination that once housed convicts, today The Rocks is a thriving area of the city. There’s colourful history to uncover; with famous pubs that are some of the country’s oldest and fascinating streets that still echo tales of the 1800s. Nowadays, the streets of The Rocks are home to boutique stores and galleries, so it’s the perfect destination to enjoy the best of Sydney’s past and present. And don’t miss the spectacular views of the harbour, Sydney’s iconic Opera House and the harbour bridge.

Why stay in The Rocks

While The Rocks has its very own distinguishable charm, it’s also only a stone’s throw away from Sydney CBD and all of its attractions. If you stay in The Rocks, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the very best history that Sydney has to offer, while also being in close proximity to the state capital’s best restaurants, bars and shopping opportunities.

Where to stay in The Rocks

Summer House Backpackers Sydney
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

Summer House Backpackers is a great hostel option for those wanting to stay near The Rocks on a budget. They offer free Wi-Fi, a garden with BBQ facilities, private rooms and dormitories of varying sizes.

Click here for prices and book Summer House Backpackers Sydney

Russell Hotel In The Rocks
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

Located in the heart of The Rocks, this grand hotel offers a great, stylish accommodation for mid-range travellers to Sydney. Originating in 1887, the building retains some of its furnishings, while not sacrificing on modern comforts. Tea and coffee making facilities, bathrobes and hairdryers are offered within the rooms, and a continental buffet breakfast is provided in the restaurant.

Click here for prices and book Russell Hotel In The Rocks

Shangri-La Hotel
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

If you’re wanting to enjoy the ultimate luxury while staying in Sydney, look no further than the one-of-a-kind Shangri-La Hotel. With spectacular views of the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, there is nowhere as fantastically placed as this deluxe hotel. The rooms are spacious and airy and have facilities such as a marble bathroom, an iPod dock and fluffy bathrobes, and there is an onsite spa with a hot tub, sauna and sun deck.

Click here for prices and book Shangri-La Hotel

Surry Hills

A popular favourite for residents of Sydney, Surry Hills is a much less touristy neighbourhood of the city, but still has a large amount of compel and charm. The streets of Surry Hills are tranquil and beautiful – which is remarkable considering how close the area is to Sydney Central Station – and they are home to an abundance of cafes, vintage shops and art galleries.

Why stay in Surry Hills

Surry Hills is a great area for those who want to enjoy all that Sydney has to offer but without the madness of staying in the thick of the city or in one of the tourist areas. The heart of Surry Hills is just 15 minutes’ walk to Sydney Central Station and another 10 to the CBD, meaning that everything is easily accessible, yet the accommodation options make the most of being in a more serene area of the state capital.

Where to stay in Surry Hills

Bounce Sydney
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

Often topping lists of the best hostels in Sydney, Bounce offers spacious, clean facilities at backpacker prices. The hostel is opposite Central Railway Station, which has easy connections to Sydney Airport. The hostel features a rooftop terrace with spectacular views of Sydney, as well as 3 communal lounges and a TV room. Choose from dormitories or private rooms.

Click here for prices and book Bounce Sydney

Manor House Boutique Hotel
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

Famed for being the home of the Lord Mayor of Sydney in the 19th century, Manor House is a fantastic spot for those who enjoy staying somewhere a little different. All rooms offer a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a tea and coffee machine, as well as a free daily newspaper. A continental breakfast is served in the atrium.

Click here for prices and book Manor House Boutique Hotel

Best Western Plus Hotel Stellar
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

This quirky yet chic hotel is in a fantastic location – right by Hyde Park and Oxford Street. Guests can enjoy having their own space with an apartment with a kitchenette and flat screen cable TV. Each apartment also contains a microwave, refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities.

Click here for prices and book Best Western Plus Hotel Stellar

Coogee

Most famous for the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, this town is one of the city’s oldest beach suburbs and it’s been renowned as a rather unique place to stay in Sydney for decades. Visitors to this suburb can enjoy some of Sydney’s most spectacular coastal views, old-style buildings, historic saltwater baths and some of New South Wales’ finest restaurants and bars. And it’s all just 9 kilometres, or 20 minutes, away from the action of the CBD.

Want to enjoy more of Sydney? Check out this great Sydney itinerary for spending a few days in this epic, sunny city.

Why stay in Coogee

Staying in Coogee means that you can experience a completely different part of the city than the Sydney well-known by everyone. Instead of filling your social media with pictures of the Opera House and harbour bridge, save images of the delightful old buildings and beachfront of Coogee; which will make you realise that Sydney as a city has so many different levels!

Where to stay in Coogee

Coogee Beach House
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

A three-minute walk from the beach, Coogee Beach House as a relaxed atmosphere with a communal lounge, shared kitchen and a BBQ. The hostel also offers free breakfast in the mornings.

Click here for prices and book Coogee Beach House

Dive Hotel
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

A mere one minute walk from the beach, this beautiful hotel is located on the famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. The clean, modern rooms offer facilities such as a TV with cable and many have a kitchenette, although breakfast is included in the room rate. Within walking distance to the hotel are a great selection of restaurants and cafes.

Click here for prices and book Dive Hotel

Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach
Mid-range Hotel 8.8

You won’t believe you’re in the middle of Australia’s largest city when staying at the Crowne Plaza! This striking hotel offers impressive panoramic ocean and beach views, taking in the best of the Australian coastline. On site, you can take advantage of its bars, restaurants, fitness centre, tennis court and outdoor heated swimming pool. Each room offers a large flat screen TV, minibar, tea/ coffee making facilities and WiFi access.

Click here for prices and book Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach

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Cory from You Could Travel entering Senso-ji in Tokyo, Japan

Cory Varga – Cory is a published travel writer and award-winning photographer. She travels full time with her husband and is passionate about creating in-depth travel guides. Cory published her first book on Japanese customs and manners because she’s obsessed with everything Japan. She has visited hundreds of destinations and has lived in 7 different countries. Cory is multilingual and an alumna from The University of Manchester.

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One response to “Where to stay in Sydney”

  1. Outstanding and superlative post I really like it

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