Where to Stay in Sydney

Planning where to stay in Sydney can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the city’s main areas and accommodation options to help you choose the right location for your visit.

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Sydney Neighbourhoods

Types of accommodation

Hotel Reviews

Regional Stays

Choosing where to stay in Sydney can make or break your trip. Sydney’s not just one city – it’s a number of neighbourhoods, each with its own vibe. From the historic Rocks quarter to laid-back Surry Hills, your experience can change dramatically depending on where you unpack.

Find the Right Sydney Neighbourhood for Your Trip

Sydney is made up of distinct areas, each offering a unique vibe. The best place for you depends on how long you are staying and what kind of trip you’re planning:

  • Circular Quay & The Rocks: Walking distance to the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and ferry terminals. Excellent transport links but expensive accommodation.
  • Bondi & Eastern Beaches: Great for beach access and coastal walks. 30-40 minutes by bus to the city centre.
  • Surry Hills & Darlinghurst: Central location with Sydney’s best restaurants and small bars. Busy until late.
  • Darling Harbour: Family-friendly with plenty of restaurants. Close to major attractions but can feel touristy.
  • Haymarket & Kings Cross: More affordable options. Haymarket offers Asian dining; Kings Cross is Sydney’s former nightlife hub.
  • CBD & Airport Area: Convenient for business trips. Airport hotels suit early departures but aren’t ideal for sightseeing.

Accommodation options

From five-star luxury to budget-friendly beds, Sydney offers something for everyone.

Hotel room with view of Sydney Opera House

Harbour View Hotels

Dreaming of a room overlooking the Sydney Opera House or Harbour Bridge? These hotels offer some of the city’s most iconic views.

Novotel Kids deal

Family Accommodation

Travelling with the family? Find the best areas and accommodation, from apartment hotels in Darling Harbour to beach stays.

Lfy bondi junction

Quality Budget Hotels

Looking for a comfortable stay in Sydney that won’t blow your budget? These affordable options are clean, central options that keep costs low.

YHA Sydney Harbour

Sydney’s Hostels

Travelling on a budget? Sydney’s hostels offer excellent value. From social backpacker hubs to boutique hostels with private rooms, we share the best options depending on your needs.

Airport Hotels

Got an early flight or late arrival? Airport hotels can be a smart option — but not all are equal. We’ve compared the best hotels near Sydney Airport for comfort, value and convenience

Cruise ship sailing into Sydney past the Opera House

Cruise Hotels

If you’re starting or ending a cruise in Sydney, this round up includes luxury stays with harbour views to convenient mid-range options. You’ll also find tips on transport and luggage storage.

Featured Sydney Hotels

My detailed reviews of hotels I’ve personally checked out. Each article includes local insight, transport tips, and suggestions for where to eat and things to do nearby — everything you need to know so you can choose confidently.

Read more hotel reviews

Regional Stays

Carrington Hotel

Blue Mountains

Confused about where to stay in the Blue Mountains? We are not surprised; there are literally hundreds of properties of every style here. This guide will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect spot for your next getaway.

Hunter Valley

Considering a trip to the Hunter Valley? Just over a two hour drive from Sydney, the Hunter Valley has so much to offer with multiple wineries, idyllic views and unforgettable experiences. There is also a huge range of properties to choose from.

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