Commencing Sydney Travel - Worth Hotel Program Loyalty?

[sjtaylor]

Hi all,
I am Brisbane-based, but starting this year, have to travel to Sydney for work four consecutive nights a month (Monday through Friday).
I funnel my points to both VA and Qff with a preference for the former.
Working in a sales environment, my allowance for work travel expenditure allows for probably a max of $150 pn (due to my circumstances I also need to catch taxis fairly regularly so this all eats into a monthly allowance, hence attempting to keep hotel costs down).
In an attempt to shop around and find cheapest possible rate without staying in a hovel, is it at all possible to be chasing status at any hotel chains? I'd rather stay at a nice-ish 'boutique' hotel with a restaurant than a Formula One, and I have the luxury of choosing my own digs.
I really would prefer meals on-site to an apartment...I know, I'm asking a lot!
Places in areas such as North Ryde also seem to jack up prices for business travellers mid-wee which doesn't really help my cause. However, any tips are much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

 

[drron]

$150 is not a lot when considering Sydney hotels.
These might come close.Apartments usually very close to public transport and certainly very close to restaurants.Also a loyalty program for discounts-
Book Accommodation in the Sydney CBD | Sydney Hotels - Mantra
Club.CuSoon - Exclusive Accommodation Rewards

Rydges also have hotels out in the burbs but they are not apartments.Probably closer to your price range-
Sydney Accommodation | Rydges Hotels in Sydney, NSW
Earn Free Hotel Stays | Priority Guest Rewards | Rydges Hotels & Resorts

 

[Mwenenzi]

What area in the city? Makes a big difference. Or is it easy to get to on public transport. Transport method/cost to work and/or accomadation can make a difference to the per diem allowance. Also consider your tax position. There is a tax ruling for situations like this

IIRC there is ADL-SYD 3 night commuter here on AFF

 

[sjtaylor]

Thanks for the responses.
Location would either be Sydney CBD/North Ryde/Hills District as appointments are within those areas.
I guess with the budget I have, I'm tossing up whether to bother with a loyalty program or else simply choose cheapest rate and funnel toward an FF program.

 

[UP4014]

I think for $150 per night you should just go for the cheapest. When people visit our office in the CBD we allow $260 per night (room only) plus other expenses on top for CBD accommodation.

Good luck with it.

Matt

 

[markis10]

Thanks for the responses.
Location would either be Sydney CBD/North Ryde/Hills District as appointments are within those areas.
I guess with the budget I have, I'm tossing up whether to bother with a loyalty program or else simply choose cheapest rate and funnel toward an FF program.

Have you looked at priority privilege and using their monthly offers to het their room rates down, it would not be to hard to earn at least one to two nights points worthy of stays in one visit, that would help lower the costs.