Hotel Advice - Darling Harbour - SYD

[Taezar]

Hi everyone.

I am heading down to Sydney for an Expo at Darling Harbour - so instead of staying in our usual hotel, I am trying to work out where we can stay that is a/ super close to the Darling Harbour Exhibition and Convention Centre thingy and b/ not insanely expensive because I work for a charity.

A look around on HotelClub found Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments. Has anyone stayed there? I want something close, but the reviews I have read suggest the staff aren't the best. We will be shattered with the Expo, and the person I am travelling with has MS so will need great customer service/assistance when we arrive and when she leaves, decent food options so we don't have to go anywhere, and also I am staying on into the following week for meetings. As such I want to feel welcome where I stay.

So in short, close, nice, not ridiculously expensive, edible food and welcoming.

I am in on the 5th of May and out on the 10th of May. My colleague is in on the 5th of May and out on the 7th of May (we won't be sharing a room).

Free internet would rock!

Suggestions?

Cheers
Taez

 

[Ewing]

What's insanely expensive? It's a matter of perspective

In terms of hotels really close to the convention centre, the Novotel is probably the closest decent hotel. It has however been a long time (5+ years) since I've stayed there so I can't comment on price.

When in the Darling Harbour precinct, I usually stay at the Four Points Sheraton. City side rooms are typically around the $180/night mark during the week. Food is decent, but there's also plenty of options in the area anyway.

To give you an idea of locations, here's Darling Harbour.

The photo was taken from my room at Four Points Sheraton. The convention centre, Oaks, Novotel and Ibis are highlighted.

The building on the water in front of Novotel/Ibis is Harbourside which has shopping and plenty of dining options.

I can't really help with internet options and they all charge to the best of my knowledge. I carry a Telstra 3G USB stick with me these days as one month of service is roughly equivalent to one day of hotel internet

In the past when visiting Sydney for work, it would often be because I'm visiting the unlabelled building to the left of Oaks (although less frequently these days as other people take care of that now). It's pretty well known in my industry - but you won't even get through the doors into the lobby unless they're expecting you

 

[munitalP]

Mercure two room apartments are usually good value, and very spacious.

The Mercure is between the Novotel and Ibis

 

[Jacques Vert]

Lots of good dining options around Chinatown and Darling Harbour; some of which are included on the QF 3 points per $ (and some for Citibank Privileges).

What do you mean by "close"? There are lots of good options although some area little further away (say 5 - 10 minutes walk).

JV

 

[markis10]

It was nice to meet you tonight! As for the subject at hand, the Holiday Inn is $162 on the friends and family program which is good value, not far to walk and being behind chinatown, I dont need to vouch for the dining options.

 

[Taezar]

Hi everyone thanks for all the suggestions.
To clarify.
We will be working the Expo and my work colleague has MS so cannot walk very far at all - less than 5mins after working on feet all day. We need to be very close.
We are a charity - so if we can save money we will. That being said - I am not going to stay in a 2 star "hotel" but anything pushing $200 just isn't feasible.
I will check out the suggestions with feedback so when our corporate travel person makes suggestions I can go YAY or NAY.

 

[Taezar]

Love your work team!
We are in the Ibis - my workmate is flying home on Saturday night, but I am staying till Monday evening.
Anyone wanna play?

EDIT: Doh! Ibis got nixed at final sign off, even though it got through the first two stages. I am staying in the Somerset. Could be worse!