Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DISABLED TRAVELLERS
The information regarding
wheelchair access that is
given on pages 172-7 relies
very much on each hotel's
own assessment of its facilities.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Australia supplies a booklet
called Access Sydney for
people with mobility prob-
lems. It details accessible
locations around Sydney and
is available from their office
in Little Bay, or it can be
delivered by post. Their web-
site is also worth visiting.
TRAVELLING
WITH CHILDREN
It is worth inquiring about
special rates or deals that
allow children to stay in their
parents' room for no extra
cost. Most hotels in Sydney
welcome children, although
you should ask about special
facilities before booking.
Curvilinear shape of the Four Points By Sheraton (see p174)
HIDDEN EXTRAS
agencies specialize in specific
areas. Tourist information
centres can also offer valu-
able advice about where to
stay in Sydney.
Breakfast is usually charged
on top of the room rate in the
more expensive hotels. It is
best to avoid consuming any of
the contents of the mini-bar
until you have checked the
price. Alcohol is usually much
more expensive here than in
shops. Also, be wary
of the telephone
charges. There will
almost certainly be a
considerable mark-up
on any calls you make
from your room. In
general, tipping is not
widespread, but it is
expected in the more
expensive hotels. You
should make a note
of the check-out time
when you arrive, or
negotiate a late check-
out, as a surcharge may be
incurred if you stay late.
DISCOUNT RATES
SELF-CATERING FLATS
With fewer visitors staying in
Sydney from April to October
(except during the
school holiday peri-
ods), some of the more
expensive hotels may
be willing to negotiate
a better rate. This is
particularly so if they
think you will look
elsewhere for accom-
modation. It is always
worth asking for the
corporate rate at which
hotels give discounts
for group or company
bookings. Most hotels
give these without question.
At the weekend there are
fewer business clients around,
so this is the time when
prices are frequently cheaper
in the top hotels. Money can
also be saved by booking for
a week at a time. Asking for a
room without a harbour or
ocean view is another good
way of reducing the costs.
The Travellers Information
Service in the city can often
arrange up to 50 per cent off
the price of regular hotel
accommodation rates (this
does not normally apply to
budget hotels) to those who
book in person on the day a
room is required.
Accommodation including full
kitchen and laundry facilities
offers the traveller greater
independence. Such self-
catering apartments are the
latest accommodation trend in
Australia. In addition to
comfort, they also provide
good value because the living
space is larger than standard
hotel rooms and the prices
are competitive: although
rates can vary, they are
generally on a par with the
major chain hotels.
The choice ranges from
one- to three-bedroom luxury
apartments in the inner city to
basic flats at the beach. Some
apartments cater for business
travellers, complete with fax
and other communications
amenities. They are also ideal
for families, especially those
with young children, who
appreciate not only the
greater amount of space but
also the flexibility provided
by self-catering.
All the “apartment” hotels in
the listings on pages 172-7
offer self-catering facilities. In
addition, Sydney has several
agencies that can help visitors
to arrange self-catering
accommodation (see p170) .
Stained glass at
Simpsons hotel
(see p176)
SPECIAL OFFERS
Hotels often cooperate with
airlines, rail services, bus
companies, theatres and
entertainment promoters to
provide package deals that
include discounted accommo-
dation. Booking agencies will
have brochures with details of
these seasonal offers, or ask
the hotel for information on
any special deals.
“Special occasion” packages
(such as for anniversaries or
honeymoons) are available at
the top end of the market.
 
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