Sydney - Australia 2004 - page 112

Where to Stay During Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras
The Saville Park Suites, Sydney (see below) is a fabulous place from which
to watch Sydney's annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, held every February.
(The parade is usually the last Sat in Feb or first Sat in Mar.) Make your plans
early, as most rooms are booked a year in advance. Four-night Mardi Gras
packages range from around A$1,600 to A$2,000 (US$1,040-US$1,300).
Sullivans Hotel (p. 119) on Oxford Street is another popular place to stay
during Mardi Gras.

Tips

feel. Nevertheless, it's a relatively good value considering the location. Rooms at
the front have views over the city and park.
27 Park St. (at Castlereagh St.), Sydney, NSW 2000. & 02/9267 6511, or 1800/221 138 in Australia. Fax 02/
9264 2252. www.parkregissydney.com.au. 120 units. A$165 (US$107) double; A$198 (US$129) suite. Extra
person A$22 (US$14). Children under 14 stay free in parent's room. Ask about lower rates available through
Aussie auto clubs. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking. CityRail: Town Hall. Monorail: Park Plaza. Amenities: Small
heated outdoor pool; concierge; tour desk; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning; non-
smoking rooms. In room:A/C, TV, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer.
Saville Park Suites, Sydney Although the serviced apartments here are
pleasant and nicely furnished and the complex is well situated right at the start
of Oxford Street and just a short walk across Hyde Park from the Pitt Street Mall
shopping area, I feel it's overpriced. You may be able to negotiate a cheaper rate
with the management, though; it never hurts to ask. Each room has a sofa and
a couple of armchairs, a separate kitchen, a balcony, and a bathroom with a
smallish tub and separate shower. Guests get free membership at a gym just
down the road.
16-32 Oxford St., Sydney, NSW 2010. & 02/8268 2599, or 1800/221 2599 in Australia. Fax [phone].
www.savillesuites.com.au. 135 units. A$250 (US$162) 1-bedroom apt; A$270 (US$176) 2-bedroom apt. Extra
person A$25 (US$16). Children under 15 stay free in parent's room. Ask about special rates. AE, DC, MC, V.
Parking A$5 (US$3.25). CityRail: Museum. Amenities: Restaurant; small heated outdoor pool; sauna; Jacuzzi.
In room:A/C, TV, minibar, iron, washing machine, dryer.
MODERATE
Travelodge, Wentworth Avenue This business-oriented hotel is cheap
for Sydney, and comfortable and well located—making it a good option for
some travelers. The clean, brown-colored rooms are motel-like in appearance,
with a queen-size bed. Many come with a sofa. From here it's a short walk to
Oxford Street, Town Hall, Hyde Park, and the monorail to Darling Harbour.
27-33 Wentworth Ave., Sydney, NSW 2000. & 02/8267 1700. Fax [phone]. www.travelodge.com.au.
406 units. A$119 (US$77) double and twin rooms. Extra person A$16 (US$10). AE, DC, MC, V. Parking around
corner A$17 (US$11). CityRail: Museum. Amenities: Restaurant; massage; babysitting; nonsmoking rooms.
In room:A/C, TV, dataport, kitchenette, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
INEXPENSIVE
Sydney Central YHA This multi-award-winning hostel is one of
the biggest and busiest in the world. And it's just one of 140 YHA hostels in
Australia (for the full list check the website below). With a 98% year-round
occupancy rate, you'll have to book early. It's in a historic nine-story building,
which offers far more than standard basic accommodations. In the basement is
the Scu Bar, a popular drinking hole with pool tables and occasional entertain-
ment. There's also an entertainment room with more pool tables and e-mail

Value