Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Luxury meets location at Sydney's most expensive hotel, where the service levels and fa-
cilities are second to none. The Park Hyatt was never going to win the architectural face-
off across Circular Quay with the Opera House and so opts instead for discreet low-slung
curves in Sydney sandstone.
OBSERVATORY$$$
When the owner's other properties include the Orient Express, you expect opulence. That
said, the Observatory is remarkably restrained, eschewing excessive glitz in favour of an
elegant antique ambience. The rooms are big 'uns, with equally spacious marble bath-
rooms. Some have views and four-poster beds.
HOTEL
QUAY GRAND$$$
Opera House as its neighbour, the building known locally as 'the toaster' has a scorching-
hot location - so much so that it might burn a hole right through your wallet. These well-
designed contemporary apartments set you in the glitzy heart of Sydney, encircled by top
restaurants, cocktail bars and that attention-seeking harbour.
APARTMENTS
LORD NELSON BREWERY HOTEL$$
( 9251 4044;
www.lordnelson.com.au
; 19 Kent St; r with/without bathroom $190/130; Circular Quay)
Built
in 1836, this boutique sandstone pub has a tidy set of upstairs rooms with exposed stone
walls and dormer windows. Thankfully the owners have resisted the urge to spew flowers
and lace all over the place. Most of the nine rooms are spacious and have en suites; there
are also cheaper, smaller rooms with shared facilities.
PUB
BED & BREAKFAST SYDNEY HARBOUR$$
Quay)
This 100-year-old guesthouse boldly claims to be the 'world's best-located B&B'.
With The Rocks and the city on its doorstep, it's certainly in contention. It even manages
to squeeze out some Opera House views, despite being hemmed in by high-rise hotels. En
suite rooms have an Australian flavour without straying into twee territory. Smaller
shared-bathroom rooms are also available.
B&B
RUSSELL$$
HOTEL
