Alter Ego Posted October 16, 2016 #1 Share Posted October 16, 2016 Sorry for asking another hotel question! As a solo traveler, I have to make all decisions and just really want to make sure my decision is okay. Will be leaving for Australia in two weeks. Honestly, I'm having a difficult time planning my time in Sydney - will probably do the HO HO and/or free walking tour of the Rocks on one day, Bondi beach/walk another (with China Town food tour at night), Blue Mountain and, maybe Manley ferry or whale watching tour last day (with a show at the Opera House at night). The only things not changeable are my Blue Mountain tour and "My Fair Lady" reservation. Based on Tripadvisor and Bookings.com reviews, I booked 1888 Ovolo Darling Harbour (Pyrmont). Breakfast is included, as is free happy hours. Just seems like a funky place! But, now I'm thinking I should stay in the Rocks, and have recently also reserved Shangri-La. Price is about the same, but Shangri-La loses some of the character - plus there's no freebies. I probably won't be doing anything crazy at night - just want decent places to eat nearby where I, as a solo traveler, won't feel out of place. I know the Rocks is, in general, the better location, but is 1888's location good enough for my needs? Thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter.kath@hotmail.com Posted October 16, 2016 #2 Share Posted October 16, 2016 I hadn't heard of the 1880 but just checked its webpage and reviews and will probably stay there one time. I really like the Pymont/ Darling Harbour area, there are heaps of bars and restaurants as well as being close to Chinatown, the Fish Markets and the Casino if that is your thing. I always feel safe there at night as it is quite busy. If you want to visit the Rocks area you can always catch a ferry. There is so much to see and do in Sydney. Public transport is great for getting around. Enjoy your stay. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted October 16, 2016 #3 Share Posted October 16, 2016 Either will be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Big_M Posted October 16, 2016 #4 Share Posted October 16, 2016 It's a fair trade-off. The Rocks is a much better, convenient location. But you get extras at Pyrmont to even that up. It just comes down to which you value more; quirky hotel further away with extras, or location and convenience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RenaeG Posted October 16, 2016 #5 Share Posted October 16, 2016 I would definitely recommend staying at the Rocks over Darling Harbour!! I'm an Aussie and lived in Sydney for 10 years. I stayed at Shangri-la pre cruise earlier this year and loved it. They have an incredible bar at the top of the hotel. I think Darling Harbour is stuck in the 80's and very touristy! Please definitely don't eat there either - average overpriced food! Your plans for Sydney sound good - you can do a tour of the opera house too whilst you are there. Thought about a Harbour Bridge climb? Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alter Ego Posted October 18, 2016 Author #6 Share Posted October 18, 2016 Wanted to pop in and thank everyone for their comments. Really appreciate these forums and the help they provide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DougH Posted October 25, 2016 #7 Share Posted October 25, 2016 It's been many years since my stay but I loved the week I spent at the Russell in the Rocks. Located just across the street from the cruise terminal and Circular Quay I loved wandering around the harbor area and the Rocks every night. I did many of the things you have on your list, the zoo was a nice place to visit and so were a lot of the museums in the Darling Harbor area. Also had a nice harbor tour when I got on the wrong ferry one day LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buchhalm Posted October 26, 2016 #8 Share Posted October 26, 2016 I'd stay at the Shangri-la. Good location ,and, as mentioned a spectacularly positioned bar on the top level. You think that you are on top of the harbour bridge. Definitely go and snag a table by the window for late afternoon and/or sunset drinks. Darling harbour - as also mentioned- is a bit 1980s. Overpriced food and a general tourist trap. OK for a burger or fish and chips, but not much else. (but there are a lot of option with restaurants for most tastes. Just expensive for what you get.) It can get a bit roudy with bucks/hens nights sometimes and after work drinking crowds. Also getting around is not TOO easy from there. The Shangri-La and nearby places are nicely located, especially for all those things you have planned, such as the Opera visit, Whale watching etc. From there you can also do a very pleasant 1/2 hour stroll across the harbour bridge. The concierge will draw you a map how to find the access point to the walk way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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