Sydney business accommodation
August 4, 2010 6:58 PM   Subscribe

I am looking for advice on accommodation for my regular business travel to Sydney.

I will be in Sydney regularly for my job, for up to a week at a time for the foreseeable future. I would like to make the most of my time up there, and not be stranded out in North Ryde (nearest rail station would be Macquarie University). I don't yet have a budget for this, but it is probably fair to say that it won't be considered 'executive' or 'luxury' in amount!

I would like to be somewhere that has easy rail access (or alternative, easy transport - not multiple transfers) so I can get to and from work easily. It would be good if I was in easy walking distance to shops/restaurants, somewhere to take a stroll, something to do other than sit in my room! I would prefer something with some cooking facilities (not just tea/coffee making), internet is good (but not essential).

In essence, I would like to enjoy spending this time in Sydney, even though it is for work.

Any gems out there? Or even suggestions for good areas to look?
posted by AnnaRat to Travel & Transportation around Sydney, Australia (13 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
 
I really like wake up! Sydney Central.

It's central, affordable, clean, new, aesthetically pleasing, tonnes of internet access including wireless internet throughout...

The rooms are a bit basic - more upmarket youth hostel than hotel - but it's so cheap and so close to everything, and the staff are really friendly and helpful...

$108*/room ($17 extra per person) for a private double room with ensuite.

$98*/room ($17 extra per person) for a private double room without ensuite.
posted by Year of meteors at 7:08 PM on August 4, 2010


Check out airbnb.com. They have listed rentals of private rooms and entire apartments in central Sydney from $70pn night.
posted by Kerasia at 7:29 PM on August 4, 2010


Not a hotel recommendation, but this may help...

I assume you've checked out the Cityrail network map? Macquarie Uni is just short of Epping on the Northern line.

For no transfers, you'd want to be either:

a) Just South of the Harbour in a CBD location (ie near Central, Town Hall or Wynyard stations). Plus you get to cross the bridge twice a day, which is pretty cool.

b) Just North of the Harbour (eg Milsons Point to St Leonards). This is still like the CBD, but smaller & less lively.

Sydney CBD is generally a bit dull after dark, although the area around Chinatown (roughly halfway between Central & Town Hall) isn't as bad. This is also where a lot of the hostels & backpacker places are found, so I'd assume there must be some cheap apartment hotels.

Chatswood is a mini Hong Kong these days, a bustling Asian vibe. If that suits you, you'll be a lot closer to work.

Check out the trip planner as well, in case there are buses that would suit you better.

And on the off chance you don't know it already, wotif is a pretty good website for sussing out hotel locations, prices, and you get some photos to help make a selection.
posted by UbuRoivas at 7:54 PM on August 4, 2010


I have stayed at the Medina Grand apartments which is very, very central. Might be a bit expensive, but because you can cook all your own meals, you can save money that way.
posted by vac2003 at 9:51 PM on August 4, 2010


Some hint about the budget would help, even if it is a broad range.

The York is located as centrally as it can get. Their serviced apartments are often available at A$200-225 (especially for week-long stays).
posted by vidur at 11:01 PM on August 4, 2010


Response by poster: Budget is definitely under $200 a night, and options under $150 (if possible!) are most welcome. I know in Adelaide (not a great comparison for price, obviously!) I got a good serviced apartment in a small non-chain place that was really reasonable, so I am hoping someone might have some tips around less well-known or easy to find places.
posted by AnnaRat at 12:11 AM on August 5, 2010


I've also had very good experiences staying in a private room at Sydney Central YHA.

Double Private Bathroom from $106 to $132 per room.

And, of course, they have a kitchen, bar, barbeque, cafe/restaurant, food store, games room, internet/e-mail, Parking, reading room, sauna, swimming pool etc etc.
posted by Year of meteors at 1:33 AM on August 5, 2010


Renting may be another option. You could get a little furnished studio or a room in a boarding house for around $200 a week. If you're planning on spending more than one week a month in Sydney, it may turn out to be more economical, especially if you choose one with utilities included.

Domain lets you search by price, etc. I'd probably look around North Sydney as a good starting place, though if you want to be closer to work, Chatswood, as suggested by UbuRoivas, would be a good compromise.

I live somewhat near these areas, so if you need any advice on particular suburbs or have particular things you like to do, just ask.
posted by Georgina at 6:54 AM on August 5, 2010


Under $200/night, I think The George might be worthy of consideration. Single rooms are quoted at $308 per week. I had a couple of friends from Melbourne who stayed there recently, and were quite happy with it.
posted by vidur at 4:56 PM on August 5, 2010


Uh.. I have a couple of friends. They are still alive.
posted by vidur at 4:57 PM on August 5, 2010


Response by poster: I tried out the South Sydney Waldorf Apartments this month, in Chippendale. Think it was $125/night for a studio. Reasonably comfortable, but not entirely well thought out (not enough powerpoints!), and in an area with not much around it. 10 mins walk to either Central, or to the Broadway shopping centre, which has a great supermarket and other food stores. Understand the parking is free which might be a draw for others, or if you are there for something in that general area, it would probably work well. I'll have a go at another one next time.
posted by AnnaRat at 12:53 AM on September 6, 2010


and in an area with not much around it

Except for The Block, of course, which is effectively directly across Cleveland St from the Waldorf.
posted by UbuRoivas at 2:35 AM on September 6, 2010


Response by poster: I think I have found it! Harbourside Apartments on McMahon's Point. It only fits in my budget when I get it at 'last minute rates' and the non-Harbour Bridge view room (but still water views), but I have been able to do this twice. The studio apartments are spacious, comfortable and well-thought-out. Free newspaper, free parking, free muffins in a basket at reception, and peppermint tea (along with the usual tea/coffee in the room). There is a good strip of local restaurants on Blues Point Road for eat in or take away. It is walking distance to North Sydney station (though uphill), there is a bus too, and a ferry (for going elsewhere) right out the front of the hotel. Definitely feel I am in Sydney as walking around the neighborhood reveals views of the bridge and so on. Nice to walk around Lavender Bay, also. Would recommend for business or pleasure travel, if the location suits.
posted by AnnaRat at 8:33 PM on October 1, 2010


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