Sydney Hotels

Visiting Sydney – A City Guide

With its harbours, al fresco dining and leafy inner-city villages, Sydney is a chic, bustling metropolis with a laid-back, outdoor vibe. Relax on golden beaches, watch the ferries crisscross Sydney Harbour or enjoy a sunset cocktail at Coogee Pavilion Rooftop.

Sydney: City Layout

The Central Business District (CBD) at the heart of Sydney features modern hotels, high-rise buildings, and a world-famous harbour. Lively village suburbs surround the centre, including the Inner West, with the bohemian charms of Glebe, Newtown and Enmore. Trendy Surry Hills to the south has cosy pubs and culinary hotspots. Designer shopping in upscale Double Bay and the beaches attract many visitors. Parramatta and the scenic Blue Mountains are west of the CBD.

Sydney’s Best Beaches

There’s a beach for every traveller. For a Sydney beach holiday, Coogee Beach is a family-friendly choice and a 15-minute drive from Bondi or the city centre. Cronulla is also excellent for families, while Tamarama and Bronte appeal to the fashion-conscious. Manly Beach, to the north, is home to The Australian Open of Surfing. Bondi Beach is the best known of Sydney’s 100+ beaches. At the southern end of Bondi Beach, enjoy cocktails overlooking the ocean at Bondi Icebergs Club.   

Eating Out in Sydney

A world-class dining scene and wines from nearby Orange and Hunter Valley lure diners to King Street and Enmore Road in the Inner West. Japone Sushi is an excellent choice for its inventive Japanese dishes. Outside the CBD, hotel guests can find options for every taste on Crown Street and Glebe Point Road. Alfie & Hetty skillfully fuses French and Australian cooking; Toko offers informal, Japanese izakaya dining. You can use your IHG^® Reward Club points for an upscale getaway at the InterContinental^® Double Bay; this luxury Sydney hotel’s location makes it simple to sample the village’s boutiques and gourmet dining at Pink Salt.

Shopping in Sydney

Booking your Sydney hotel rooms by making your reservations directly with the hotel gives you the lowest rate available. You can use your savings for a day of shopping. Pitt Street Mall is a pedestrian-only street showcasing national and international brands. The Victorian Strand Arcade in the CBD features chic design shops and restaurants. Westfield Sydney and Westfield Bondi Junction cater to those who prefer traditional malls. 

Culture & Nightlife in Sydney

Family-friendly hotels in the Darling Harbour neighbourhood are within walking distance of the child-friendly Powerhouse Museum. This area also appeals to those who intend to visit nearby Sydney Harbour and The Royal Botanic Garden.

The city’s numerous theatre, dance and musical possibilities include world-class opera at the iconic Sydney Opera House. Cate Blanchett was once a member of the flagship Sydney Theatre Company, located on a wharf in Walsh Bay. The sandstone pubs and eateries of The Rocks are handily placed between the two, and the ideal spot for a pre- or post-show drink.