# Where to stay in Sydney: 12 areas compared with live prices for Fri 20 Nov – Sun 22 Nov 2026

Sydney is spread around a harbour, so the useful question is which part of it suits your trip. These are 38 of Sydney's best-reviewed 4–5★ hotels (the top few in each area), priced live for Fri 20 Nov – Sun 22 Nov 2026 (2 nights, 2 adults), sorted by the area they are in.

For Fri 20 Nov – Sun 22 Nov 2026 the typical nightly price is lowest around Airport and Mascot (AUD 319) and highest around CBD and Town Hall (AUD 618).

Source: https://fostay.com/sydney/where-to-stay

## Circular Quay and The Rocks

The harbour front by the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, with the old streets of The Rocks behind it and the ferry wharves in the middle.

Best for: First visits where you want to walk to the landmarks.

Getting around: Circular Quay station and the ferry wharves are beside it, so trains and harbour ferries start here.

| Hotel | Stars | Guest rating | Total for the stay | Per night | Free cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Little National Hotel Sydney](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp655514ae?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 9.4/10 (4,657) | AUD 892 | AUD 446 | No |
| [Paradox Sydney](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp2abf1?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 8.9/10 (10,971) | AUD 942 | AUD 471 | No |
| [Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp2964c?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 8.4/10 (8,092) | AUD 961 | AUD 481 | No |
| [Shangri-La Sydney](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp20142?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 8.5/10 (13,414) | AUD 1,196 | AUD 598 | No |

## CBD and Town Hall

The city centre between Circular Quay and Central, with George Street, the shopping and the main train stations.

Best for: A central base with the most hotel choice.

Getting around: Town Hall, Wynyard and Martin Place stations are in it, and the light rail runs along George Street.

| Hotel | Stars | Guest rating | Total for the stay | Per night | Free cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [The Grace Hotel](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp2480c?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 8.9/10 (18,864) | AUD 1,005 | AUD 503 | No |
| [Meriton Suites Kent Street, Sydney](https://fostay.com/hotels/lpafa5e?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 8.8/10 (8,911) | AUD 1,105 | AUD 553 | No |
| [Meriton Suites Campbell Street, Sydney](https://fostay.com/hotels/lpafa6c?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 9.0/10 (7,718) | AUD 1,365 | AUD 683 | Yes |
| [The Fullerton Hotel Sydney](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp24d9f?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 8.9/10 (10,959) | AUD 1,686 | AUD 843 | Yes |

## Darling Harbour and Barangaroo

A pedestrian waterfront of restaurants and entertainment on the west side of the CBD, with the convention centre.

Best for: Families, conferences and dining by the water.

Getting around: The Inner West light rail and the Barangaroo and Pyrmont Bay ferries stop here; the nearest train station is Town Hall.

| Hotel | Stars | Guest rating | Total for the stay | Per night | Free cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Aiden by Best Western Darling Harbour](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp655718c0?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 4★ | 8.8/10 (5,023) | AUD 856 | AUD 428 | No |
| [Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp2c542?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 8.0/10 (9,856) | AUD 920 | AUD 460 | No |
| [The Star Grand Hotel and Residences Sydney](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp2142f?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 8.6/10 (5,042) | AUD 1,448 | AUD 724 | No |
| [W Sydney](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp656ce7cc?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 8.6/10 (5,821) | AUD 1,805 | AUD 903 | Yes |

## Pyrmont

A mostly residential harbour-side suburb next to Darling Harbour, home to The Star casino and the Sydney Fish Market.

Best for: A quieter base a short walk from the CBD.

Getting around: Light rail stops at Pyrmont Bay and The Star; the ferry wharf is at Pyrmont Bay.

| Hotel | Stars | Guest rating | Total for the stay | Per night | Free cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp5308e?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 4★ | 8.1/10 (1,259) | AUD 594 | AUD 297 | Yes |

## Surry Hills and Central

A food-focused inner suburb with Sydney's cafés and restaurants and a large LGBTQIA+ community, next to Central station.

Best for: Eating out and nights out, with good transport.

Getting around: Central station is on its western edge and the light rail has a stop on Devonshire Street.

| Hotel | Stars | Guest rating | Total for the stay | Per night | Free cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Great Southern Hotel Sydney](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp567c8?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 4★ | 8.0/10 (15,743) | AUD 724 | AUD 362 | Yes |
| [Mercure Sydney](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp2d596?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 4★ | 8.2/10 (12,338) | AUD 775 | AUD 388 | No |
| [Rydges Sydney Central](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp1c93f?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 8.1/10 (7,289) | AUD 1,036 | AUD 518 | Yes |
| [Crystalbrook Albion](https://fostay.com/hotels/lpdd2c9?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 9.1/10 (618) | AUD 1,050 | AUD 525 | No |

## Potts Point and Kings Cross

Harbour-side streets east of the CBD with a mix of restaurants, bars and late-night places.

Best for: Nightlife and harbour views, a walk from the CBD.

Getting around: Kings Cross station is on the T4 Eastern Suburbs line.

| Hotel | Stars | Guest rating | Total for the stay | Per night | Free cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [No 9 Springfield](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp6572d12e?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 4★ | 8.1/10 (3,874) | AUD 852 | AUD 426 | No |
| [The Sydney Boulevard Hotel](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp1e59c?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 4★ | 8.2/10 (4,243) | AUD 895 | AUD 448 | No |
| [Macleay Hotel](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp1d0fb?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 4★ | 8.4/10 (3,741) | AUD 965 | AUD 483 | Yes |

## Paddington

Victorian terraces and the boutiques of Oxford Street, with a Saturday market.

Best for: Shopping and a quieter, residential feel.

Getting around: The nearest train station is Edgecliff; buses run along Oxford Street.

| Hotel | Stars | Guest rating | Total for the stay | Per night | Free cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [The Hughenden Boutique Hotel](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp2db0e?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 4★ | 8.2/10 (2,158) | AUD 967 | AUD 484 | No |

## North Sydney and Milsons Point

The business district on the north side of the Harbour Bridge, with the harbour and the city skyline across the water.

Best for: Business trips and harbour views, a few minutes from the CBD by train.

Getting around: North Sydney station is on the north shore train line, a short ride across the Harbour Bridge from Wynyard.

| Hotel | Stars | Guest rating | Total for the stay | Per night | Free cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [View Sydney](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp1e2f2?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 4★ | 8.6/10 (7,124) | AUD 686 | AUD 343 | Yes |
| [Vibe Hotel North Sydney](https://fostay.com/hotels/lpbe349?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 8.2/10 (4,868) | AUD 708 | AUD 354 | No |
| [Rydges North Sydney](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp1e257?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 8.2/10 (2,933) | AUD 722 | AUD 361 | No |
| [Meriton Suites North Sydney](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp96e20?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 8.7/10 (3,530) | AUD 867 | AUD 434 | Yes |

## Bondi

Sydney's best-known beach, about 7 km east of the CBD.

Best for: Beach stays. You are away from the city sights.

Getting around: There is no train to the beach; visitors usually take a train to Bondi Junction and a bus on.

| Hotel | Stars | Guest rating | Total for the stay | Per night | Free cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [The Blue Hotel Bondi](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp6556cb20?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 4★ | 8.3/10 (1,140) | AUD 862 | AUD 431 | No |

## Manly

A beach suburb on the north side of the harbour, reached by ferry from Circular Quay.

Best for: Beach stays with a ferry commute to the city.

Getting around: Ferries run between Manly Wharf and Circular Quay.

| Hotel | Stars | Guest rating | Total for the stay | Per night | Free cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Elysium Manly](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp21578?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 8.4/10 (1,856) | AUD 1,195 | AUD 598 | No |

## Airport and Mascot

Hotels around Sydney Airport in Mascot, about 9 km south of the CBD.

Best for: Early flights and late arrivals.

Getting around: Trains on the Airport and South line (T8) run from the airport stations to the CBD. An airport station access fee applies on top of the fare; check Transport for NSW for the current amount.

| Hotel | Stars | Guest rating | Total for the stay | Per night | Free cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Travelodge Hotel Sydney Airport](https://fostay.com/hotels/lpaaad5?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 4★ | 8.3/10 (18,970) | AUD 371 | AUD 186 | Yes |
| [Citadines Connect Sydney Airport](https://fostay.com/hotels/lpba05a?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 4★ | 8.3/10 (14,930) | AUD 478 | AUD 239 | Yes |
| [Meriton Suites Sydney Airport](https://fostay.com/hotels/lpbbfe3?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 9.4/10 (5,331) | AUD 638 | AUD 319 | Yes |
| [Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp69698?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 8.3/10 (18,989) | AUD 688 | AUD 344 | Yes |

## Parramatta and Olympic Park

Western Sydney: Parramatta's centre and Sydney Olympic Park, home to Accor Stadium and the Royal Easter Show.

Best for: Stadium events and the Easter Show.

Getting around: Parramatta is on the T1, T2 and T5 train lines and has a light rail; Olympic Park has its own station and ferry wharf.

| Hotel | Stars | Guest rating | Total for the stay | Per night | Free cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Meriton Suites Church Street, Parramatta](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp96e39?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 9.0/10 (5,074) | AUD 608 | AUD 304 | Yes |
| [PARKROYAL Parramatta](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp2c1a8?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 5★ | 8.3/10 (5,775) | AUD 628 | AUD 314 | Yes |
| [Novotel Sydney Olympic Park](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp2dcca?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 4★ | 8.1/10 (4,219) | AUD 731 | AUD 366 | No |
| [Meriton Suites George Street, Parramatta](https://fostay.com/hotels/lp6556a3e0?checkin=2026-11-20&checkout=2026-11-22&adults=2#rates) | 4★ | 8.7/10 (10,423) | AUD 741 | AUD 371 | Yes |

## Questions

**Where is the best area to stay in Sydney for a first visit?**
Most guides recommend Circular Quay and The Rocks, or the CBD just behind it, for a first visit, because the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the ferries are within walking distance. For Fri 20 Nov – Sun 22 Nov 2026, the cheapest hotels we can book there are Little National Hotel Sydney (AUD 446 a night, 9.4/10, non-refundable); Paradox Sydney (AUD 471 a night, 8.9/10, non-refundable); Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney (AUD 481 a night, 8.4/10, non-refundable).

**Where should I stay in Sydney to be near the beach?**
Bondi is the best-known beach, about 7 km east of the CBD, and Manly is the other main choice across the harbour. For Fri 20 Nov – Sun 22 Nov 2026, the cheapest hotels we can book there are The Blue Hotel Bondi (AUD 431 a night, 8.3/10, non-refundable).

**Where should I stay in Sydney near the airport?**
Mascot is the suburb around the airport, on the T8 Airport and South train line to the CBD. For Fri 20 Nov – Sun 22 Nov 2026, the cheapest hotels we can book there are Travelodge Hotel Sydney Airport (AUD 186 a night, 8.3/10, free cancellation); Citadines Connect Sydney Airport (AUD 239 a night, 8.3/10, free cancellation); Meriton Suites Sydney Airport (AUD 319 a night, 9.4/10, free cancellation).

**Is there a hotel tax or tourist levy in Sydney?**
As of October 2026 we found no accommodation levy in New South Wales or Sydney. Prices advertised to consumers in Australia must include GST (10%), and every price on this page does.

**How are these prices worked out?**
Each price is the cheapest bookable room for the whole 2-night stay for 2 adults, in AUD, with GST counted, including any part the hotel collects at check-in. They are checked live through Fostay's hotel supplier and refreshed every six hours.

**How are the areas drawn?**
Each hotel is placed with the nearest landmark in the list (Circular Quay and The Rocks, CBD and Town Hall, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo, Pyrmont and so on) if it is within about a kilometre of it, a little more for the large areas. Hotels farther from all of them are left off this page; they are on the full Sydney list. The areas are a guide to walking distance, not official districts.