PlanetEye

This hotel is often met with mixed reviews, mainly due to its extremely convenient location but lacking in character and space.

Crammed into a refurbished office building on Liverpool Street, the hotel does lack the appearance factor. Without one second look it can easily be mistaken as an office apartment. Space is already an obvious problem upon entering the reception and it is confirmed when entering the rooms. The beds are comfortable, the bathrooms are clean but there is that one aspect missing: space.

In the rooms there is just enough room to stretch out our legs, but no more room for the more comfortable factor other hotels of similar standards offer - even the writing desk seem to be pushed up against the wall and uncomfortable to be writing on.

There is no views. At least, not in the room we paid the discounted rates for. Liverpool Street, although convenient and within walking distance to all things central, is not the most picturesque in Sydney, and making it worse is the amount of traffic that drives throught it, creating a vast amount of noise that even the sound proof glass of the windows cannot fully eliminate.

One merit to the hotel is that the staff continue to smile and be helpful, and Darling Harbour is just a roll down the hill. Otherwise, not a romantic spot and mostly suited to business travellers only.

Radisson Hotel & Suites
72 Liverpool St
Sydney NSW 2000
Ph: 1800 333 333‎ (free call within Australia)
www.radisson.com/sydneyau

The Vibe website wants to show it all - the bright and cheerful colours used for the decor and the funky matters on the materials used for sheets and the pillows, however the Vibe Hotel in North Sydney is unfortunately just a very standard hotel with a bed with a somewhat old television set that is on the brink of falling apart and a bathroom with more of a sprinkler system than a shower.

At least, some rooms have water views, which may redeem itself just a little.

The disappointment started with the reception. There wasn't the professional, warm and welcoming smile, but rather matter of factly service. Questions were answered without a smile, and none of the reception staff feel like they wanted to be there.

Don't get me wrong, the hotel does have ok facilities outside its rooms. There is a pool and a great restaurant and bar, and broadband internet access, but one wonders if those who tried to book it for cheaper online ended up with their backend rooms that needs major update.

It is indeed a shame. For a hotel so conveniently located with such great potential on the water edge, it can do, a lot more. 

Vibe Hotel North Sydney
88 Alfred Street
Milsons Point
Sydney NSW 2061
p: +61 2 9955 1111

www.vibehotels.com.au 

This 1892 mansion has passed many hands in history, having belonged to a wealthy merchant, it was a boy's home, then a children's court before the Trickett family took over and created a luxury bed and breakfast in one of Sydney's most exciting suburbs - Glebe.

Right across from many great restaurants, cafes and boutique shopping, Tricketts offers its own style of boutique accommodation. Well sized and decorated guest rooms are warm and welcoming, and the guest lounge, with its barrel ceiling ballroom, leather chesterfield lounges and a baby grand piano, is the most well received guest room in Sydney.

The best thing about Tricketts, is that it doesn't feel like a hotel, but a home away from home. Touches of heritage scatter around the mansion with Trickett family's collection of antiques and collectables from around the world: from Persian rugs, artworks to crystals, all add to the ambiance of the overall feel.

The property has only seven ensuite rooms and one self-contained apartment so advanced booking is essential to secure a couple of nights in this beautiful home. Glebe is also a great location to be in, near enough for regular bus services to the city centre, but far enough to be away from the chaotic Sydney crowds when you want a quiet night in.

Tricketts Luxury Bed & Breakfast
270 Glebe Point Rd
Glebe NSW 2037
Ph: (02) 9552 1141

www.tricketts.com.au 

A hotel currently celebrating being 'Deluxe Hotel of the Year' after winning the 2008 AHA (NSW) Accommodation Division Awards for Excellence.

In 2002, the French Sofitel chain came to Australian and has since opened and upgraded severe prestige locations, including the Sydney hotel which has since undergone a $60 million upgrade and refurbishment and another $10 million worth of enhancement program, the hotel is re-defining luxury and comfort in a whole new level. The beautiful, modern yet sophisticated décor wows the pickiest guests and has all the standard five star facilities.

The excellent health club and day spa will keep you fit and beautiful while dining in the Garden Court café restaurant is simply delightful. With two levels of shopping arcade available as well, you would not want to venture too far from the hotel to really enjoy yourself. Everything is five star services.

News: To celebrate their new award title, Sofitel Wentworth is currently offering free upgrades from a Club Sofitel room to a Prestige Suite Club Sofitel. Just mention the words "GM's Invitation at the time of reservation" to receive this offer. Offer ends on 31 August and is subject to availability.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
61-101 Phillip St
Sydney NSW
Reservations: 1800 676 960
http://www.sofitelwentworthsydney.com.au/

The courtyard does not go un-noticed. This Italian inspired courtyard design allows guests to relax and mingle and forget that they are in fact staying in one of Sydney's busiest suburbs.

What is also pleasing is the exceptionally friendly and capable staffs, many of whom are multi-lingual and have some of the nicest smiles in the city. The hotel location is also perfect for dining out in one of Sydney's best restaurant scenes as well as being walking distance to many of Sydney's major attractions.

All rooms are equipped with TV/DVD, mini bar, a microwave, internet and a complimentary gym pass. Medusa is a great hotel to stay with if you are somewhat a little tired of the larger international hotel chains.

Medusa
267 Darlinghurst Road
Darlinghurst NSW
02 9331 1000
www.medusa.com.au

There is no place with a better harbour view than the Blu Horizon Bar on level 36 of Shangri-La hotel in Sydney. Better still, many of its guest rooms located on the harbour side of the building, share the same view.

Famous for its Royal Suite that boasts a full-sized kitchen, an office space, a fancy marble bathroom with a sauna/steam bath  and a very very large and comfortable bed, with a grand piano to complete the decor. Not to mention, it probably has the best view of any hotel room in Sydney, with full panorama view of the inner harbour, taking in the historic district of The Rocks to the Harbour Bridge to the Opera House to the Botanic Gardens. It's a 007 style of luxury.

However for the average guest who cannot fork out thousands just for one night of such luxury, so even at their standard rooms for AU$310 a night, you can enjoy the same amount of romantic view of the harbour and the room setup isn't half bad, comparing to other luxury hotels in the region.

Besides its excellence in accommodation options, Shangri-La also has some of Sydney's best dining venues ranging from a pub meal to a luxury packed full silver service. The staff are friendly and helpful and a night or two in Shangri-La is an experience all luxury travellers in Sydney should indulge in at least once.

Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
176 Cumberland Street
The Rocks, Sydney
(02)9250 6000
www.shangri-la.com 

North Ryde is an odd place in Sydney for a resort, yet Stamford Grand Resorts in North Ryde seem to have blend into this suburban Sydney area perfectly.

The 256 room resort is a small oasis for those seeking a little bit of peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of Sydney. Only 20 mins from Sydney CBD and 15 mins from the Olympic Park, it isn't as inconvenient as its address appears to be.

The resort has style. Once you have done all that to do around Sydney, relax next to its beautiful Japanese influenced garden while sipping away house cocktails and many international beer selections available, or have a dip in the pool, both indoors and outdoors, or enjoy the warm bubbly spa pool available for all guests.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, even among its most basic offerings. Featuring a seperate lounge and sleeping quatres, you can enjoy a lazy lie in or sit on the balcony and chat the night away.

While in the hotel it almost feels like you are not in Sydney anymore. The wide spaces of the hotel blocks away the sounds of the traffic and its garden lay out and the tall palm trees allow your mind to drift away and pretend you may be somewhere far far away.

The hotel also offer a great menu selection for both restaurant dining and in-room services and the friendly staff will make you feel right at home.

For good rates, book online at www.wotif.com.au for their special internet deals.

The Stamford Grand North Ryde
Cnr Epping & Herring Roads
North Ryde, NSW 2113
http://www.stamford.com.au/sgnr/