When you’re planning a trip somewhere new, your first priority is where to stay. But deciding where to stay in Sydney can be tricky. Here’s our guide to finding where to stay in Sydney.

With so many factors at play, finding that perfect place to stay is always hard. Budget, location, services, room type… sometimes you just want a local to come and tell you this is where you should stay.

Well, perhaps we can be of assistance?

You see, when you stay in a hotel in your hometown – have a little staycation, see more of the city – you get to see where you live from a totally different perspective.

And we love staycations!

Recently we had friends come and visit us, so we had to look around to find the best places for them to stay in Sydney.

Here are our tips on where to stay in Sydney, no matter what type of holiday you’re planning.

Where to stay in Sydney – our Sydney hotel cheatsheet

Five-star accommodation

If you’re looking for optimum romance factors and the highest level of what Sydney hotels can offer, here are our picks for the luxury end of where to stay in Sydney.

1. The Park Hyatt

With Sydney’s best views and the only balconies for five-star accommodation, the Park Hyatt is your pick.

Click here to see the latest room rates at the Park Hyatt.

2. The Four Seasons

Holds a great spot by Circular Quay and it’s our pick because of Grain Bar next to the lobby. It doesn’t feel like a hotel bar but you can still room charge your drinks! Here’s our full review.

Click here to see the latest room rates at The Four Seasons.

3. The InterContinental

The InterContinental is a real institution in Sydney, and is well located right in the CBD and close to the harbour. Try and stay at the club level so you can enjoy the lounge upstairs.

Click here to see the latest room rates at the InterCon.

Where to stay in Sydney for Boutique service

Here are some more quirky options of where to stay in Sydney. They’re still at that high end, but with a really interesting view or service. We love to find places like this in other cities – they tend to give a completely different feel to the place we’re visiting.

1. The Little Albion Guest House

In the hidden backstreets of Surry Hills – arguably Sydney’s coolest suburb, the Little Albion Guest House is a beautifully styled blend of 1920s chic and 1970s unique. Its 35 rooms range from cosy crash pads to sumptuous suites and the location will not only make you feel like one of the in crowd, it’ll also leave you in the heart of the fun part of town.

Click here to see the best rates for the Little Albion Guest House.

2. The Hotel Palisade in The Rocks

Right next to the Harbour Bridge in the most historic part of Sydney, this hotel has been recently refurbished and is home to a fantastic cocktail bar on the rooftop. This boutique hotel is the ideal place to stay for incredible views and a great location.

Click here to see the best rates on the Hotel Palisade.

3. The QT Hotel

While they aren’t offering any views being right in the heart of the city, the QT offers fantastic rooms and excellent service. We love the in-room espresso martinis. We do love how QT hotels look and feel. They put a lot of effort into their quirky yet stylish brand.

Click here to see the rates for the QT in Sydney CBD.

4. The Old Clare Hotel

Also recently renovated, the Old Clare is right at the heart of the new art scene in Chippendale. There are fantastic restaurants around including Kensington Street Social and Spice Alley – plus check out that rooftop pool and bar at the top of the hotel.

Here’s where you can check rates and book at the Old Clare.

5. The InterContinental Double Bay

If you’re looking for a hotel in the Eastern Suburbs, the InterContinental has it all. Fantastic rooms and service, a great rooftop pool, an amazing gin bar called The Stillery and located in a very chic harbourside suburb with great boutiques, bars and restaurants all around.

Click here for rates at the InterCon Double Bay.

Where to stay in Sydney by the beach

Sydney’s all about its beaches, so why not stay right near one? Here are our top picks for beachside hotels.

1. QT Bondi Beach

he new QT at Bondi while not offering any views is in one of the most prime locations at Sydney’s premier beach. The fun décor and room service make up for the lack of views in the rooms; plus you can be on the beach in seconds for your early morning swim before the rest of the tourists arrive.

Here’s the link to check the rates at QT Bondi Beach.

2. Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach

With most rooms overlooking one of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches, the Crowne Plaza is perfect. You’re also close to shops and restaurants, and public transport that will take you into the city in about 15 minutes.

Here’s where you can check rates for Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach.

3. The Sebel at Manly Beach

Manly is almost like where Sydney goes on holiday. You right on one of the best surf beaches in Sydney with all kinds of shopping and bars nearby.

Find the best rates for the Sebel at Manly here.

4. Q Station – Sydney Harbour National Park

A quirky option but right on its own small harbour beach. The Q Station – or Quarantine Station – offers unique historical accommodation with a great restaurant right in the harbour. You’re only a five-minute drive to Manly to explore everything there and a daily ferry runs straight from the wharf at the hotel.

Check out more of the facilities and rates for Q Station here.

Mid-Range Accommodation in Sydney

1. The Cambridge Hotel, Surry Hills

Probably one of the most underrated hotels in Sydney for its location, quality and price point, this one’s right in Sydney’s coolest most popular suburb.

Here’s where you can check rates for the Cambridge Hotel.

2. The Vibe Hotel

Offering great mid-range accommodation, The Vibe has locations in North Sydney and in the city, which is perfect for short stays.

Here are the rates for staying at the Vibe Hotel in the city.

Budget Accommodation in Sydney

Sometimes all you need is somewhere safe to leave your stuff and a place to lay your head at the end of a long day exploring. They may not have the romance of other places, but these budget tips will save you bucks.

1. Sydney Harbour YHA

You can’t beat the Sydney Harbour YHA Hostel in The Rocks for budget accommodation with harbour views! Not bad for a hostel.

Here are rates for Sydney Harbour YHA.

2. Sydney Travelodge

If budget is key but hostels aren’t your disco, consider the Sydney Travelodge. The location is amazing, though I can’t really vouch for the rooms. It’ll be basic and not as cheap as a hostel.

Here’s the link to rates for Sydney Travelodge.

AirBnB

Of course, the other option willing to fit all budgets is AirBnB. Our friends recently rented an incredible house at Bronte looking out over the sea and it’s a great option if there’s a few of you or if there’s just one of you.

This is a link to our profile where we can give you $45 off your first AirBnB booking. Our little gift to you!

We hope this round up has helped you book your accommodation in Sydney – and here’s a list of our favourite things to do while you are in the city too.

Do you have a top hotel recommendation in your hometown? Have you stayed anywhere else in Sydney you think should be on the list? Tell us in the comments!

Images courtesy of respective hotels’ Facebook pages and by Mrs Romance.