Y Hotel City South, Sydney

Advantages: Superb service, good facilties, excellent food, reasonable prices
Disadvantages: Not in the city, I was there on business

...didn't fail to let me down. A little check with our own "helencbradshaw" and one of my colleagues assured me that my chosen destination was close to the Uni I would be spending most of my time. WHO ARE THEY? Formed in 1995, and owned by Stamford Land Corporation Ltd, one of Singapores best known public companies, Stamford hotels and resorts have a range of hotels and resorts in key cities in Australia and New Zealand, with plans to expand in Asia and South America. Their properties are 4.5 and 5 star outlets, some suites and some hotels. BOOKING I made my booking at the Stamford Grand North Ryde at their website www.stamford.com.au - firstly selecting the "book a package" link rather than a straightforward reservation, and was offered a Palm Suite for AUD 120 (c£48... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Brilliant View, close to city
Disadvantages: Very expensive....not worth the money

...I went to Sydney a couple of months ago and thought I would splash out and stay at Star City.....which is right in the heart of Darling Harbour in the city. After arriving at the airport we had our first bad experience in that they make you PAY for the airport Shuttle bus...not just any shuttle bus, the actual star city one! So they make their guests pay to get to the hotel....In my opinion, when you pay such high prices to stay somewhere nice, you would think the shuttle bus is part of the service! So we end up renting a car, we get to the hotel only to find they CHARGE their own guests $40 per NIGHT to park at the hotel....yes the hotel that you are a guest at and have paid $300+ per NIGHT to stay at! For these prices, you would expect a really nice room, we stayed there for 4 nights so it wasn't cheap and to be honest, the room we... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: This city knows how to enjoy itself
Disadvantages: one or two

...beach. All these beaches have areas to have bbqs so just take some "snags" for a good old aussie bbq. one thing it is now against the law to smoke on the beaches in New South Wales. About sharks most beaches have lifeguards and also shark nets to keep these out, however most sharks will not attack, but experts believe they sometimes ,mistake surfers for seals. In the ten years I was there not once did I see or hear ofanyone being attacked in the sydney area. So please just enjoy your day and stay within the flagged areas and you will be fine. If you are interested in the country areas there are three great fantastic national parks which I recommend, just one hour from sydney you will see what fantastic country Australia, these are Kurrangai, blue mountains and the Royal National parks or if you fancy a weekend somewhere... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful