FEATURED Sydney hotels

Australia's most famous and cosmopolitan city is considered by many to be one of the world's greatest cities in which to live and visit. Located on the south-east coast on the Tasman Sea, the largest and oldest in the country. It is surrounded by iconic beaches, World Heritage areas, lush wine lands and a picturesque hinterland all of which play a part in attracting the many leisure visitors that arrive throughout the year. A business gateway to Australia and the Asian Pacific regions and as a favorite destination for international students, conferences, sporting events and the home of many global company headquarters attract vast numbers of corporate guests as well. To cater for this demand, Sydney hotels are located throughout the city and range from numerous backpackers lodges, budget hotels to boutique and world-class luxury five-star hotels.

Established in 1788 by Arthur Phillip, commodore of the First Fleet and was the site of the first British colony in Australia. Suffering disease and clashes with the Aboriginals, the city grew slowly at first until ships began arriving from Britain and Ireland loaded with passengers looking for an alternative lifestyle. The discovery of gold and the subsequent Australian Gold Rush in 1851 led to the arrival of many more shiploads of adventurers and explorers and since then, the port of Sydney has been the starting point for waves of immigrants and visitors from around the world. Today, boasting the iconic structures of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the city is known as a leading international place for arts, commerce, fashion, culture, education, tourism and culture.

The vibrant city is the home of business and finance and boasts many fabulous restaurants, historic attractions, great shopping opportunities and modern Sydney hotels. To the west of the Circular Quay lies the cosmopolitan area of The Rocks which includes the first colonial village and Harbor Bridge. The Darling Harbor Area is alive with boardwalks, aquariums, wildlife and museums while lovely neighborhoods showcase the cultural identities of the many of the immigrant populations. Here visitors can experience delectable traditional cuisine from around the world, festivals, nightlife and unique shops.

World famous beaches such as Bondi Beach attract bronzed surfers and biking-clad girls from around the world. With sunshine guaranteed for 300 days of the year, hotels located here provide the perfect venue for any family holiday or romantic weekend away with an array of activities including surfing and swimming, an array of other water sports, dining, walking and relaxing.

Those in search of cultural attractions will not be disappointed as the home of Opera Australia, the third busiest Opera company in the world are located here. Added to this are many amazing museums including the Australian Museum of natural history and anthropology, the Powerhouse Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Arts to mention but a few.

The world-renowned architecture of the city is reflected in many of the Sydney hotels. The lovely classical styles of some hotels in the historic areas reflect the period of time when Sydney formed a part of the British Empire while modern high-rise hotels are reflective of contemporary architectural styles. A wide range of budget and mid-range hotels are located in the CBD, Haymarket and along the shores of the city within easy reach of public transport. Luxury hotels are found all over the city with some of the most expensive located in the CBD, the Rocks area offers magnificent views over the Opera House and the famous Bridge.

Guest rooms range from simple but clean rooms located above one of the city's ubiquitous pubs and bars to the ultra-luxurious, spacious rooms which are designed to maximize comfort. With elegantly hand-crafted furniture, large working desks and king-size beds with the finest of cotton linen, feather pillows and warm down duvets, these rooms are indeed havens of peace and tranquility. From pet-friendly hotels, family rooms and lavish penthouse suites, there is something to suite every requirement. Most rooms include satellite television and dual-line telephones while the more luxurious boast some of the finest amenities in the world including a mini-bar, refrigerator, tea and coffee maker and high-speed internet access. Large picture windows or floor-to-ceiling windows allow in plenty of natural light and ensure stunning views.

Sydney hotels offer a large range of facilities depending on their location and star rating. Included are world-class health facilities that offer relaxing massages and soothing treatments that combine the best therapies of the East with the modern technological approach of the West. Well-equipped fitness centers include cardio machines and free weights while guests can also make use of aerobic, Yoga and Pilates classes. Running and walking routes close the hotel are recommended by efficient concierge services while a tennis court, squash court and access to a host of golf courses is provided by others. Added to this are massage parlors, saunas, heated swimming pools with sun beds to ensure that all guests are well catered for.

Since this city is the business hub of the area, many Sydney hotels boasts superb business facilities that include spacious, multiple and flexible conference and meeting venues. Magnificently decorated ballrooms can host hundreds of guests for sumptuous banquets, balls, formal dinners or romantic weddings while smaller venues are perfect for small intimate meetings.

Sydney hotels provide the perfect base for visitors to explore this magical city and enjoy the cultural attractions and sites, international cuisine and outdoor pursuits. Providing accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets and located throughout the city, all visitors will find plenty of Sydney hotels perfectly suited to fulfill all their requirements.