Great Views: Sydney Accommodation At The Rocks

Get to the very roots of Australian history at The Rocks, where Sydney began. Settlers brought convicts accused of everything from petty crimes to murder, and from these European ancestors the city developed over time. Sydney accommodation at The Rocks locates guests in the heart of Australian heritage.

This says nothing about comfort, which tourists will find here in spades. Perhaps the award for most appropriate hotel name should go to The Harbour Rocks, which could be name or statement. The area certainly does rock, with energetic city life just outside your cozy room. You may want to join in, but there could be the pressing issue of jet lag to contend with if your airplane ride started thousands of miles away in Vancouver, for example. Set your radio alarm so that fear of oversleeping does not, ironically, keep you awake. Try a drink from the mini bar. If you were lucky enough to book the Penthouse, soak in the jacuzzi. That ought to cure travel related insomnia.

Next day, step right outside the lobby into the bright sunshine of urban bustle. Walk to Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and for more culture, the Contemporary Arts Museum. Make sure you find suitable souvenirs at the shopping arcade to bring home for waiting kids, parents, girlfriends or siblings. These might be needed to appease them after reports of your Penthouse jacuzzi.

Absorb history in a room from the past with your stay at Australian Heritage Bed and Breakfast. Book a twin, double or queen bed ready for plunging into after a night on the town. Wake early for continental breakfast.

This kind of old-fashioned accommodation, with shared facilities, makes meeting people easy. Exchange a bit of personal history in the hallway as you pass at teeth brushing time. Talk more over lunch or dinner, served here seven days a week. Finally, exchange addresses and even phone numbers or email on the roof terrace providing views of city attractions. That is, unless attractions of another kind are not already occupying your view.

More heritage awaits at Glenmore Hotel. This time, your lodging dates from the early 1920s. Again, you get the rooftop. If nothing distracts you at this location, perhaps take a look down on Sydney from this terrace cunningly disguised as a beer garden.

Parents rejoice: the Shangri-La was expecting you. Staff provide babysitting or child minding by arrangement. That way, mom and dad can enjoy a meal together downstairs. Do a bit of secret shopping for your little ones before returning to take them for a pastry treat on-site.

Your room may provide haven enough before going outside, with TV, DVD and internet, but sometimes business or family functions await your attendance. Clean up at the hotel laundry. Catch a bite via twenty-four hour room service while waiting for the dryer. Dash downstairs to the bar or private meeting room to chat with a client, or head to the ballroom for a wedding reception. Anything could be happening here, so be a part of it.