As visitors to Sydney and New South Wales travel around the state, a diverse and welcoming range of accommodation awaits. All budgets and preferred styles of accommodation are catered for.

Finding and booking somewhere suitable to stay in New South Wales is easy. Accommodation includes historic five-star properties in downtown Sydney, backpacker hostels by the beach, lodges, country estates and retreats of charm and character. 

Sydney hotels build and refurbish

Hotels in Sydney are doing well. The Deloitte Access Economics Tourism and Hotel Market report for the first quarter of 2012 notes that "occupancy rates in Sydney are the nation's highest and are forecast to increase further over the projection period, with average occupancy rates of 85 per cent in 2012 growing to 88 per cent by 2014". 

The Darling, The Star's 171-room hotel, opened in October 2011. The property is designed to bring personality, charm, slick service and glossy accommodation to a prime waterfront location. The top two floors, dedicated to penthouse suites, are the brainchild of top Los Angeles designer Lawrence Lee. George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio were recent guests at The Star's new restaurant precinct, that includes Momofuku Seiobo, Sokyo and BLACK by ezard.

Park Hyatt Sydney reopened in March 2012, following the largest renovation in its 21-year history. Perfectly located next to Sydney Harbour Bridge in the dress circle of Sydney Harbour with eye-level views of Sydney Opera House, this location is arguably some of the best real estate in Sydney. The renovation sees the addition of three luxury rooftop suites with 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto large private balconies. The Park Hyatt's reopening returns additional capacity (and a small number of additional rooms) to the top end of the market.

Cambridge Hotel Sydney has finished its second soft refurbishment in five years. It also runs Abbey Hotel, 3.5-star accommodation with self-check-in service, funky rooms and hip amenities. The Cambridge's new Adge Apartment Hotel is due to open November 2012 with 12 luxury two-bedroom suites. 

Cockatoo Island, one of Sydney's harbour islands, has released for visitor hire two newly refurbished luxury houses and apartments.

Devere Hotel Sydney has overhauled 90 per cent of its 117 rooms, giving the rooms a fresher more contemporary look.

Diamant Hotel Sydney has launched an apartment range to complement its 76-room hotel offering.  One and two-bedroom apartments complement the three-bedroom, three-bathroom penthouse suite. A three-bedroom apartment will be available for bookings from September.  

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney has upgraded its Presidential Suite, featuring two spacious bedrooms and Sydney Harbour views from the hotel's top floor. The Royal Suites received a chic New York-inspired remodel in late 2011, complete with luxurious deep-soaking round bathtub with Opera House views. The hotel is now embarking on a multi-million dollar refurbishment of food and beverage operations. 

PARKROYAL Parramatta, having recently completed extensive renovations, invites guests to experience its fresh new look. 

Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney last year completed a AUD $20 million refurbishment of 477 guestrooms Rooms now feature purpose-built window-seating with panoramic views. Additional enhancements include iHome docks, media hubs and custom-designed furniture. Blu Bar on level 36 is an attraction in its own right with floor-to-ceiling views of Sydney Harbour. 

The Star, the former Star City entertainment complex was re-launched last October. The AUD $1 billion redevelopment involved a new boutique hotel, The Darling, premium dining with international chefs, shopping and entertainment that reinforces Sydney as a global city and major destination for visitors. Future, plans include a 3000-seat events centre to host top international music acts. 

Sydney Harbour Marriott has completed an extensive, AUD $18 million refurbishment of all 550 rooms and suites. The restyled rooms include 42-inch flat-screen LCD TVs, iPod docking stations, high-speed broadband, modern décor and furniture. Icons Brasserie has received a facelift, along with the lobby area, including Macquarie Cocktail Lounge and a new conference space. 

Quay Grand Suites Sydney saw its ECQ Bar reopen with much fanfare after a complete renovation in late-2011. 

New accommodation beyond Sydney

Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, an iconic property at Leura, is looking great under new ownership. Its new managers - Accor, Australia's largest hotel group - have rejuvenated and revived the property, bringing it into Accor's upmarket MGallery collection. The result, the Fairmont is buzzing again with near-full occupancy.

Golden Chain Australia now has 69 motels and motor inns in NSW, accessed through nearly 200 tour operators worldwide. Clients can pre-book or travel on open passes sold on a simple three-tier price structure. 

Spicers Vineyards Estate in NSW's famed Hunter Valley will develop further this year with the addition of new accommodation suites and a day spa. 

Stockton Beach Tourist Park, Newcastle, recently opened 11 self-contained modern cabins as part of a two-year plan to build 20 cabins and a recreational facility. 

Developments underway

Adina Apartment Hotel, Bondi (part of the Toga Hospitality group) is due for completion in June 2013. It will offer 113 one, two and three bedroom suites and studio apartment hotel accommodation, a luxury pool area and fitness centre. 

Adina Apartment Hotel, Royal Randwick Racecourse. Construction is due to commence by the end of this year on a 170 room, 4 star property. To be fitted out with a restaurant, bar, pool, gym and conference facilities. The property is due to open in 2014 and has views over the racecourse, Centennial Park and the City skyline.

Baillies Sydney. The creators of Lord Howe Island's luxurious Cappella Lodge, James and Hayley Baillie, have confirmed plans for a high-end property in Sydney's CBD. They have acquired four historic buildings at 43-47 George Street on a 35-year lease from the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. The AUD $10 million project, to be called Baillies Sydney, is set to open in late 2013. Rates are expected to range from $1200 to $3000 per night. 

Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Darling Harbour is undertaking a AUD $15 million dollar refurbishment of its rooms, ballroom and restaurant. The refurbishments are due for completion in late 2012. 

In the Blue Mountains, The Hydro Majestic, a classic Edwardian-era property, is currently undergoing major redevelopment and is due to reopen in 2014.

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney has begun an extensive 345 room refurbishment to be completed throughout 2012. 

A new AUD $68 million, Rydges Hotel at the International Terminal at Sydney Airport is due for completion later this year. 

Sebel Pier One Sydney. Work has begun on renovating its conference and event facilities and adding 29 extra guestrooms. 

The eclectic QT Sydney will hit the market in Sydney in late August 2012. This stylish, yet quirky hotel, will have 196 rooms. The development will see the tradition of The State Theatre and former Gowings site it occupies restored to its former glory, with more than a touch of contemporary glamour.


For more information go to www.sydney.com and www.visitnsw.com 

To access the image library and download images go to www.images.destinationnsw.com.au   


Who's at ATE 2012?

Destination NSW.  Booth 35. Eastern and Western. www.dnsw.com.au
8Hotels. Booth 216. Western. www.8hotels.com
Accor. Booth 228. Eastern and Western. www.accorhotels.com.au
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney. Booth 24. Eastern and Western.  www.amorahotels.com
Arts Hotel Sydney. Booth 38B. Western.  www.artshotel.com.au  
Bayview International Hotels and Resorts. Booth 272. Eastern and Western.  www.bayviewhotels.com
Best Western Australasia. Booth 134. Eastern and Western.  www.bestwesternaustralia.com.au
Cambridge Hotel Sydney. Booth 18. Western.  www.cambridgehotel.com.au
Chateau Elan, Hunter Valley. Booth 140B. Western. www.chateauelan.com.au
Choice Hotels Australasia.  Booth 276. Eastern and Western. www.choicehotels.com.au
Devere Hotel Sydney. Booth 34. Eastern and Western.  www.devere.com.au
Four Season Hotel Sydney. Booth 28. Eastern and Western. www.fourseasons.com
Fraser Suites Sydney. Booth 17. Eastern and Western.  www.frasershospitality.com
Golden Chain Australia. Booth 270. Western.  www.goldenchain.com.au
Grace Hotel. Booth 32. Eastern and Western.  www.gracehotel.com.au
Hunter Valley Resort. Booth 5. Eastern and Western. www.hunterresort.com.au
Hyatt Hotels and Resort. Booth 201. Eastern and Western. www.hyatt.com   
IHG (Intercontinental Hotels Group). Booth 256. Eastern and Western. www.ihg.com
Luxury Lodges of Australia.  Booth 169. Eastern and Western. www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au
Mantra Group. Booth 157. Eastern and Western. www.mantragroup.com.au  
Mirvac Hotels and Resorts. Booth 204. Eastern and Western.  www.mirvac.com.au
Mungo Lodge. Booth 48. Western. www.mungolodge.com.au  
Oaks Hotels and Resorts. Booth 238.  Eastern and Western.  www.theoaksgroup.com.au  
Pan Pacific Hotels Group. Booth 144. Eastern and Western. www.pphg.com
Radisson Blu Hotel, Sydney. Booth 26. Western. www.adisson.com
Rendezvous Hotels Australia. Booth 176. Eastern and Western. www.rendezvoushotels.com
Rydges Hotels and Resorts. Booth 253. Eastern and Western.  www.rydges.com
Seasons Apartment Hotel Group. Booth 171. Eastern and Western. www.sahg.com.au
Shangri-la Hotels and Resorts. Booth 41. Eastern and Western.  www.shangri-la.com
Silver Needle Hospitality.  Booth 275.  Eastern and Western. www.silverneedlehotels.com.au
Spicers Retreats, Hotels and Lodges. Booth 218.  Western.  www.spicersgroup.com.au
Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Booth 170. Eastern and Western. www.starwoodhotels.com
Sydney Harbour Marriott. Booth 8. Eastern. www.marriotthotels.com
The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa. Booth 8. Western.  www.thebyronatbyron.com.au
The Grace Hotel. Booth 32. Eastern and Western.  www.gracehotel.com.au
The Observatory Hotel. Booth 20. Western. www.observatoryhotel.com.au
The Star. Booth 42. Eastern and Western.  www.star.com.au 

The York by Swiss Belhotel. Booth 35. Eastern and Western).  www.swiss-belhotel.com

Toga Hospitality. Booth 200. Eastern and Western. www.toga.com.au

Waldorf Apartments Australia and NZ. Booth 158B. Western. www.waldorf.com.au

Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa. Booth 36. Eastern and Western. www.wolganvalley.com

YHA Australia Inc. Booth 145.  Eastern and Western. www.yha.com.au

MEDIA CONTACT:
Diane Glasson
diane.glasson@dnsw.com.au
61 2 9931 1475