Where to stay

For those needing accommodation, we have been able to get a great discount at 2 hotels—Pacific International Suites Sydney in the city (downtown) and The Vibe North Sydney, see below for details.

However, you are welcome to stay whereever you like. We have some alternatives in different neighbourhoods and price points. For example, if you’re looking to tan and surf, stay around the city over the weekend of the wedding, and then go out to Manly or Bondi beach for a couple of days before or afterwards.

All rooms are subject to availability, so we recommend you book soon as the Mardi Gras is on the same weekend as the wedding, and accommodation will be in hot demand.

Also, once you have booked, please let us know where you are staying, so we can determine how (and if) to organize group transportation.

Pacific International Suites Sydney (link)

Located in the heart of the city

This hotel is a good base for sightseeing and getting around. It’s right near the train station, and in the heart of the business and shopping districts. All rooms include fully equipped kitchens.

  • Studio apartment at AU$145.00 per night
  • One bedroom apartment (for families) at AU$150.00 per night

Note: To get the rates above, when booking say you are part of “The Rowland Group”.

The Vibe North Sydney (link)

North Sydney, close to the wedding

The Vibe is a few blocks from where we are getting married and we have some great rates. It’s one stop on the train, or a 5 min ferry ride into Circular Quay where you’ll start and end most of your sight-seeing. This neighbourhood is a little quieter outside the city (and away from Mardi Gras), and is very pleasant (Jen lived here for a few years).

All rooms include Full Buffet Breakfast in Curve restaurant and chocolates and sparkling wine on arrival.

  • Vibe Room: Studio Style AU$160.00/night.
  • Aqua Vibe Room: Studio Style with water views AU$185.00/night
  • Junior Vibe Suite, separate living area and bedroom with water views AU$210.00/night
  • Senior Vibe Suite, exclusive to the top two floors of the hotel with sweeping harbour views AU$260.00/night

Note: To get the rates above, ask for “Aqua Dining rates”—Aqua Dining is our wedding reception venue.

Alternate accommodation options

If the above don't interest you for whatever reason, here are a few options to consider in different areas and with different price points.

The Harbour Rocks Hotel (link)

Inner city, The Rocks

The Rocks is a great place for all you tourists to use as a base for sightseeing. The hotel is perfectly situated near the main ferry terminal and trains, buses and taxis are just down the road. The Rocks area is also where Sydney was first settled and so has some cool old historical buildings and cobbled streets. 4 star hotel, 150 year old heritage building, 55 rooms.

Cost: AU$215/night upwards

The Australian Hotel (link)

Inner city, The Rocks

Also in The Rocks (see above), central to all transport and sightseeing, 5 min walk to Circular Quay. Rooms include a continental buffet breakfast, one shared bathroom between two rooms, 10 rooms. Popular Aussie pub downstairs enjoyed by locals.

Cost: AU$125/night

Eight Hotels (link)

Inner city

3 great hotels in great locations, for the designers who want chic and cafes at their doorstep (cafés at the Darlinghurst hotels). Book early—Darlinghurst is where Mardi Gras is centered! They call these “Luxury Budget Hotels”, we think this means small and limited services, but clean and modern. Room types cover all varieties from dorm room to family suites.

Cost: From AU$25 dorm rooms to AU$139/night

Macleay Serviced Apartment Hotel (link)

Inner city, Potts Point

In Potts Point (cafés, restaurants, etc) and just down the road from the red light district (the feint hearted might want to stay elsewhere). Scenic 20 min walk to city/Circular Quay. Walk into red light district for trains. The rooms are clean and simple, but nothing to write home about. All rooms have kitchenettes, 126 rooms

Cost: $130/night upwards, minimum 3 night stay

Motel Formule 1 Kings Cross (link)

Inner city, Kings Cross

In Kings Cross, the red light district. Central to the city and transport. Basic and inexpensive, 30 rooms.

Cost: $79/night

Some fancy hotels if your wallet allows

Inner city

Other neighborhoods to consider

If you would like to find something yourself, here are a few neighborhoods we would recommend.

Paddington/Surrey Hills/Darlinghurst

Restaurants, clubs, shopping, also pockets of gay. With the Mardi Gras on the weekend of the wedding, Oxford St will be a laugh, and these neighborhoods a little crazy—which might be just what you’re looking for! Book really early.

Potts Point/Woolloomooloo

Restaurants, cafes, clubs. Another trendy part of town. Near the red light district.

Manly or Bondi beach

For those wanting to surf or tan, these are great beaches not far from the city.

Bondi

Manly