By Julietta Jameson
The Manly Pacific has reopened with a coastal chic do-over.Credit: James Brickwood
It seems like only yesterday it was tools down for the Christmas break yet suddenly, the kids are back to school and the working year officially under way. Cue the back-to-work blues.
Yet there's hope on the horizon. Consider the fact that there's now less than 70 days till Easter.
However, with rising inflation and interest rates, airfares going through the roof and petrol apparently not getting cheaper any time soon, not to mention Christmas holiday credit card bills arriving, getting away for another holiday in 2023 might seem an expense too far.
That's where the staycation comes in.
Racing yachts on the harbour, art in the parks and theatres, celebrations on the streets – there's always something going on in Sydney.
Even without a ticket to an event, though, Sydney is prepacked with staycation attractions, from world famous beaches to top-of-class bars and restaurants to stunning galleries and theatre shows.
And when you also consider that dozens of new hotels have opened in Sydney since 2019, the options are as varied as the city's attractions and events, and off-season deals may be on the offing, a great staycation to suit your tastes and interests may be a mere train ride away. Here are six of the best.
HOTEL KITH, DARLING HARBOUR
If you're planning to immerse yourself in Sydney WorldPride 2023 (February 17 – March 5) by staying in the heart of the action, you might be hard pressed to get a room if you haven't booked already and usually inexpensive options will now come at a premium.
Even so, (when not completely full) the new Hotel Kith Darling Harbour is the party person's ideal crash pad. The small rooms, floor area 15-20 square metres, are equipped with everything you need and none of what you don't, especially when your room is just a place to sleep, shower and change.
Its Murray Street Pyrmont location is near the Convention Light Rail stop, providing easy access to the city one way and the pumping inner west the other.
From around $200 a night. See hotelkith.com
THE PORTER HOUSE SYDNEY, MGALLERY HOTEL COLLECTION, CBD
Credit: Steve Woodburn
A 15-minute walk through some of Sydney's most beautiful green space and with Hyde Park at its toes, The Porter House has an enviably central location ideal for Sydney Festival goers or just those looking to soak up a bit of high-end luxury with a side of history.
Blending old and new comprising a 36-storey tower combining residential and hotel rooms, and an 1876 tobacco factory building connected by a bridge, the mid-city property has a strong storytelling thread running through.
And with five dining and drinking spaces within, foodies needn't leave for the duration of their stay.
From $379 a night. See ALL.com
YHA SYDNEY HARBOUR THE ROCKS
Families on a tight budget can get views similar to some of Sydney's high-end hotels such as the Four Seasons or the InterContinental, at the YHA flagship property in The Rocks. Some guests will have to stand on the rooftop terrace to enjoy them but that's part of the fun at this hostel-come-budget inn.
Just refurbished with a smart new contemporary style, some of the property's en suite rooms have their own harbour views and include free Wi-Fi and TVs and can sleep up to five in privacy, no sharing required.
The money saved can go to exploring the Rocks or watching the elite racing craft battling it out during the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix, on February 18-19 with both ticketed and free viewing available.
From about $200 for en suite rooms. See yha.com.au
MANLY PACIFIC MGALLERY COLLECTION, MANLY
Closed for two years for a $30 million transformation, the Manly Pacific has reopened with a coastal chic do-over, the perfect place to fulfil your beachside real estate fantasies without the commitment.
And with the box seat views of Manly Beach the big drawcard, what a fantasy it is.
You could go big with the Infinity Residence, a 177-square-metre one-bedroom suite with kitchenette, living and dining room and its own 100-square-metre ocean view terrace.
Or just take a regulation room – they've been done up beautifully too, and spend your time between the beach, the rooftop pool and the hotel's two restaurants and bars.
From $279 a night. See manlypacific.com.au
OXFORD HOUSE, PADDINGTON
If you love the hotel pool scene in Los Angeles but flight prices leave you gasping, checking into the new Oxford House (which goes by the acronym OH!) in Paddington.
It's got 56 restful rooms, with a neutral colour scheme offset by art – a thoughtfully curated collection is a feature of the property overall.
But it's the pool area that's got visitors – and locals alike – all atwitter (or busily posting on their social media platform of choice) with an adjacent bar serving substantial snacks to go with your drinkies and a DJ working the decks.
The pool is exclusive to hotel guests, but the bar is open to the inner east set, so pack your best be-seen cossie.
Rooms from $229 a night. See oxfordhouse.com.au
ACE HOTEL, SYDNEY
This Wentworth Avenue outpost of the very cool Ace Hotel chain, originally from Seattle, is perfect for an arty getaway.
You could explore the nearby Art Gallery of NSW and its new Sydney Modern Project or pop into the nearby Brett Whiteley Studio. Or just stick around the hotel and immerse yourself.
Melbourne architects Flack Studio transformed the historic Tyne building to become the beautifully decked out hotel, with decor featuring some of Australian contemporary art's brightest rising stars including Jason Phu and Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran.
Hang out in the sunken lobby lounge or head back to your room to spin vinyl and play the guitar therein, if the mood takes you.
From $349 a night. See acehotel.com
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.