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Forums Other Destination advice Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks hotel recommendation

  • Flyer123 29 posts

    Planning a trip to Australia, which would be a very good hotel for the New Year’s eve fireworks ? Looking to stay in the hotel for 5 nights atleast, flexible on days but covering the NY day.
    Have points in IHG(Plat), Hilton(Gold), Marriott, and Amex transferrable points as well, if that helps. Happy to get the IC Ambassador as well if that helps.

    Also, going to plan a trip to New Zealand(plan/city flexible – 5 days) from Sydney post Jan 2/3, so using points preferable for atleast one of these 2 trips.

    Any recommendations ? Conscious I may have left it a bit late to book fireworks.

    1958 94 posts

    I have done Sydney NYE (and fireworks) three times. Based on my experience:
    You have probably left it too late for a reward booking in hotels for 31/12/2024. If it’s for 31/12/2025, then work out when hotels release the free nights. I got Hilton Sydney on Honors points one year.
    Central Sydney hotels ask very high prices for NYE – and some won’t sell a room for just 31/12 (they insist on also 30/12 or 1/1). Occasionally, last minute deals become available – so book flexible if possible. Ask Emyr for a flexible quote.
    The Sydney train service works really well after the NYE fireworks. Extra services are added. (So hotels in Kings Cross / Double Bay are well served; even airport hotels). However, ferries do not run from(approx) 7pm on 31/1 until 7am on 1/1.
    Have a look at the hotels in Darling Harbour – within 30 minutes walk of peak firework-viewing sites.

    BA Flyer IHG Stayer 2,761 posts

    This is for IHG but I’d imagine the other chains are the same.

    You need to watch out for a combination of high rates AND long cancellation date deadlines.

    And that’s both for points and cash stays. The best flex rates still have cancel by 30th November dates and not the usual day before

    The AMB upgrade guarantee (either upgrade or you get points) doesn’t apply for NYE.

    Flyer123 29 posts

    Thanks for the details. It is for this year unfortunately. Yes, EMYR quote is on my to-do list.
    Was looking for more watching from the hotel ( roof/balcony/bar ) preferably than heading out but good to know options.

    louie 158 posts

    By “very good” do you mean very luxurious or with a great view?

    Not luxurious by any means, although perfectly acceptable by my standards(!), is View in North Sydney (north and west of the Harbour Bridge). Spectacular views of Lavender Bay, the Harbour Bridge and the CBD from all rooms on the harbour side (which is nearly all rooms), with some having views of the Opera House as well. Haven’t checked prices (this wouldn’t be a points option) but I would imagine reasonable compared with the CBD chain hotels. It’s above North Sydney railway station so easy access to the CBD (two stops) or you could walk through Milsons Point/Kirribilli and over the Harbour Bridge to the Rocks in 45 mins max (about 1.5 miles and of course fabulous views).

    Flyer123 29 posts

    Thanks Louie for that option as well. Luxurious is not what I have in mind – Other than viewing the fireworks, the rest of the Sydney trip is going to be spent on viewing places in the city, not exactly relaxing in the room, so rooms/hotels do not have to be luxurious.

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