I'm trying to decide on a hotel; The Rocks seems to be the right place, and I've read through the recommendations. I'd like to stay in a place with a pub or restaurant attached so that there's an easy place to have dinner if I'm not up for the whole 'evening out by myself' thing since I'm traveling alone. And I'd ideally like to avoid the international chains and stay around $200ish AUD or less.

So with that setup, what do ya think? The Mercantile Hotel seems like a nice option, as is the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel. Sebel Pier One Sydney was recommended to me, but is a bit more expensive. Thoughts for a single girl? The Russell seems fun, but no restaurant, if I'm reading correctly. And I'm also looking at the Harbour Rocks Hotel, which looks really nice, and also a bit more expensive. Thanks in advance for any advice

I'm also interested in the recommendations although we have just booked our hotel. The Russell, Lord Nelson and Seibel were all hotels that had caught our attention. We like trendy hip hotels so we went with a Cityscape Loft Suite at The Blacket. The rates I got were much cheaper than what is listed on their website and closer to what you see currently at Wotif. They have been great to work with. They responded with in minutes of my email request and have been very helpful.

The reviews on Trip Advisor do warn that there is a little bit of noise from the club in the hotel. We had a similar experience in Cape Town and it was fine for us.

Actually this place looks great I may have to add it to my list of where to stays Jeez, like I don't have too many already!

I decided on the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel. I got a rate of $180AUD/night ($136 US) for an ensuite bathroom queen room, including continental breakfast. So we'll see!

Lord Nelson's Website

I'll report back after my trip in September; Marta we'll have to compare experiences!

KJ

Sounds great, KJ.