The perfect Sydney hotel location if you are on a budget

 

There are dozens of top-notch Sydney hotels with grand rooms and even grander views, where you'll pay handsomely for the privilege of staying a night or two. 

But if you simply want somewhere to sleep then it  can be a waste of money to splash out on ultra-luxe digs that you will only use to rest your head. 

If, like me, you'd rather spend your money on wining and dining, but want to be in a central spot then the economy ibis Barangaroo has three key elements on its side: location, location, location. 

You are within 100 metres of the lively Barangaroo precinct with its wide array of restaurants and bars. Popular King Street wharf is similar distance away in the opposite direction. 

You can catch ferries from Baranagaroo Wharf, or walk a couple of blocks to Wynyard Station for trains, to George St to the light rail or Barangaroo for the new Metro line. 

A couple of the compact rooms at ibis Barangaroo even have water views. 

The hotel is owned by hospitality mogul Dr Jerry Schwartz, who also owns hotels including the Sofitel Darling Harbour - so the staff are top-notch. Zane, who checked us in, was charming and full of local knowledge. 

The rooms, as is the case with most ibis properties, are compact but are clean and have everything you'd need for a few nights: a bathroom with plenty of hot water, good fast wifi, blinds to keep the room dark, a comfortable bed, flat-screen TV, small fridge, tea and coffee facilities, hair dryers and effective air con. 

The public areas include a funky lounge (below) with free chilled still and sparkling water, and Lot 51, a café serving breakfasts, then daytime toasties, pizzas, snacks, and hot and cold drinks - including beers from Sydney Brewery, which is also owned by Schwartz.

There are 91 guest rooms in total - and reception is manned 24 hours a day, as you'd expect in an Accor property.

Staff are happy to store your bags pre- or post check-in and the property is surprisingly quiet given its location.

For details see https://all.accor.com/hotel/6412/index.en.shtml. Prices are fluid depending on the season, but it is worth making a note of.

# The writer was hosted by ibis Barangaroo