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Contrary to popular belief that Sydney is the narrow square encompassing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay, there is so much more to explore. A stay at Oaks Sydney Castlereagh Suites puts you in the middle of Sydney CBD, just a stroll away from Central Station and the light rail line that runs straight from Central through Town Hall and Pitt St Mall to Circular Quay. With a train network that connects you all across Sydney and out to some beautiful regions like the Blue Mountains, the South Coast and the Central Coast, this makes the perfect base here to explore as far and wide as you’d like to cast your net.
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Whether you opt for the studio or the three-bedroom apartment, you’ll be sitting pretty in some very spacious digs. At a minimum, all the room options have a generous kitchenette with a microwave and stovetop, but if you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, all the one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments have fully equipped kitchens with ovens, big stove tops and dishwashers.
I’m staying in a one-bedroom city-view apartment which has a cute balcony overlooking the Capitol Theatre and Chinatown. The styling is simple, with everything you need kept clean and practical.
While the hotel doesn’t have its own food and drink outlets, you’ve got some of Sydney’s best dining at your doorstep. It’s a crime to stay here and not pop over to Chinatown, where you’ll find juicy dumplings, handmade noodles and bubbling hotpots. If you want to fancy it up a bit you can walk along Campbell Street to Surry Hills for upscale Italian at Pellegrino 2000 and cocktails at The Rover.
For brekkie in the morning, I make the five-minute walk over to AP House. There’s usually a line to get in for brekkie and lunch, so use your close location as an advantage – I got seated straight away at 8.30am for a warm toasty ham and cheese sandwich on a crunchy ficelle.
The staff at the front desk are a bright and welcoming start to my stay. They’re knowledgeable, friendly and happy to offer anything you’ll need for your stay, like extra towels for the pool and gym. In the foyer there’s also a massive stand of brochures offering wrap-ups on what to do around the city and some discount codes. I’m sure the reception desk is more than happy to help with any questions you have about booking activities around the city, and where to grab a bite to eat. They’re also there 24/7 if you need anything.
Alongside some pretty well-stocked rooms, you can stretch your legs at the decent gym on the sixth floor with machines like a treadmill, lat pull down, leg press and bike, plus weights. Recover in the jacuzzi or hop in the 16-metre indoor heated pool that’s open until 10pm. If you’re not in one of the suites with a washer and dryer, there’s a laundry service you can use with some spare change.
At Oaks Sydney Castlereagh Suites, you’re a stone’s throw away from Chinatown and Pitt Street Mall. Since the area is so flat, you can easily walk to both locations from the hotel. You’re also close to plenty of public transport.
If you’ve been travelling for a while, and you want a spot that feels a little bit more like home than a hotel, Oaks Sydney Castlereagh Suites is your stay. With spacious rooms, fully equipped kitchens, balconies, a washing machine, dryer and a gym in the building, you’ve got the luxury to set up camp for a little while and freshen up.
Address: 317 Castlereagh Street, Haymarket, NSW 2000
Price per night: From around $170 p/night
Closest transport: Chinatown Light Rail, Central Station
Book now: Click here
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