Novotel Brighton Beach

The family-friendly Novotel Brighton Beach is full of extras that help to make up for its rather uninspiring decor – an overhead walkway to the beach, a pool with outdoor slide for the kiddies, tennis court, fitness centre and a spa offering all the usual treatments. The Baygarden restaurant, on the third floor with a swanky, brand-new terrace, has views over the bay and serves modern Australian cuisine, and the cocktail bar also has a fine prospect. The hotel is five minutes from Sydney International Airport (25 minutes from downtown), thus making it a convenient option for stopover travellers. All rooms have private bathrooms and balconies with views inland or over Botany Bay. Bar. Business centre. Concierge. Disabled-adapted rooms. Gym. Internet (high-speed/wireless). No smoking. Parking ($20). Pool (1 indoor, 1 outdoor). Restaurant. Room service. Spa. TV (pay movies). CityRail Rockdale then bus 475, 478, 479/bus 303, X03. Rates $219-$429 double. Rooms 296. Credit AmEx, DC, MC, V.