So you’re dreaming of a safe, sun-soaked escape in one of the world’s great cities – but you don’t want to blow thousands for a little luxury or wind up in a fleapit miles from the action.
Then an option you need to consider is Sydney.
Traditionally, Australia has been labelled ‘too expensive’ and ‘too far’ for most Americans.
And the time taken to get there is a definite downside, with Sydney being a 14-hour flight from the West Coast, and well over 20 hours from the East Coast.
But the trade off is it’s far cheaper than America once you arrive, and yet is still incredibly safe, friendly and easy to navigate given the population speaks English.
The reason why Australia is such good value is the strong American dollar coupled with competitive flight prices, with Delta, United and American Airlines all flying daily.
Airline rewards are also extremely competitive, with return economy flights regularly available for under 80,000 points.
Australia also never experienced the extreme post-Covid inflation that much of the rest of the western world did, meaning eating, drinking and tourist attractions are reasonably priced.
An easy comparison is a cafe-made coffee is about US$2.80 in Sydney, compared to above $6 in most major American cities.
Outside the understated Sofitel Wentworth, one of the most storied hotels in Australia
The horseshoe-shaped Sydney Sofitel Wentworth (above) is in a prime spot in Sydney with access to everything
But the price differences on extreme when considering five-star hotels such as the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth, which opened with much fanfare in 1966 as Australia’s ‘first international hotel.’
The hotel has hosted a Who’s Who of celebrities and dignitaries over its storied 59 year history, from a Princess Diana and Charles, his father Prince Philip, and Microsoft’s Bill Gates.
The hotel was even the venue for actress Sophia Lauren book launch in 1971.
The Wentworth Sofitel recently re-opened after a $70 million ($45million) renovation to bring it up to modern standards.
Hotels of a similar standard in Los Angeles cost an average of $664 a night, according to Skyscanner, or a staggering $1,279 a night in New York City, travel site KAYAK notes.
With good planning, you can stay at the Sofitel Wentworth for less than $500… but for three nights and with a top-shelf breakfast buffet included.
Now King Charles with Diana, Prince of Wales, attend a Gala dinner and dance at the Wentworth Hotel on March 28, 1983 in Sydney (above)
Actress Sophia Loren launched her autobiography at the hotel in 1971
The Sofitel Wentworth has long been a popular venue for weddings and celebrations
The entrance to the hotel sings five-star quality
What you get for your money is a the hotel’s classic 1960s curves, with beautiful marble bathrooms and plenty of stone work, but with a tasteful renovation bringing smart lighting, high-speed internet and modern entertainment options, as well as classy Balmain amenities.
Every room has a Nespresso machines, a pillow menu and sound-minimizing glazing (not that you really need it).
The hotel’s food options are incredible, with a classy all-you-can eat buffet for breakfast, a classic Australian brasserie, and a superb Vietnamese-French restaurant called Delta Rue.
There’s also a cool outdoor but all-weather ‘Wentworth Bar’ with views.
However, it’s more than likely you’ll want to check out some of the dining options outside – and there’s plenty.
On Blight Street, there’s an eclectic mix of restaurants, all of which happen to be some of the best in Sydney.
Over the course of about 500ft, there’s French cuisine at Restaurant Hubert, the Spanish influenced Balcon by Tapavino, as well as three steak-focused institutions; Chophouse, Alfies and Rockpool Bar & Grill.
The hotel’s bar is perfect for people watching, in wet or dry weather.
The Wentworth still attracts the star, with star-studded rugby league team the Sydney Roosters having breakfast there before a big game, including internationals Mark Nawaqanitawase (far left) and James Tedesco (second from left)
Charles’ father, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth’s husband, was a guest of the hotel (above)
For a coffee and pastry, the shop named by the New York Times as making the best croissant in the world, Lune Croissanterie, is at the end of the block.
And if you think the hotel’s glory day for celebrity spotting are over, think again.
On a recent visit, prominent Australian rugby league team the Sydney Roosters were seen eating breakfast before a big match.
They were more than happy to pose with fans and happy to confirm the breakfast is indeed, one of the best in Sydney.
