I know you are feeling pretty excited, found your perfect cruise and finally pressed the book button. Your mind then wanders to whether I should arrive the day before or the day of my cruise?
If you are anything like me the idea of arriving on the day of fills you with anxiety and what-ifs.
What if – the flight gets delayed?
What if – the flight gets cancelled?
What if – the dog sitter is a no-show?
Just writing the above makes my left eye a little twitchy and I nod in agreement with myself the day before is a MUCH better choice. Yep that’s what I am going to do.
The night before a cruise hotel is often not chosen for luxury or amenities but more of a proximity and price decision. We will focus on that here today, distance and price primarily.
The Sydney overseas cruise terminal in my opinion is one of the best in the world for its location and iconic views. While you read this list, I do want you to keep in mind that hotels in Sydney Australia ARE expensive. No $20 airport hotels are to be found here!
One of my top tips is to book early you will likely get the best price this way and you can always keep an eye out for any specials after you book but at least your room will be locked in. It can be very tricky to find a nights accommodation for less than $300 for cruise port hotels in Sydney but read below on how you can save a few dollars when booking.
To save you some dollars we use and highly recommend Booking.com as our preferred website we often find them the cheapeast and they have a price match policy. If you find cheaper they will refund you the difference
Here is a quick round-up for those readers that are in a hurry, but I have expanded on a few points below in our Top 11 Sydney Cruise Port Hotel
Rendezvous Hotel Sydney The Rock
This modest four star hotel with an average price of around $280 per night and only 450mts from the passenger terminal. This deserves a top spot number 1 for convenience and price. You won’t find much closer and also with many dining options around, a easy fuss-free place to stay the night before your set sail
Booking Link: Rendevous Hotel Sydney
2. Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney – McGallery
Now, this hotel may be a little pricier than some of our contenders at $310 per night. But I have included it at number 2 because it has something that most Sydney hotels don’t have which is a Studio Suite that fits 2 Adults and 2 kids. Perfect for the family pre-cruise. A beautiful older vintage style boutique hotel located only 400mts from the Sydney cruise terminal so just a short walk and your cruise adventure begins
Booking Link: Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney – McGallery
3. Rydges Sydney Harbour
The iconic Sydney view cannot be beaten from this hotel, it is a little pricey with an average of $320 per night but at only 140mts from the cruise port terminal it rounds out our top 3. While the location cannot be beaten, this may be more of a couples hotel than for the family. But we do love this hotel for it’s proximity to public transport and the cruise port right next door. It also is close to shopping and local Sydney tourist spots.
Booking Link: Rendezvous Hotel Sydney The Rock
4.Shangri-La Sydney
This modern well-located hotel is on average around the $320 per night. This hotel has many great reviews and lots of rooms with great views. It is a little further out from the overseas passenger terminal but still a 10 min walking distance at 700mts to your cruise a nice hotel with good ratings a respectable choice and well-loved by Sydney travellers.
5. Pullman Quay Grand Sydney
For those who are wanting a little more luxury and glam then this hotel cannot be beaten. From their harbour view rooms, you will be able to see your cruise ship directly across the bay. Starting at $450 per night on average and a very pretty 750mt walk along the waterfront this hotel will put you in a great mood to start your holiday
6. Sir Stamford Circular Quay
A hotel with beautiful charm this is also a traveller’s favourite with loads of five-star reviews and at an 11min walk or 850mts still, a good contender for your Sydney cruise hotel Average price for the room is around $300 per night. Bigger rooms than the more modern hotel surrounding it as well which is great for those with children.
Booking Link – Sir Stamford Circular Quay
7. Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
So this hotel’s reviews begin with stunning, spectacular, 5-star all the way. An average price of $360 for a mid-week stay, can be a little expensive. But if you are looking for a little luxury and a splurge before the start of your cruise adventure then this may be a winner. The distance from the cruise terminal is also only 550mts so a tick for being close as well.
Booking Link – Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
8. InterContinental Sydney
This hotel is still a comfortable 10minute walk to the cruise terminal and with a recent upgrade, it is looking fresh, beautiful and modern. The average price of $350 per night is not too far above average but definitely a beautiful start to your cruise vacation.
Booking Link – Inter Continental Sydney
9. Sydney Harbour Marriot
The Marriot is a beautiful hotel located only 600mts from the cruise port terminal, it is $400 a night on average but reviews rave about this hotel’s comfy beds. So if that is something that you find hard to find at your previous hotels then this may be the best hotel for a great night’s sleep before your Sydney cruise
Booking Link – Sydney Harbour Marriot
10. Travelodge Wynard Hotel Sydney
The Travelodge Hotel while it is a bit further than the other hotels to the passenger terminal it is still only 1km away so a quick taxi ride. But for those that travel light only a 14mins walk. This hotel is also located right next door to the train station so also good for getting around other landmarks in Sydney. Worth a recommendation for those budget-conscious travellers with loads of reviews mentioning a clean, well-located and nice hotel. On average you will find rooms here for around $280 per night
11. Langham Hotel
So this hotel may come under the ‘treat yo self’ banner with an average of around $500 per night. This is a beautiful hotel with most travellers raving about it being one of the best hotels with excellent customer service and it being a standout. It is located 1km away or a 13 min walk so a little farther yes but still a beautiful part of Sydney for a walk. If you were going on a celebration cruise I cannot think of a better start than a night at this hotel.
Booking Link – Langham Hotel
That concludes our round-up and I think you can see there are lots of great options to suit all budgets near the Sydney Cruise Port so you can sit back, relax and arrive in plenty of time before your set sail party begins!
