ESPM Committee Picks
The below accommodation options are recommendations by the Organising Committee. They are not available through the online registration form, please book directly through the respective hotel website.
JONATHON LEE: COCKATOO ISLAND
No heating, TV or room service to speak of but it does come with hot showers, beds and linen provided. This waterfront accommodation is a quick ferry ride under the Harbour Bridge to Circular Quay (about 45-60 minutes from tent to Carriageworks). I’ve never tried mixing camping with a conference but might be worth thinking about if you find a week stuck inside an auditorium gets too much for you. Also a good option if you’re on a budget but don’t want to have to stay at a backpackers. There are refurbished heritage houses too for those who prefer walls and a roof. Click here to find out more about camping on Cockatoo Island.
LUCY CARTWRIGHT: HYDE PARK INN
Free WiFi! 4 Star Hotel in Sydney Australia offering quality family accommodation with views of Hyde Park and Sydney Harbour. It is close to the Opera House, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, China Town and the Botanical Gardens. The hotel is situated opposite to the Museum railway station for easy access to the conference site at the ATP. Click here to find out more about the Hyde Park Inn.
SEAN GEOGHEGAN: LEISURE INN SYDNEY CENTRAL
Relatively inexpensive and close Central Train Station for easy access to Technology Park and other sights in Sydney. Although the facilities are rather simple our small family stayed here quite comfortably. Click here to find out more about the Leisure Inn Sydney Central.
NATALKA SUCHOWERSKA: THE OLDE CLARE HOTEL
Stretching across two iconic heritage-listed buildings – The Clare Hotel pub and the Carlton & United Breweries Administration Building – the 62 room boutique hotel has been constructed with obsessive attention to aesthetics and concern for retaining the interesting features of both buildings. The local area has become the home of choice for dozens of art galleries, production houses, graphic and fashion design studios, plus Sydney’s most exciting new restaurants, cafés and bars. Click here to find out more about The Olde Clare Hotel.
HANNAH BARAL: PRIMUS HOTEL SYDNEY
One of Sydney’s finest examples of art deco glamour. Perfectly positioned in the heart of the city, this heritage sensitive refit of the former Sydney Water Board headquarters has breathed new life into an iconic 1930’s building. Click here to find out more about the Primus Hotel Sydney.
EMMA SIMPSON: QT SYDNEY
It is located next to the State Theatre on Market St – right in the heart of the city. It is known as a Boutique Hotel and boasts cosmopolitan style accommodation. The hotel has maintained a lot of the history that comes with the location (Gowings and State Theatre buildings) and blends Art Deco and Gothic styles. There is a great bar and restaurant within the hotel, as well as being a 2 min walk to Pitt St Mall and Hyde Park. It is also a 5 min from Town Hall station (two stops from Redfern). Click here to find out more about the QT Sydney.
MARCUS DOEBRICH: RAILWAY SQUARE YHA
If you ever wanted to spend a night in a train while being close to pubs and public transport, this one is for you. The Railway Square YHA is absolutely central (literally). Getting to the conference in the morning and home from wherever you spend your evenings is ridiculously easy. Click here to find out more about the Railway Square YHA in Sydney.
CHRIS LEE: THE ROYAL EXHIBITION HOTEL
It’s a pub! What other reason do you need? I have a soft spot for this hotel because it was once owned by my grandfather during WWII. Present day, it attracts a good cliental and is very tidy with that old world pub charm. Good food, good atmosphere and located across the road from Central railway station, so Sydney is at your beck and call. Easy access to the conference site. Click here to find out more about the Royal Exhibition Hotel.
ANDREW HOWIE: THE STAR
The Star Casino has rooms with harbour bridge views from $365 per night. It would also be great for a group booking, sleeping up to 5 people in separate beds (3-bedroom residence) for $625 per night. You get great views of the harbour with plenty of entertainment options nearby, including Darling Harbour across the road. There’s also a Coles supermarket a couple of minutes away if you want to do your own food. Getting to ATP is easy – jump on the light rail downstairs and it’s 12 minutes to Central, then 1 stop on the train to Redfern. Click here to find out more about The Star.
PHIL VIAL: WALDORF SYDNEY CENTRAL SERVICED APARTMENTS
Walking distance to ATP and Central. Good value. Nothing flash but who cares, with the EPSM social program I won’t be spending much time there! Click here to find out more about the Waldorf Sydney Central Serviced Apartments.