Darling Harbour is one of Sydney's prime locations, owing to its convention and exhibition centre, entertainment areas, museums, restaurants and bars, scenic harbour, and its proximity to the bustling heart of Sydney. It's no surprise then that the area offers a broad range of accommodation options to choose from. You've got the grand hotels of the world's major chains, boutique hotels of delicious individuality, and serviced apartments. Here's a look at the best of them.

Among the grand hotels of the international chains, you'll find the Carlton Crest Hotel. This 251-room deluxe hostelry stands in the heart of the entertainment district with splendid views Darling Harbour.

Business travelers will appreciate the conference facilities at the Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour. It features seven function rooms equipped with the most modern AV and staging facilities. You can choose from City View rooms overlooking the Sydney's CBD skyline or Darling Harbour Precinct View. There are also Crowne Plaza Club Rooms with either Darling Harbour or Cityscape views.

The Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour is one of the biggest hotels in the whole country with its 630 rooms including 45 suites. Expect the usual quality range of restaurants, meeting and function rooms, and fitness facilities.

Situated away from the harbour, the Holiday Inn Darling Harbour is convenient for Chinatown, and the Sydney Entertainment Centre is right across the road. It offers 304 Guest Rooms, 14 Suites, 304 Non-Smoking Rooms, 143 Double-Bedded Rooms, and 182 Single-Bedded Rooms

Smaller hotels include the Hotel Ibis Darling Harbour a three-star hotel near the Cockle Bay restaurants, Convention and Exhibition Centre, monorail and tram. The hotel offers 256 rooms. Food and beverage facilities include the iBistro restaurant and the iBar. The whole property overlooks Darling Harbour and the magnificent Sydney skyline beyond.

The major hotel

chains offer outstanding facilities and service but many prefer the individuality and personalised service that boutique hotels provide. Among the best of the Darling Harbour boutique hotels is the Southern Cross on Harbour. The Southern Cross offers studios and one-bedroom suites with self-catering facilities and entertainment options such as CD players.

Another delightful boutique hotel is Clarion Suites Southern Cross Darling Harbour. It offers 52 studio and 1 bedroom suites. Each suite offers self-catering facilities and sophisticated communication facilities such as voicemail and modem access.

If you prefer the independence and privacy of service apartments, you'll find what you're looking for in Darling Harbour. There's the Quest On Dixon Darling Harbour Metro Apartments On Darling Harbour, a 4-star property featuring 37 luxurious studio apartments.. Among the luxury facilities offered are valet dry cleaning, breakfast packs, and high speed internet connection.

Another gem is the Metro Apartments On Darling Harbour which is composed of two adjacent buildings offering a total of 42 fully-serviced one-bedroom apartments. The first property on Sussex Street offers 33 loft-style units with tall windows, most with harbour views. All units are fully serviced and offer full facilities.

So make Darling Harbour your base for exploring Sydney. You'll find all you need there including the best Darling Harbour hotels and serviced apartments.

Richard Greaves has over 20 years experience in the travel industry and writes for Cheaper than Hotels. Cheaper Than Hotels offers Darling Harbour hotels as Quest On Dixon Darling Harbour and Metro Apartments On Darling Harbour.