How to Find a Hotel in Sydney During the Olympics

Now that the 2000 Sydney Olympics have passed, we've decided to keep this page for historical interest.

So you're going to the Olympics and making last-minute hotel arrangements? Never fear. Although there will be stiff competition for room space, you can still find some good deals if you know where to look.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Travel Services
• Travelers' Checks
• Travel Planning Software

1. Buy a popular travel book from Fodor's, Lonely Planet, Let's Go, or another reputable publisher. They have relatively accurate price listings, directions and descriptions of hotels in Sydney.
2. Contact the Sydney Visitors and Tourism Bureau or the Los Angeles-based office of the Australian Tourist Commission at [phone] for referrals to booking agents and hotels.
3. Get online and visit Expedia's hotel page (expedia.com). Type in "Sydney" and your desired dates. Or, check out Lonely Planet's Web site (lonelyplanet.com) and use the destination page to find hotels in Sydney.
4. Track down a "Sydney Morning Herald" if you're already in town, and seek out hotels advertising space available.
5. Get creative and flirt, sneak or bargain your way into a hotel room.

Tips & Warnings

• Start looking now. There will almost certainly be a last-minute rush for rooms, and prices will only go up.