Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras

The Annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras occurs each year at the start of Spring, in the last days or February or start of March.

Starting more than 20 years ago as a gay protest march, the Parade of the Sydney Gay and lesbian Mardi Gras has evolved into one of the Worlds big gay events that captures the imagination of a city for one night in every year.

The spirit of the occasion has evolved into one of celebration rather than protest, and it is a cherished experience of all who participate and of anyone lucky enough to get a look. The Mardi Gras atmosphere is fun and frivolous and more than half a million spectators show up along Sydney streets to witness the parade.

The Mardi Gras Parade and Mardi Gras Party are the culmination of the 14 days of the Mardi Gras Festival. The final instalment in this colourful festival is indeed the Mardi Gras Party which is enjoyed by more than 10,000 party goers at the conclusion of the Parade. The Parade route begins in the centre of Sydney, as the paraders congregate during the afternoon in glorious Hyde park, before marching out down Oxford street. Over the course of the evening thousands of paraders on floats and motorbikes and dancing feet put it on for the cheering Mardi Gras crowds.

If you are planning to attend the Mardi Gras Parade it is sensible to head out early to ensure a good position, bring plenty of drinking water (raincoat if necessary) as it will probably be a warm night, and maybe a milk crate to stand on for a better view. Along the Parade route crowds pack the sidewalk and even some trees, which can cause delays if trying to buy drinks or use public toilets. Remember, once the Mardi Gras Parade starts you CANNOT cross the line of the parade. If you need to get to the other side you may have to go right to the end of the route, to go around or just wait until its all over and the streets are opened again. All intersecting streets are cut off along the Parade route and in addition to residents cars you may find it very difficult to find a park. Extra public transport is provided around the area to help cope with the crowds, so it might be wise to leave the car at home especially if you are planning a night out.

Mardi Gras accommodation along the Parade route is at a premium, as are well placed vantage points from which to view the Parade. There are several options for accommodation which grant views of the Mardi Gras Parade, however these will sell out well in advance. Over this special event time, for preferred accommodation booking policies will likely include a minimum stay (eg 2 or 3 nights) and cancellation fees.

Let M-Power Accommodation help you with some great options in accommodation and Parade View seating for the Annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

MANOR HOUSE
Elegant Boutique Hotel

This hotel has a 5 nights minimum for any stays including Saturday 5th March, 2005.

Click here to view more details about The Manor House

This grand Victorian mansion offers an oasis of calm elegance and sophistication for discerning travellers, its grand hallways and 20 beautifully decorated and well appointed rooms are filled with antiques. The Manor House Boutique Hotel is located close to some of city's most vibrant entertainment and restaurant precincts - Taylor Square and Oxford Street, Paddington, Darlinghurst, Woollahra, Surry Hills and East Sydney and of course Aussie Stadium, the Sydney Cricket Ground and Fox Studios.

Extra Guests: All the above rates are for One guest. Add A$20 /night for the second guest in each room type.

Room Types: The Standard Rooms are located on the ground floor, and are best suited to Single occupants, or short stay Doubles as the room space is cosy. Deluxe Rooms are more spacious than Standard Rooms, with the Manor Rooms larger again, and all are located on the top floor.

Inclusions: A Continental breakfast and parking (limited availability) are standard inclusions.

Property Facilities: Business services such as fax, photocopy, email and Internet. The cocktail lounge is a great place for a quite drink or conversation; an indoor plunge pool and sunny veranda's is the ideal spot to simply unwind and relax. Its elegant cocktail lounge is a cosy spot to unwind and for lively conversation, whilst its restaurant area and plunge pool provide a relaxed and sunny atmosphere for all day entertaining. There is limited free guest parking and a valet laundry service.

Address: The Manor House is situated at 86 Flinders St Darlinghurst 2010.

The Manor House offers 2 accommodation choices over the Sydney Gay Mardi Gras Parade Night:
ACCOMMODATION (ONLY) or the MARDI GRAS GALA PACKAGE.
Both options require a 5 night minimum stay.

Manor House MARDI GRAS GALA PACKAGE (Accommodation + Gala Dinner) includes:

● 5 Nights Accommodation & Daily Continental Breakfast

● Pre-dinner Drinks & Canapés from 6pm (5th March)

● Buffet Dinner with Seafood (5th March)

● 5 Hours Beverage Service (5th March)

● Premium View Seating for Mardi Gras Parade (5th March)

BOOKING AND CANCELLATION POLICY

● A Deposit equal to 50% of the Total Cost of Accommodation will be charged at the time of booking.

● The balance will be charged within 7 days of making a booking.

● Once charged these amounts are not refundable.

By making a booking it is understood that you accept the Booking and Cancellation Policy above.

PARK LODGE HOTEL
"One of the Friendliest Hotels in Sydney"

This hotel has a 10 nights minimum for any stays including Saturday 5th March, 2005.

Click here to view more details about the Park Lodge Hotel

Location: Located in Surry Hills, the hotel is 15 minutes from the airport, the historic Rocks, Sydney Opera House and overlooks spacious Moore Park, Sydney Showground and Fox Studios. Sydney Cricket/Sports Ground and Moore Park Golf Course are a short walk. The Park Lodge Hotel is also within walking distance of trendy Oxford Street which is famous for its cosmopolitan cuisine and night clubs.

About The Hotel: Built in 1880 and recently restored to its original Victorian splendour, the Park Lodge Hotel offers a range of elegantly furnished rooms all with air conditioning/heating, colour TV, VCR, bar fridge, hair dryer, in-room safe, iron and ironing board, tea and coffee facilities and direct dial telephone. Our Superior Ensuite rooms are larger than our Enhanced & Standard rooms providing king size bed and overlooking the park opposite. Located near the city centre, we are a 5 minute cab ride from Kings Cross, Central Station and Darling Harbour.

The hotel is only 10-15 minutes from the airport, the historic Rocks, Sydney Opera House and overlooks spacious Moore Park, Sydney Showground and Fox Studios. Sydney Cricket/Sports Ground and Moore Park Golf Course are a short walk.

The Park Lodge Hotels is also within walking distance of trendy Oxford Street which is famous for its cosmopolitan cuisine and night clubs.

Room Facilities: All rooms offer air conditioning, colour TV, VCR, bar fridge, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, direct dial phone, in-room-safe and tea and coffee facilities.

Extra Guests: Rates are for up to 2 guests. An additional charge of A$22 per extra person will be incurred. Children aged 12 and under are free in their parent's room using existing bedding.

Breakfast: Continental breakfast is available each morning for A$11.00 per person.

Address: The Park Lodge Hotel is located at 747 South Dowling Street, Moore Park, Sydney 2016.

The following are still available through M-Power Accommodation:

Economy Room:

Bathroom down the hall but not used by any other room. Single, Double, Triple or Quad configured.

● A$115 p/n for 10 night minimum

● A$82 p/n for all other nights

Queen Ensuite Room:

Bathroom in room, Configured Single, Double.

● A$140 p/n for 10 night minimum

● A$121 p/n for all other nights

King Ensuite Room:

Bathroom in room, Configured Single, Double, Twin, Triple.

● A$160 p/n for 10 night minimum.

● A$132 p/n for all other nights

Family Ensuite Room:

This Room has in-room bathroom, a Queen Bed and
2 Single Bunks.
Occupancy: Single, Double, Twin, Triple Quad.

● A$160 p/n for 10 night minimum

● A$132 p/n for all other nights

Superior King Ensuite Room:

Bathroom in room, Configured King bed, sofa.

● A$180 p/n for 10 night minimum

● A$154 p/n for all other nights

Studio Suite:

Bathroom in room, self-contained, kitchenette, Spa bath, King bed and (emergency) pull down bed.

● A$240 p/n for 10 night minimum

● A$198 p/n for all other nights

BOOKING AND CANCELLATION POLICY

A Credit Card is required to secure the booking, and a 10 night minimum stay applies.

● A A$200 deposit will be charged at the time of booking.

● The balance of the cost of the 10 minimum nights will be charged one month prior to arrival.

● Once paid, these amounts are non-refundable if your stay is shortened or cancelled for any reason.

By making a booking it is understood that you accept the Booking and Cancellation Policy above.

ROSLYN GARDENS HOTEL
Excellent Value

This hotel has a 7 nights minimum for stays including any nights between
Thursday 3rd - Wednesday 9th March, 2005.

Click here to view more details about Roslyn Gardens Inn

Roslyn Gardens is among the best value properties we know, each room has an in -room kitchenette. The Hotel is about a 15 minute cab ride from the city centre. It is about a 15 minute walk to the Oxford Street strip and bars.

All rooms have: Kitchen with cooking facilities, fridge, microwave and stove; alarm clock radio; en-suite bathroom with shower; reverse cycle air-conditioning; telephone, fax and copy service; cable & colour television, VCR for hire; ironing facilities; view to the charming garden; STD & ISD Direct Dial phones.

Hotel facilities include: Free undercover parking; coin operated laundry. Nearby to: a playground and tennis courts; nearby golf course; pool; the waterfront; gymnasium; and horse riding.

Located in exquisite Elizabeth Bay and only minutes from Sydney CBD and within walking distance to all the major tourist attractions, leading restaurants and nightspots also being on the edge of Rushcutters Bay, the yacht club and White City Tennis Centre.

The following are still available through M-Power Accommodation:

Single Ensuite Room

Configured with Double bed.

● A$129 p/n for 5 night minimum

● A$109 p/n for all other nights

Twin / Double Ensuite Room

Configured with Double or 2 Single Beds

● A$149 p/n for 5 night minimum

● A$109 p/n for all other nights

Triple Ensuite Room

Configured with Double + 1 Single Bed

● A$169 p/n for 5 night minimum

● A$125 p/n for all other nights

Quad Ensuite Room

Configured with Double bed and 2 Single bunk beds

● A$189 p/n for 5 night minimum

● A$135 p/n for all other nights

BOOKING AND CANCELLATION POLICY

To secure your reservation over the Sydney Mardi Gras, two charges will occur at the time of booking :

● 10% of the Total Cost of Accommodation (leaving 90% of each nights cost payable)

● The Remaining 90% nightly cost for the 5 Minimum Nights.

● These charges become non refundable once charged.

● The balance of the Total Cost of Accommodation is due at the hotel.

By making a booking it is understood that you accept the Booking and Cancellation Policy above.

MACLEAY APARTMENTS
Value for money

Click here to view more details about Macleay Apartments

This hotel has a 3 nights minimum for any stays including Saturday 5th March, 2005.

The Macleay Serviced Apartment Hotel offers hotel rooms with self catering facilities, Individual air-conditioning, Remote control TV, Direct dial telephone, Room Service, Clock/Radio, Iron/Board, Hair dryer

The hotel facilities include: 24 hour Reception, Secure parking available, Pool/Sun Deck with BBQ, Washing & drying facilities each floor, Business Service available, Fax, photocopying, typing, computer Internet access, e-mail facility, Modem connections, Baby sitting services, Newspapers, Non smoking rooms available, In-House Movies, Conference Room, Dry Cleaning, Laundry, Tour Desk. Some of the District View rooms have a bath in the ensuite. All Harbour View Rooms have shower only.

Extra Bedding: If a rollaway bed is required $15 extra per room p/n is charged

Parking: Secure parking is available at a cost of $11 p/n (multiple entry & exits).

The following are still available through M-Power Accommodation:

Bridge or Harbour View Studio

Configured Single, Double, Twin or Triple - (Double and Single bed)

● A$180 p/n for 3 night minimum

● A$140 p/n for all other nights

District View Studio

Configured Single, Double, Twin or Triple - (Double and Single bed)

● A$150 p/n for 3 nights minimum

● A$125 p/n for all other nights

BOOKING AND CANCELLATION POLICY

● A non refundable deposit equal to 10% of the entire stay will be charged at the time of booking.

● No-Show, or Cancellations within 28 days of the date of arrival will forfeit the remaining 90% cost of the 3 night minimum stay.

By making a booking it is understood that you accept the Booking and Cancellation Policy above.