As a bustling epicentre of commerce and innovation, Sydney stands out as a pivotal business hub in the Asia-Pacific region, drawing corporate travellers domestically and from around the globe. For those embarking on extended work trips to the city, the allure of Sydney apartment accommodation presents a compelling alternative to traditional hotels.
Offering the conveniences, flexibility and lifestyle of a home, apartment accommodation is a smart choice for those seeking a level of normality during their stay.
In this guide, we’ll help get you familiarised with some of the key business hubs across the city. Plus, we share our top picks for apartment accommodation in Sydney, catering specifically to the needs of the discerning long-stay business traveller.
Prime Sydney Locations for Business Travellers
With a population of 5.5 million, it’s safe to say, Sydney is pretty big.
It has a traditionally strong economy when compared with other developed nations, and a skyline brimming with cranes, signalling ongoing infrastructure development. It’s no surprise, then, that there’s a steady flow of business travellers coming into Sydney.
And whilst there is a hive of activity wherever you go, there are several business district hotspots you will likely come across. Knowing what to expect in a location can significantly enhance the experience. Here’s a closer look at some key areas. Of course, if you want to jump straight ahead to our list of top Sydney accommodation apartments, you can find them further down.
Sydney CBD: Heart of the Action
Sydney CBD is the original hub of business activity, a commercial city centre bulging with corporate offices. You’ll find the big-name companies across finance, professional services and tech operating in the area. As you would expect in a city’s main commercial hub, you’ll be spoilt for choice with restaurants, bars and retail. It also means the vibrant city energy remains strong, long after the work day is done.
Proximity to Corporate Offices: Ideal for those whose work is concentrated in central areas close to key landmarks such as Town Hall, Hyde Park, Martin Place or Barangaroo.
Transport Links: The city is very walkable and also well-connected via trains, buses, and ferries, ensuring smooth commutes in and outside of the city.
North Sydney: Tech Hub With Quick Access to the City
Just over the Harbour Bridge, North Sydney is home to many businesses in tech, marketing and professional services. It has a slightly quieter atmosphere than the city, one with leafy streets and a welcoming village feel. Dining and local amenity options are plentiful, and it’s an excellent choice for those who prefer to stay close to the city with a little less hustle and bustle.
Commercial Hub: Corporate headquarters and offices are concentrated across three key streets, Berry, Walker and Miller.
Transport Ease: In 2024, the Sydney Metro started running through North Sydney, and it is nothing short of excellent. Sydney CBD can be reached in minutes.
Western Sydney: Infrastructure Growth Hub, and home to Sydney’s 2nd CBD
Western Sydney is rapidly growing into a significant business hub, with areas like Parramatta at the forefront. In recent years, many large corporations have relocated their offices to this fast-developing area, and major infrastructure projects are taking place across the Western Sydney corridor.
Development Projects: With the Western Sydney Airport and the Aerotropolis coming to life, an eyewatering pipeline of projects is underway, drawing an influx of workers into the area.
Transport Ease: Train lines are a reliable and efficient way of travelling between locations, as well as commuting by car. In the future, a metro line will introduce world-class connectivity to the Sydney CBD.
For more business hubs, check out this page.
Booking Tips for Sourcing Apartment Accommodation in Sydney
Naturally, these business districts are well represented with big brand hotels and serviced aparthotel options to accommodate travellers. But they are also well populated with residential towers. For the most part, you’ll find locals living in these residential buildings, however, some buildings will also have apartments reserved specifically for corporate stays. As a result, there is a wide range of options to choose from.
Ultimately, when booking Sydney accommodation apartments for a work trip, several key considerations will drive what is best suited to you. Here’s a guide to help you.
Essential Amenities for Extended Business Stays
Long-stay business travellers are quite specific about the amenities they need for a positive and enjoyable stay experience. It’s important to assess and prioritise what’s important to you, but typically travellers are looking for:
- Space: Ample space to move around and store belongings
- Kitchen & laundry: A full-sized kitchen and fridge, plus internal laundry
- Reliable Internet: Travellers are chasing high-speed, secure Wi-Fi because they are spending longer periods in the accommodation.
- Workspaces: Dedicated desks or study areas to keep their work and living spaces separate.
- Recreational Facilities: Gyms and pools can be beneficial for downtime, as is proximity to green space.
Flexible Booking and Cancellation Policies
Flexibility in booking and cancellation is vital for any traveller, but it’s even more important for corporates who often have fluid plans. Here’s how to navigate these policies effectively:
- Check for Flexible Terms: Verify if the accommodation offers flexible check-in/check-out times and what happens if you need to leave early or extend your stay.
- Understand Cancellation Policies: Know the terms and conditions to avoid unexpected charges.
- Look for Minimum Stay Requirements: Be aware of any such policies that might affect your plans.
Corporate Rates
Booking Sydney accommodation apartments directly with the provider or through corporate travel programs from providers like Corporate Traveller or FCM can offer significant advantages for business travellers.
- Corporate Discounts: Seek out accommodation options that offer corporate rates.
- Booking Tools: Check if the accommodation is available on your company’s booking tool or via your Travel Agents’ GDS.
Choosing the Right Type of Accommodation
As we introduced above, there are different types of apartment accommodations. Understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision. Here’s what to consider.
Aparthotels vs. Corporate Apartments
The choice between aparthotels and corporate apartments often depends on the duration of your stay, and, subsequently, the amenities you require.
| Apart-hotel | Corporate Apartments | |
| Stay Duration | Shorter stays (a few nights to a week) | Longer stays (a week or more) |
| Amenities | Hotel like services with more living space | Turn-key apartment for extended stay living |
| Privacy | Hotel-style building with travellers coming and going | Hotel-like services with more living space |
Ideal Length of Stay Considerations
Your length of stay can dictate the most suitable accommodation type. Here’s how to decide:
- Short Stays: Aparthotels are often preferable for stays of a week or less. They’re equipped with essentials to prepare a basic meal or to put clothes through the wash, and include servicing either daily or every couple of days.
- Extended Stays: Corporate apartments provide the comfort and facilities needed for long-term stays, typically defined as a week or more. They include weekly cleaning, similar to a home.
Top Corporate Apartment Picks in Sydney
Across the city, you can find a variety of corporate apartments that cater to business travellers. Here are the top picks:
Astra Apartments Sydney CBD: Central Convenience
When it comes to finding an apartment close to your place of work, Astra Apartments in the Sydney CBD is an excellent option. That’s because their portfolio of one and two-bedroom apartments spans nine separate residential buildings strategically positioned throughout the key areas of the city. As such, there’s a good chance you can walk from your Sydney apartment accommodation to your place of work in minutes.
If working in Barangaroo, apartments on Kent St are a popular choice, or for Martin Place, where you’ll find many of Sydney’s banking and legal corporations, these Hosking Place apartments are very well positioned. Not all their options are listed online, so reach out to them directly for more options.
- Size: Regardless of which Astra Apartment Sydney CBD building you stay in, all apartments are large. A typical 1-bedroom apartment has a floor plan of 60 sqm and a 2-bedroom 80 sqm.
- Amenities: The amenities vary across buildings, but most include a gym, pool, and optional parking.
- Business-Friendly: All apartments are equipped with desks and high-speed secure Wi-Fi that you are not sharing with others in the building.
Astra Apartments North Sydney: A Local’s Lifestyle
Similar to their neighbours in the CBD, Astra Apartments in North Sydney are spread across 4 main residential buildings; however, these buildings are all within moments of each other. Arrivals are personally met onsite(regardless of the time) for an apartment orientation. It’s a great opportunity to gather all the insider tips on where to eat, etc, based on your tastes and the personalised customer service is highly valued by travellers.
- Convenient Access: All buildings are located a short walk from the Victoria Cross Metro Station, which takes you to Barangaroo in 3 minutes. They’re also close to the stunning St Leonards Park where locals frequent at all times of the day for walking, running, or soaking up the sunshine.
- Building Facilities: Amenities vary depending on which building you are in, but can include things like gyms and communal rooftop gardens with stunning district views. One of the buildings has a pool.
Secure, unlimited WiFi: Apartment-dedicated secure WiFi provides peace of mind when you need to do some work or log into personal banking from the apartment.
Astra Apartments Parramatta: Close to Restaurants, Shops & Cafes
Located in the centre of Parramatta across three key buildings, one, two and three-bedroom apartments can be secured for corporate stays. All the apartments are nicely furnished and very well equipped, but most importantly, all buildings include undercover secure parking, which can be requested as an optional extra. Another great point about these apartments is the flexibility with booking. Due to the type of projects that bring people to the area, they’re very accommodating when it comes to shifting dates, arrival times etc.
- Strategic Placement: Close to train stations, shops, restaurants and cafes. Two of the buildings offer incredible views, and the third is a new boutique building, making it very popular for long stays.
- Necessary Amenities: Guaranteed secure parking is the icing on the cake for these already well-appointed apartments. For one, it’s difficult to find parking in Parramatta, and secondly, the parking inspectors are regularly out checking vehicles.
- Flexible Service: Known for excellent customer service and flexibility.
Astra Apartments Macquarie Park Midtown: Innovation District Living
An honourable mention goes to the new Astra Macquarie Park Apartment Accommodation Sydney. The apartments are all set in a new urban development with an enviable community and green space. You can expect a modern locals’ living experience with close proximity to tech and innovation hubs in the Macquarie Park Business Hub, as well as Macquarie Park Hospital and Macquarie University.
- Modern Facilities: The building was completed in 2024, so everything feels very new.
- Transport Links: The Macquarie University Near Metro station is a 500 m walk and makes for very easy commuting.
- Local Experience: Provides a comfortable and home-like stay.
In conclusion, by choosing the right style of apartment for your stay needs, you can optimise your productivity, comfort, and overall experience in this dynamic city, ensuring that your business trips to Sydney are both productive and enjoyable.
