Guidance needed, partial to Accor properties, MEL & SYD...

Heading to MEL & SYD in Nov, could use info on Accor near city center; 3*+ locations. /Columbia U. (NYC) U. Admin Thx! 

Both Sydney and Melbourne are large cities so to really tap into our knowledge I'd encourage you to share what parts of the city centre you need to frequent. 

In MEL the Sofitel is fantastic. Used to work there and stayed there many times since. 

Ibis Hotel near Queen Victoria Markets, ask for range of any floors, in rooms 07, very quiet.

Rooms have kitchenettes with microwave ovens.

Close to transport too.

Not cheap, but good.

Mercure Welcome also good.

Ibis on Little Bourke (if still in Accor) is very close to Southern Cross.

Ibis Budget is the el cheapo, no points earnt in Le Accor, but very reasonable.

In Sydney, the Ibis on the other side of Darling Harbour is also very good, not cheap though.

Mercure in the city centre, near Hyde Park is closer to the trains.

There is an Ibis Budget at Sydney Airport, a bit far from anything, but close to the 400 bus that can take you to Mascot station to get the train around.

Overall, the Ibis Budget is best, cheap, and while its like a modern prison cell, I do like it, have stayed at several of them.

When I need an upscale, the normal Ibis hasn't disappointed.

The Grand Mercure and Sebel are the $$$$.

Edit: if you want to earn Le Accor points, book direct on the Accor website.

For the lower scale, earns are about 0.88 points per USD$, upper its about 1.66 points.

Per 10 stays of about 1 or 2 nights, and points don't expire if you keep your account active, and I have gotten some rewards, ie, few dollars off a booking.

Thank you so much...  Accor properties are consistent in value and scope, the point el too. My research shows that both are full of interesting points and activities w/ transportation resources, excellent! Some Accor spots (most are reasonable $) seem to be near MEL SYD city centres too. Any suggestions for spots to visit outside the cities?   *thx  NJDavidA

Sovereign Hill for the gold rush experience.  That nightly show might be worth a one see experience.  Not sure if you can get a bus back to Melbourne that night after the show.  Called Blood on the Southern Cross.
Mt Baw Baw, but by then the snow would most likely have all melted.  You could try Hotham just for the experience.  Both need a Vline train ticket and then a bus.
In Sydney, maybe a night up in the Blue Mountains?
Melbourne city and Sydney city, maybe a days worth of walking or using visitors Myki (Myki explorer) $15 includes $9 travel money and $6 card fee, good for travel in zone 1, can add more $.
City circle tram is free, and there is also the free tram zone, bounded by Spring, Flinders, ((edit), Harbourfront and I think Latrobe St).
And the Explorer bus tours (hop on hop off bus) for Sydney.
 

The Como in South Yarra (Melbourne) is a great little boutique hotel! In Sydney I'd stick to the MGallery brand and stay at The Rocks hotel which is also a small boutique hotel. You could try the new Sofitel in Sydney Darling Harbour as it will have just oppened and looks great!

On the mid level scale, in Melbourne, I use Best Western Princes Park.  It's not in the centre but is right on one of the all night tram routes.  They have apartments, basic rooms etc with a good internet.  For myself, regularly flying in from the UK, I also like that they set my room up for me with either aircon or heating ready when I let them know I'm coming. I have to say I am biased as I've been using this hotel for many years.  They have even been willing to look after my luggage when I've headed off somewhere for a couple of days, very helpful when I have a suitcase full of training equipment and not wanting to pay for the extra suitcases when flying.  Also, as it's family run, I have built up a relationship so when flight or travel timing causes problems they are willing to help when they can.

There are 2 ibis hotels in Melbourne. Little Bourke property is very nice. I would say it is comparable to Novotel in terms of quality. I particularly like their simple bedding. Comfortable with good pillow choices, good not too soft mattress and not an excessive amount of bed spreads or cushions that you will never touch. I would choose to stay at a different hotel if going for ibis budget as it feels like a college dorm room.