We're spending January '06 on and off in Sydney and don't want to overstay our welcome with friends. Does anyone know of a nice boutique hotel / B+B in the Beach suburbs? Tamarama, Bronte etc? Or if inland, near Surry Hills, Paddington, Darlinghurst areas? Looking for 4 star, clean, comfortable, affordable, modern place. We've staying at Rushcutters which is ok but small rooms and in Manly - gorgeous but too far out. Thanks, Bertie

Im sure anyone coming from asia to oz or even from the uk will notice how sydneys "budget" accommodation will leave you poor within days. I was told to join www.globalfreeloaders.com, there are loads of really nice families in and around sydney who are more than willing to put travellers up for a couple and days and longer for free. You do need to organise a bit in advanced as most people dont like taking you in at the last mo. Hope that is off help to some poverty striken travellers like myself