Heading to the races? Marco Polo Motor Inn Sydney in Summer Hill sits neatly between Sydney's two big tracks: Royal Randwick about 8 km to the east and Rosehill Gardens about 13 km to the west. Both are an easy train and light rail ride from Summer Hill station, 400 metres from reception. Every booking includes one free secured undercover parking spot, reception is open 24 hours for late returns after the last race, and rooms sleep up to five, which suits a group dressed for Derby Day.
Getting to Royal Randwick on race day
Walk 400 metres to Summer Hill station and take a direct train to Central, about 15 minutes. At Central, the L2 Randwick Line light rail leaves from Chalmers Street and stops at Royal Randwick, on Alison Road directly across from the racecourse. The L3 Kingsford Line is a handy alternative: its Kensington stop on Anzac Parade is a short walk from the Ascot Street entry.
Extra light rail services run on major race days, so the trip back to Central after the last race is easy. If you prefer to drive, the track is about 8 km across the city, and your car stays parked free at the hotel for the rest of your stay.
- Summer Hill station: 400 m from reception, about 5 minutes on foot
- Direct train to Central in about 15 minutes
- L2 light rail from Chalmers Street to the Royal Randwick stop on Alison Road
- L3 light rail to Kensington, a short walk to the Ascot Street entry
Getting to Rosehill Gardens
Rosehill Gardens is to the west, about 13 km from the hotel. Take a train west from Summer Hill to Parramatta, use the Parramatta Square exit, and ride the L4 Westmead and Carlingford Line light rail to the Rosehill Gardens stop. From the stop it is a short walk via Grand Avenue and the underpass to the course.
On Rosehill race days extra buses also run between the Parramatta CBD and the racecourse, which makes the trip home simple even on the busiest days of the carnival.
- Train west from Summer Hill to Parramatta
- L4 light rail from Parramatta Square to the Rosehill Gardens stop
- Short walk via Grand Avenue to the course
Sydney Spring Carnival race days for 2026
The Sydney Spring Carnival fills October and early November, and the hotel is perfectly placed for every meeting. These are the big days on the calendar, with gates and first-race times published by the Australian Turf Club closer to each meeting. Autumn brings The Championships at Royal Randwick in April and the Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens in March.
- Hill Stakes Day, Saturday 10 October 2026, Rosehill Gardens
- TAB Everest Day, Saturday 17 October 2026, Royal Randwick
- Spring Champion Stakes Day, Saturday 24 October 2026, Royal Randwick
- Golden Eagle Day, Saturday 31 October 2026, Royal Randwick
- The Big Dance on Cup Day, Tuesday 3 November 2026, Royal Randwick
- Five Diamonds Ladies Day, Saturday 7 November 2026, Rosehill Gardens
- Boxing Day Raceday, Saturday 26 December 2026, Royal Randwick
Rooms that make race day easy
Getting ready for the races takes space, and every room is ensuite and air-conditioned, with a work desk, flat-screen TV and free unlimited WiFi. Irons are available from reception, which takes care of a pressed shirt or a race-day dress. The kitchenette basics, a fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster, mean breakfast in your room before you head out.
Rooms sleep from one to five guests, so a group of friends can share a family room and split the cost. Reception is staffed 24 hours, so a late celebration after the last race is no trouble at all. Rooms are from $140 a night Monday to Thursday, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, plus public holidays and high seasons, are from $180.
Staying near Randwick for other visits
Many guests search for hotels in Randwick for reasons beyond the races: a visit to UNSW, the hospitals on the Randwick health campus, or a day at Coogee Beach. The same L2 and L3 light rail lines from Central reach all of them, and the hotel gives you free parking and quiet nights in the Inner West.
Why guests choose us
Why racegoers stay at Marco Polo Motor Inn Sydney
- Between Royal Randwick (about 8 km) and Rosehill Gardens (about 13 km)
- Train to Central, then the L2 light rail to Royal Randwick
- Train to Parramatta, then the L4 light rail to Rosehill Gardens
- One free secured undercover parking spot with every booking
- 24-hour reception for late returns after the last race
- Rooms for one to five guests, from $140 Monday to Thursday
Gallery
A look around & nearby
Photos: Queen Elizabeth II Grandstand, Royal Randwick Racecourse by Simon_sees, CC BY 2.0; Randwick Racecourse Track by J Bar, CC BY-SA 3.0; Rosehill Gardens Light Rail Station by JustARandomEditor123, CC BY-SA 4.0; Rosehill Racecourse 1 by J Bar, CC BY 3.0; Sydney Royal Randwick Racecourse by en:Witty Iama, CC BY-SA 2.5
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the hotel to Royal Randwick Racecourse?
Walk 400 metres to Summer Hill station, take a direct train to Central (about 15 minutes), then the L2 light rail from Chalmers Street to the Royal Randwick stop on Alison Road, directly across from the racecourse. Extra light rail services run on major race days.
How do I get to Rosehill Gardens Racecourse?
Take a train west from Summer Hill to Parramatta, exit at Parramatta Square and ride the L4 light rail to the Rosehill Gardens stop. The course is a short walk away via Grand Avenue.
Can I check in late after the races?
Yes. Reception is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can arrive or return at any hour.
Is parking included?
Yes. Every booking includes one free secured undercover parking spot for the whole stay, so you can leave the car at the hotel and take public transport to the track.
Do you have rooms for a group going to the races?
Yes. Rooms sleep from one to five guests, which suits groups of friends sharing. For several rooms together, call +61 2 8880 8320 or email bookings@marcopolosydney.com.au.
Book online here
Book your race-day stay
Rooms from $140 with free secure parking and 24-hour reception, between Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens.