Absolute Seafront Bronte

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be straight with you about the Absolute Seafront Bronte – it’s one of those places that does exactly what it says on the tin, and honestly, that’s refreshing. When you’re walking down Bronte Road and you hit that stretch between the cafe strip and the beach, you can’t miss it. The building itself isn’t going to win any architecture awards, but step onto one of those front-facing balconies and you’ll understand why location trumps everything else here. I mean, you’re literally staring at Bronte Beach – not a glimpse through other buildings or a “partial ocean view” that requires you to crane your neck. The real deal, with that gorgeous sweep of sand and the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk winding right past your doorstep.

The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid 3-star – clean, functional, nothing fancy but certainly comfortable enough. What I actually loved was how the sound of the waves sort of becomes this constant, gentle background noise. Well, except on weekends when the beach gets packed and you’ve got families setting up camp right below, but that’s Bronte for you. The staff seem to genuinely know the area too, which is rarer than you’d think. They pointed me toward the best coffee spot (hint: it’s not the obvious tourist trap) and actually warned me about the weekend parking situation – apparently everyone and their dog drives down from the inner west for Bronte’s weekend vibe. Speaking of parking, if you’re driving, there’s street parking but it fills up fast, especially during summer. The hotel doesn’t have its own lot, which is a bit of a pain, but honestly, once you’re settled in, you probably won’t want to leave anyway.

You know what really sets this place apart though? The timing and the locals. Stay here during the week and you’ll catch Bronte at its most authentic – morning swimmers doing their laps, the regular dog walkers, kids from the local school using the park. It’s got this village-within-the-city feel that you completely miss if you only know the touristy eastern beaches. The coastal walk is right there when you want adventure, but there’s also something deeply satisfying about just grabbing fish and chips from the kiosk and eating them on your balcony while watching the afternoon light change over the water. The hotel’s 7.7 rating feels about right – it’s not luxury, but it nails the essentials and gives you that authentic Sydney beach experience without the Bondi crowds and prices. If you’re the type who values being able to roll out of bed and onto one of Sydney’s prettiest beaches in under two minutes, this place gets it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $233. Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• We had a lovely week at your apartment. My daughter & young grandson live close by so the location was excellent for – Carol from United Kingdom – 16 March 2025 (8/10)

  The best thing about the property is the location, the balcony & the wonderful view. The WiFi was great too!
  
  What could be improved: Although the bed was comfortable the mattress protector was covered with stains & lots of hair. It really needed a good wash or in my view a new one. The rest of the bedding was clean though.
  There was no plug for the bathroom sink. My partner likes to wet shave in the mornings & found that frustrating with no plug.

• Perfect location for a casual and quintessential Sydney beach stay. – Madeline from New Zealand – 12 February 2024 (7/10)

  Amazing location to take in Bronte beach and surrounds. Great playground and park across the road and access to walks to Bondi and Coogee. A number of great coffee, breakfast and takeaway options right downstairs. Thanks to the hosts for being well organised and prompt at responding. Air conditioning and fans were perfect for sleeping in the heat.
  
  What could be improved: The building and apartment are a little tired. A couple of small things letting this great little apartment down like the balcony door being hard to open and the awning needing replacing. All in all, pretty good.

• Very enjoyable stay – Fruin from Australia – 6 June 2023 (9/10)

  Location was absolutely superb, overlooking the park and beach. Great cafes right under the unit. The unit had everthing we needed and although old was very clean and presentable. Fantastic place for a couple.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing of significance

• I thoroughly enjoyed my stay it was perfect, peaceful, relaxing and I very much enjoyed my morning cups of tea on the ba – Donna from Australia – 23 June 2025 (10/10)

  This cosy apartment was an absolute gem. Cosy, clean, comfortable, great location and magnificent views. The apartment presented well lovely decor, very comfortable bed and couch. From my perspective I very much appreciated the nice touches like tea, coffee, sugar and milk for that welcome cup of tea which also included other pantry staples. The bathroom essentials of shampoo, conditioner,body wash and hand wash were plentiful for my stay the hairdryer was a rocket (thank you🙏🏼). Having cafes, convenience store and public transport close by was all I could ask for. I Highly recommend this beautiful property.

• Stunning views, can’t get any closer to the beach, spacious and comfortable – Peta from United Kingdom – 6 October 2023 (10/10)

  Stunning views and proximity to beach
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, everything was good

• Disappointing in absolutely every respect – William from United Kingdom – 18 February 2024 (3/10)

  After paying the additional $500 security deposit and having to provide selfies with our passports, we expected somewhere vaguely habitable, but that proved to be naive. This place turned out to be just a nice view with a disappointing room attached.
  
  We loved how overpriced this place was, and how it's located directly above a fish and chip shop so the fragrance of fried food permeated the property.
  
  We were thrilled by the dark, seedy entrance. We adored the way the air-conditioning didn't work and the rustic way that various cupboard doors didn't fit.
  
  We just couldn't get enough of the limpid shower curtain, or the ants in the kitchen. The thought that went into the staining in the toilet bowl was exquisite.
  
  The highlight, though, was the complete and abject dismissal of our complaints by the owner – that was just priceless! In all honesty, the only saving grace about the place was the view.
  
  Of the ten places we stayed during our Australia trip, this was by far the most expensive and unrivalled in it's awfulness.
  
  What could be improved: This place is a dingy, overpriced, uncared-for flat that we most definitely wouldn't have booked if it had been advertised to reflect its true condition. If you're a surfer looking for a bed for the night and didn't want any facilities – and money is no object – then you might be alright with staying in this grim little apartment. However, they charge 5* prices for a 1* studio.

• Exceptional – Louis from Australia – 23 January 2025 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities