Close to the famous Bondi Beach in Australia

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be straight with you – when I first pulled up to this place on Penkivil Street, I wasn’t expecting much. The street’s pretty quiet, which honestly turned out to be a blessing because you’re close enough to hear the ocean but far enough from the Campbell Parade chaos that you can actually sleep. It’s one of those typical Bondi residential streets where locals actually live, not just the backpacker madness you get closer to the beach.

The thing that got me about this hotel is how it feels like someone actually thought about what travelers need. I mean, the lobby’s nothing fancy – sort of modern Australian without trying too hard – but the staff knew their stuff. When I asked about the best time to hit the coastal walk, the guy at the front desk didn’t just point toward the beach. He actually told me to go early morning around 7 AM to avoid the crowds and catch the light hitting the cliffs just right. That’s the kind of local knowledge you want, you know? The rooms are solid 4-star territory – clean lines, decent space, and thank god the air conditioning actually works because Sydney summers are no joke. What I really appreciated was the attention to sound – you’d think being this close to one of Australia’s most famous beaches would mean constant noise, but the windows are proper double-glazed and the building’s set back enough that you get the ocean breeze without the street performers and weekend party crowds.

Here’s what really makes this place work though – it’s about a 3-minute walk to the beach, but more importantly, you’re right in the sweet spot for everything else. There’s this little café called Speedos that locals hit up for proper coffee (not the tourist stuff), and it’s literally around the corner. The Bondi to Coogee walk starts basically at your doorstep, and honestly, if you’re not doing that walk at least once, you’re missing the whole point of staying in this area. The hotel’s positioned so you can duck back for a shower and a break halfway through if you want – I actually did this twice because that walk can be brutal in the afternoon sun. Parking’s a bit of a nightmare on weekends (welcome to Bondi), but the hotel has a small lot and they’ll sort you out if you book ahead. The pool area’s nothing spectacular, but it’s clean and gets good afternoon sun, plus there’s usually space even when the beach is packed with tourists. What surprised me most was how the place handles the summer rush – I was there during peak season and it never felt chaotic or overwhelmed like some of the bigger hotels closer to the main drag. The 8.4 rating makes sense once you’re there; it’s not trying to be the fanciest place in Sydney, but it absolutely nails what you actually want from a beach hotel.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $197. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Great location, lovely apartment and friendly service. Would stay again. – Tara from Australia – 23 February 2025 (9/10)

  Great location, clean, ample size for our group sand just what we needed for our trip. Also very helpful communication with the property manager/owner.
  
  What could be improved: I wouldn’t say didn’t like, but carrying our bags up the stairs was a gym workout 🙂 haha

• Superb – Robertson from United Kingdom – 14 August 2024 (9/10)

  Short trip to Bondi junction and Bondi beach. All the utensils etc were there. Convenient for sight seeing

• Really nice flat close to the Bondi Beach! – Christopher from Germany – 8 December 2023 (9/10)

  The apartement was really clean and comfortable. The appliances were really modern. Even Streaming services were included, which was amazing! The kitchen was really big, like the whole flat in gereral. Everything we needed was there. Stores were in walking distance and the Busstop too.
  Having a balcony and a carpark available was quite nice.
  
  What could be improved: The only thing nice to have would be a thing to dry towels in the bathroom.
  The fan in the living room was nice, but I would have prefered an A/C unit in the bedrooms because it gets a little warm there in the morning.

• Apartment had everything we needed for a family on the go. – Stella from Australia – 10 October 2024 (9/10)

  Apartment had everything we needed for a family on the go. Great walking and access to public transportation.

• Functional appartment in a good location – Romany from Australia – 6 July 2024 (7/10)

  The location between Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach is very good. Close to cafes and shops. The appartment is spacious and has all the essentials including heaters and a fan.
  
  What could be improved: The appartment is tired and would benefit from a refresh, particularly the kitchen and better positioning of the furniture, a new sofa, curtains and more cosy lighting. It is functional and impersonal and does not have a warm cosy welcoming vibe.

• Great value and location – Molly from United Kingdom – 15 July 2023 (8/10)

  Doesn’t deserve the low ratings – great value for money and location thanks Sudip

• perfect – Mereoni from Australia – 12 June 2023 (9/10)

  What could be improved: it heating system could be provided

• Stunning stay! – Livia from United Kingdom – 6 December 2024 (10/10)

  "I recently had the pleasure of staying at this stunning house near the beach, and I couldn't be more impressed. The location is absolutely perfect! The house itself is beautifully designed, impeccably clean, and offers all the comforts of home.
  If I could give 100 stars I would! The landlord was helpful and and really nice!
  
  What could be improved: Everything was perfect!

• Exceptional – Júlia from Australia – 11 November 2023 (10/10)

  Great location, easy to access and very good apartment.

• NOT WHAT WE EXPECTED TO PAY FOR – Veneka from Australia – 11 December 2023 (5/10)

  The Location was good and close to transport and shops.
  
  The unit had all one would expect for short stay.
  Neat at least
  
  What could be improved: Car park we shared with motorbike and ended up street parking because with motorbike there our car was too long as we couldn't fit in space.
  The unit we weren't told until after booking was up four flights stairs with luggage was hard as I'd just had surgery.
  Mould in bathroom a huge hole in wall where fridge stuck out into hallways
  No sheets on bed just light throw.
  Bed was uncomfortable so after long drive not comfortable.
  Heat wave in Sydney no ceiling fans or air conditioning so was sickening hot inside so we were so sick through first night bailed to another accommodation again paid for because that unit was unbearable.
  My son in second room also complained his bed was hard and uncomfortable and all three of us in that little unit we were physically ill.
  Not even a ceiling fan in bedrooms was sickening.
  There was portable heater in cupboard but 44-46° no air was vile.
  Neighbors were super loud very disappointed as the pics online showed something quite different

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities