Coastal Calm Coogee

Hotel Description

You know what really struck me about Coastal Calm Coogee? It’s one of those places that gets the balance right between being polished enough for a proper getaway but not so fancy that you feel weird walking through the lobby in your beach gear. I mean, you’re literally a three-minute walk from Coogee Beach – and I’m talking about the good end, near the ocean pool, not the crowded bit by the surf club.

The hotel sits on a quiet stretch that most tourists miss because they’re all hustling down to Bondi, which honestly works in your favor. You get that proper beachside vibe without the chaos. I stayed here during autumn (which is actually peak time for Sydney if you ask me – warm days, cool nights, way fewer crowds) and the whole area felt like a secret the locals were keeping. The staff seemed to know everyone’s coffee order by day two, and there’s something refreshing about that level of attention without it feeling forced or scripted. The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid four-star – nothing groundbreaking, but the beds are actually comfortable and the bathrooms have decent water pressure, which matters more than people admit. What I really appreciated was how they’ve set up the common areas. There’s this terrace space where you can sit with your morning coffee and watch the early swimmers doing laps in the ocean pool below. It’s one of those simple pleasures that makes you feel like you’re living rather than just visiting.

The neighborhood itself is where this place really shines though. Coogee has this laid-back, almost village-y feel that’s completely different from the tourist circus further north. You’ve got proper local cafes within walking distance – there’s this little place called Gertrude & Alice that does incredible brunch, and it’s the kind of spot where you’ll see the same faces every morning. The coastal walk to Bondi starts right here too, if you’re into that sort of thing, though honestly I found myself just hanging around Coogee most days. The beach has this protected feel because of the headlands, so it’s perfect for swimming even when it’s a bit rough elsewhere. Parking can be a nightmare on weekends (fair warning), but the hotel has a small lot that they don’t advertise much – worth asking about when you book. The whole area gets busy during school holidays, obviously, but there’s something nice about the energy even then. It feels like real Sydney life happening around you rather than some sanitized tourist experience. I’d definitely go back, especially in those shoulder seasons when you can grab a spot on the beach without having to stake your claim at dawn.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $327. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 single bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Very good – Daryl from New Zealand – 22 April 2024 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities