Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach by IHG

Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach by IHG Overview

Look, I’ll be straight with you about the Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach – it’s one of those places that actually lives up to its beachfront billing, which honestly surprised me a bit. You know how some hotels claim to be “near the beach” and then you’re stuck walking fifteen minutes through dodgy side streets? Not here. This place sits right at the corner of Arden and Carr Streets, which means you’re literally a two-minute stroll to Coogee Beach proper. I mean, you can smell the salt air from the lobby, and that’s not an exaggeration.

What really got me was how the hotel feels like it belongs in the neighborhood rather than just being plonked down there. Coogee’s got this laid-back, almost village-y vibe that’s completely different from Bondi (thank god, because Bondi’s a zoo most days), and the Crowne Plaza seems to get that. The rooms are solid – proper 4-star stuff without being stuffy about it. Mine faced the water, and honestly, watching the early morning swimmers do their laps in the ocean pool while I had my coffee was worth the stay alone. The soundproofing’s decent too, which matters because Coogee Beach Road can get a bit lively on weekend nights, especially during summer when everyone’s in holiday mode.

Here’s the thing that’ll actually matter to you – the location is genuinely useful. You’ve got the Coogee Bay Hotel (locals call it “the Bay”) right down the street if you want decent pub food and a proper Australian beer garden experience. The coastal walk to Bondi starts practically at your doorstep, and it’s honestly one of the best ways to see Sydney’s coastline without dealing with tourist bus nonsense. Parking can be a bit of a nightmare during peak season – I’d honestly suggest using the hotel’s valet service rather than circling the streets looking for a spot. The staff seemed to know their stuff too, which is refreshing. When I asked about the quieter swimming spots, they pointed me toward the northern end of the beach where the rocks create natural pools – definitely insider knowledge. The hotel’s restaurant is fine, nothing spectacular, but you’re in Coogee, so you’ve got better options within walking distance anyway. Try the fish and chips at the pavilion if you’re feeling touristy, or hit up one of the cafes on Carr Street for proper Sydney coffee culture. Overall, it’s the kind of place where you can actually relax without feeling like you’re missing out on the real Sydney experience.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach by IHG Accommodations

Reviews of Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach by IHG

• Superb – Helen from Australia – 23 June 2025 (9/10)

  Views and location

• Good – Aimee from Australia – 23 April 2025 (7/10)

  Location was great and room was clean
  
  What could be improved: It's quite dated for the price and the pool area left a lot
  To be desired

• Amazing potential just needs updating – Lucy from Jersey – 18 April 2025 (8/10)

  Amazing location
  Amazing staff
  Just needs updating badly!
  
  What could be improved: The hotel is need of updating and quite a few things didn’t work. The shower was awful too 🙁

• Great hotel with peaceful room in perfect location – Lucy from United Kingdom – 11 April 2025 (8/10)

  Spotlessly clean room
  Comfortable bed
  Lovely swimming pool
  Great location and peaceful despite being so close to beach
  Friendly staff at bar / restaurant
  
  What could be improved: -Took a while to do check in as couldn’t find booking initially & wasn’t overly welcoming ( arrived on long haul flight and booked extra night so didn’t have to wait to get to room)
  – 50 dollars to use car park for 2 nights for hire car seemed a lot (particular as stayed at hotel for 2 weeks)
  – some parts of hotel looked a bit tired but I know due for major refurb

• Good – Rachel from Australia – 10 April 2025 (7/10)

  The rooms were a good size, the beds were comfy and the balcony had a great view. Could not fault the location – short walk to all that Coogee has to offer, close to public transport links into Bondi Junction and from there into the city and further afar. Staff were friendly and very helpful.
  
  What could be improved: The pool area looked nothing like the pictures and was really due a revamp or upgrade. The decor in the rooms was a little tired, which was a little disappointing for the price. The hotel bar was closed at 8.30pm two consecutive nights, open later on the weekends. They should really have set closing times or advise guests of this as could not get a night cap on returning from dinner.

• Close to beach. Perfect location. I would stay here again. – Michelle from Australia – 9 April 2025 (8/10)

  Clean & fresh room. A little small but had everything we needed.

• Enjoyed our stay – Carl from United Kingdom – 9 April 2025 (8/10)

  Good location just off the beach, very comfortable room and good variety at breakfast. Staff were very helpful
  
  What could be improved: Lifts were routinely not working, as the hotel was due a refit it didn't seem maintaining the existing systems was a priority

• Superb – Joanne from Australia – 7 April 2025 (9/10)

  Room was lovely, staff were fantastic. We had breakfast delivered and it was delicious.
  
  What could be improved: Cost of parking to stay – both had to pay $50 each, I felt this was excessive. Up to $20 is reasonable as a paying guest, $50 was too much.

• Exemplary – Simon from United Kingdom – 30 March 2025 (9/10)

  Great hotel and welcoming staff

• Very enjoyable stay. – Patricia from United Kingdom – 30 March 2025 (9/10)

  Brilliant position overlooking Coogee Bay. Very good for local transport. Lots of choice on the breakfast buffet. Excellent staff. Nice pool area.
  
  What could be improved: Bathroom was clean & adequate but in need of an update.

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