Dream View Steps from the Beach

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Dream View Steps from the Beach? It’s actually one of those places that doesn’t try to oversell itself – and honestly, that’s refreshing. When I first walked up to the property in Coogee, I was expecting something a bit more polished given the name, but there’s this comfortable, unpretentious vibe that grows on you pretty quickly.

The location is genuinely brilliant, though I wish more places were this honest about what “steps from the beach” means. It’s literally a three-minute walk down to Coogee Beach, and not the tourist-packed northern end either – you’re closer to the quieter southern stretch where the locals actually hang out. I mean, you can hear the waves at night if you open your windows, which is either perfect or problematic depending on how lightly you sleep. The morning walk down Carr Street to grab coffee at one of the beachfront cafes became my daily routine, and there’s something really nice about dodging the early surfers heading down with their boards.

What I appreciated most was how the place feels lived-in rather than sterile. The rooms are clean and functional – definitely hitting that 3-star sweet spot where you’re not paying for marble bathrooms but you’re also not worried about the sheets. The “dream view” part is a bit optimistic unless you’re in one of the higher rooms facing east, but even the partial ocean glimpses are pretty decent. Parking can be a bit of a dance, especially during summer weekends when half of Sydney descends on Coogee, but the staff actually knows the neighborhood well enough to point you toward the less obvious street parking spots that tourists miss. Check-in was surprisingly smooth – none of that awkward hovering while they fumble with the computer system.

The real charm is in the details you don’t expect from a mid-range place. There’s this little communal balcony area that catches the afternoon sun perfectly, and I’d often see guests just reading there with a beer from the bottle shop down the street. The walls are a bit thin (you’ll definitely know when your neighbors are having a good time), but it never felt disruptive – more like you’re staying in a neighborhood rather than a hotel bubble. Plus, being on the Coogee end of the eastern beaches means you’re perfectly positioned for the coastal walk to Bondi if you’re feeling ambitious, or you can just stick around and enjoy what’s honestly one of Sydney’s most underrated beach communities. The whole area has this relaxed, almost village-like feel that’s completely different from the city center chaos, and Dream View Steps from the Beach fits right into that laid-back atmosphere.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $423. Apartment with 2 × 1 double bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Perfect family getaway with a fabulous view – Cindy from Australia – 3 January 2024 (9/10)

  Great location, walk to the beach and beautiful view of the ocean
  
  What could be improved: The ensuite shower leaked.

• Perfect location with great views. WIll definitely stay again. – Tiare from Australia – 5 December 2023 (9/10)

  The location of this property was perfect for what my family and I needed. The access to the property was very easy – there instructions provided to us by the owner was very clear and easy to understand. The beds weere comfy and the couch, the kitchen was stocked with everything we needed. The view was amazing.
  
  What could be improved: The many stairs (This is not a serious dislike, just a joke) but it was nice to get some exercise in going up and down the stairwell. Cannot fault anything else. Was perfect for what we needed for our weekend stay

• Splendid apartment at prime location – Femke from Australia – 17 November 2023 (9/10)

  Great location, nice rooms and balcony. Good communication

• Great staf in great accommodations – Sharron from Australia – 4 July 2023 (8/10)

  Location was great.
  
  What could be improved: Stairs

• Great location with good views and roomy spaces – Peter from New Zealand – 24 June 2025 (7/10)

  What could be improved: The bathrooms… in both of them, the water from the shower flooded the floor

• Good – Warren from Australia – 14 July 2024 (7/10)

  Location was great. Although there are quite a few stairs to climb and no lift. Great size for a family. Plenty of room for everyone.
  
  What could be improved: The unit was not in the cleanest state. Not sure the floors have been mopped. I wiped them with a paper towel and it came out black. The bathroom had messy unwiped areas and some of the plates were still covered in food. We also couldn't access the garage and were told to buy batteries if we wanted to access it for parking.

• Trying to get help from the telephone staff when the power was out was very difficult. – Diane from Australia – 6 May 2024 (7/10)

  What could be improved: There was no tea or coffee which was extremely disappointing. Our power went out due to the storm and water in the airconditioner (no-one's fault except nature). Luckily my husband was able to get the power back on. Trying to get help from the telephone staff though was very difficult.

• Good – Peeni from Australia – 23 September 2023 (7/10)

  View and location
  
  What could be improved: Wasn't as clean as I am used to when staying away.

• Exceptional – Natalie from Australia – 14 October 2022 (10/10)

  The view
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Pleasant – Andrew from United Kingdom – 2 October 2023 (6/10)

  Location and off street parking
  
  What could be improved: Property in need of decoration, stains and marks to walls, ceilings, kitchen cupboards which detracted from overall feel of the property especially at the price point being paid.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities