Lotus Stay Manly – Apartment 29F

Hotel Description

So I stayed at Lotus Stay Manly in Apartment 29F, and honestly? It’s one of those places that grows on you. When you first walk in, it feels pretty standard – you know, clean but not fancy, functional furniture that’s seen better days. But here’s the thing about Manly: location trumps everything else, and this spot actually delivers on that front.

The apartment sits on Malvern Avenue, which is perfect if you know the area. You’re literally a five-minute walk from the beach – I mean the actual sand, not just “beach vicinity” like some places claim. More importantly, you’re close enough to the corso (that’s the main pedestrian strip for anyone who hasn’t been) to grab coffee and breakfast, but far enough away that you won’t hear drunk backpackers stumbling home at 2 AM. The ferry wharf is maybe seven minutes on foot, which is clutch because honestly, driving into the city from here is a nightmare. I learned that the hard way on my second day when I thought I’d be clever and avoid the ferry crowds.

What I really appreciated was how the apartment felt like someone’s actual home rather than a sterile hotel room. The kitchen had proper utensils – not just those flimsy plastic things – and there was enough space to spread out if you’re staying more than a couple nights. The shower pressure was surprisingly good, which you don’t always get in older Sydney buildings. I will say the walls are pretty thin though, so if you’re a light sleeper, pack earplugs. The couple next door had some… animated conversations that carried through pretty clearly.

The building itself is nothing special from the outside, but the elevator works (small victories, right?) and there’s actually decent natural light in 29F. You get a partial water view if you crane your neck from the living room window, which is more than I expected for a 3-star place. Parking was the usual Sydney nightmare – street parking only, and good luck finding a spot after 6 PM. But honestly, once you’re there, you don’t really need a car anyway.

Here’s what sold me on the place: it’s real Manly, not tourist Manly. Walk five minutes in any direction and you’ll find where locals actually eat and drink. There’s this little café on Pittwater Road that does incredible flat whites – the kind of place you’d never find unless you’re staying in the neighborhood. The beaches are less crowded on the northern end, and you can walk to Shelly Beach in about fifteen minutes if you want something more protected and less scene-y than the main stretch.

Look, it’s not going to win any design awards, and that 7.6 rating feels about right – it’s good, not great. But if you want to experience Manly like someone who actually lives there, rather than just passing through on a day trip from Circular Quay, this apartment gives you that authentic local feeling without breaking the bank. Just remember to stock up on groceries before evening because the nearby shops close early, and seriously, take the ferry into the city. Trust me on that one.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $400. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• Good location, nice rooms, just requires some maintenance. – Eugen from Australia – 3 December 2024 (7/10)

  Quiet
  
  What could be improved: Leaking taps, dripping all night, very enjoying

• Great stay very clean and neat. – Michelle from Australia – 26 January 2025 (10/10)

  The place was comfortable.

• Good – Sara from Australia – 17 March 2025 (7/10)

• Very good – Gaye from Australia – 13 July 2023 (8/10)

• Pleasant – Paul from Australia – 14 November 2022 (6/10)

• Pleasant – Sander from Netherlands – 20 August 2022 (6/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities