Lotus Stay Manly – Apartment 31E

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be straight with you about Lotus Stay Manly – it’s one of those places that grows on you once you figure out what it’s actually about. When I first walked into Apartment 31E, I was honestly expecting something a bit more polished given the name, but this isn’t your typical hotel setup. It’s more like staying in someone’s well-maintained apartment building, which – depending on what you’re after – can actually be pretty refreshing.

The location on Malvern Avenue is where this place really shines, and I mean that in a way most visitors won’t immediately appreciate. You’re far enough from the Corso chaos that you can actually sleep past sunrise (trust me, during summer the main strip gets rowdy), but close enough that you can walk to the beach in maybe eight minutes if you know the shortcuts through the side streets. There’s this little bakery on Pittwater Road that locals hit up for morning coffee – it’s literally a three-minute walk and way better than anything you’ll find in the touristy areas. The apartment itself feels lived-in rather than sterile, which I actually liked. The kitchen has proper cookware (not those flimsy hotel pans), and the balcony – well, you won’t get harbor views, but you do get a decent slice of suburban Manly life happening below.

What surprised me was how quiet it gets at night, especially compared to places closer to the wharf. You’ll hear the occasional car, maybe some neighbors coming home late, but nothing like the weekend madness near the pubs. The building feels solid too – those old brick apartments just have better bones than the newer developments. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward, no hovering concierge or complicated key cards, just practical instructions and someone who actually answered their phone when I had questions. I will say the furnishings are a bit dated – we’re talking functional rather than Instagram-worthy – but everything worked properly, the shower had decent pressure, and the bed was comfortable enough that I didn’t wake up complaining. For a 3-star place with a 7.7 rating, it delivers exactly what those numbers suggest: solid, reliable, nothing fancy but nothing disappointing either. If you’re the type who wants to experience Manly like someone who actually lives there rather than just passing through, this spot makes sense. Just don’t expect luxury touches or round-the-clock service – it’s more about having a proper base while you explore one of Sydney’s better beach suburbs.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $374. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 single bed, 2 × 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• Superb – Resham from Australia – 20 March 2025 (9/10)

  Clean
  
  What could be improved: –

• Superb – Jason from Australia – 23 February 2025 (9/10)

  location and how easy was to book and deal with staff
  
  What could be improved: cleaners attention to detail could have been better eg shelfs in fridge door dirty, dirt sheets in cupboard above fridge

• Perfect location ,great value for money. Staying there again – Emily from Australia – 5 February 2025 (9/10)

  Perfect location , beautiful set up with all facilities
  
  What could be improved: Wishes I stayed longer

• Nicely renovated apartments that are well maintained – A from Australia – 19 January 2025 (8/10)

  great location and very convenient to access the beach, supermarket, shops and cafes
  
  What could be improved: could do with some extra microwave proof dishes

• Nice apartment. Good location. – Kate from Australia – 28 November 2024 (8/10)

  What could be improved: We paid for parking and there was no parking spots available for two nights.

• Superb – Clarke from Australia – 6 November 2024 (9/10)

  Location, clean and comfortable.

• Good – Vause from Australia – 5 May 2024 (7/10)

  Convenient location. Multiple sleeping options to suit a family with young children. Staff were helpful.
  
  What could be improved: We liked it all but would suggest adding some extra blankets as it gets colder

• Superb – Erin from Australia – 8 January 2024 (9/10)

  Air conditioning made it comfortable on a hot day. Beds were comfortable.

• Nice and helpful staff, nice location, clean and neat – Cheryl from Australia – 6 July 2023 (8/10)

  Good size, well appointed kitchen, nice location
  
  What could be improved: It didn’t have enough blankets but did bring us more for the second night.

• Great location very clean just disappointed next door block carried on partying until 2 am – Ann from United Kingdom – 15 April 2023 (8/10)

  Location 2 mins from the beach
  
  What could be improved: Next block very noisy Friday night until 2 in the morning

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities