Lotus Stay Manly – Apartment 31G

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in plenty of places around Sydney, but there’s something honestly refreshing about Lotus Stay Manly – and I’m not just talking about the sea breeze that hits you the moment you step off the ferry. Apartment 31G sits on Malvern Avenue, which – if you know Manly at all – puts you in that sweet spot where you’re close enough to hear the occasional seagull squawk but far enough from the Corso chaos that you can actually sleep past 7am on weekends. The building itself is nothing fancy, mind you, just solid brick that’s seen a few decades, but the apartment? Well, it’s been done up properly. Clean lines, decent fixtures, and honestly the kind of setup where you could comfortably work from the dining table if you needed to (the wifi actually works, which is more than I can say for some pricier spots I’ve tried).

What really sold me on this place was the attention to those little things that matter when you’re not just passing through. The kitchen’s got proper knives – I mean, you can actually slice a tomato without declaring war on it. There’s a washing machine tucked away that doesn’t sound like it’s having an existential crisis, and the shower pressure is… well, let’s just say after a day exploring the Northern Beaches, you’ll appreciate it. The balcony faces west, so you get decent afternoon light, and if you crane your neck just right, you can catch glimpses of the harbor between the neighboring buildings. Not exactly harbor views, but there’s something satisfying about that little slice of blue. Parking can be a bit of a dance around here – street parking fills up pretty quick, especially on weekends when the day-trippers descend – but honestly, once you’re settled in Manly, you barely need a car anyway.

The real magic happens when you start exploring the neighborhood on foot. You’re maybe eight minutes from Manly Beach if you take the shortcut through the park, and about the same to the wharf if you’re catching the ferry back to Circular Quay. But here’s what most visitors miss – head down towards Fairy Bower or around to Shelly Beach early morning, and you’ll have some of the most gorgeous coastal walks practically to yourself. The apartment’s location means you can duck back for a proper coffee break (there’s a decent machine) or grab something you forgot, then head out again without that whole pack-up-the-hotel-room routine. After staying here a few times, I’ve realized it’s not trying to be the flashiest place on the block – it’s just genuinely comfortable, thoughtfully set up, and positioned perfectly for anyone who wants to experience Manly like someone who actually lives there, not just passes through with a camera.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $316. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Great location, a few minutes from the beach – Katy from United Kingdom – 16 April 2025 (8/10)

  Excellent stay, great location

• Very good – Meagan from Australia – 13 March 2024 (8/10)

  Perfect location to Steyne and Queenscliffe beaches.
  Enough space for a small family. Quiet. Friendly and flexible management.
  Air conditioning excellent, good size kitchen
  
  What could be improved: Shower pressure was terrible and it leaked constantly. No screens on windows – so needed to keep closed to avoid Mozzies – however air conditioning worked well 😊
  Lounge bed was uncomfortable for 2. Ok if one on it.
  Needed a good clean under the bed (layers of dust and other peoples left items – shoe/drink bottle/cup/etc)

• Cozy local living – Christopher from United States – 8 December 2023 (9/10)

  People were so accommodating with the travel issues we were faced with

• Good – Matthew from Australia – 8 May 2023 (7/10)

  What could be improved: Parking was paid for and not provided

• Good – Glynis from Australia – 26 February 2023 (7/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Bathrooms were a bit old

• Superb – Irina from Australia – 3 September 2022 (9/10)

  Great location, quiet street. Just 5mins walk to the beach.

• Good – Glenn from Australia – 18 August 2022 (7/10)

  close to beach and ferry
  
  What could be improved: old style building. 8 units, 4 bottom floor and 4 second floor. wouldn’t want to be here with rowdy people, very close together and the car parking is difficult and

• apartment was lovely, service not the best by Dee – Pj from Australia – 10 August 2022 (8/10)

  location was good
  
  What could be improved: no toilet paper provided, was told after purchasing my own- I should have rung and they would have provided it. I did ring, but it was an answer machine as I arrived on Sunday evening. cleaning products left outside front door on arrival. paid for parking and when none was available was told by receptionist, who I found outside smoking, the following morning just to let them know- that ‘that they have 3 other properties, I could have parked at any of them’ I was not told this at time of booking. dee at reception was not helpful nor happy.

• the place is lovely. dee, the receptionist was difficult to deal with. Harry the other reception staff was amazing – Pj from Australia – 10 August 2022 (8/10)

  location fantastic
  
  What could be improved: cleaner didn’t knock, and just let herself inside 15 minutes before checkout time asking if I was staying another night or leaving that day

• Perfect location and helpful host – Smith from Australia – 29 July 2022 (9/10)

  Fantastic location
  
  What could be improved: There was no hot water in the kitchen

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities