Lotus Stay Manly – Apartment 31H

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to 31 Malvern Avenue, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Lotus Stay Manly. The building itself is pretty standard for this part of Sydney, nothing fancy but solid enough, and finding unit 8 was actually easier than I thought it’d be. But here’s the thing about this place that really got me: you’re literally a five-minute walk from Manly Beach, and I mean the good part of the beach, not the touristy circus near the wharf.

The apartment itself? Well, it’s definitely more “functional” than “Instagram-worthy,” but honestly, that worked for me. The kitchen’s got everything you actually need (decent-sized fridge, proper stovetop, even a dishwasher), and the living area has this surprisingly comfortable couch where I ended up spending most evenings after beach days. The bedroom’s nothing special, but the bed was firm enough, and – this is key – the walls are thick enough that you won’t hear every conversation from the neighbors. I mean, you might catch some chatter if people are really going at it, but it’s not like those paper-thin hotel walls that make you know way too much about strangers’ lives. What I really appreciated was the little balcony; it doesn’t have ocean views or anything dramatic, but you can catch some decent afternoon sun, and it’s perfect for that morning coffee routine.

The location is honestly where this place shines, though I wish someone had told me about the parking situation upfront. There’s street parking, sure, but good luck finding a spot after 10 AM on weekends – you’ll be circling like a vulture. The bus stop on Pittwater Road is right there though, so getting into the city is actually pretty painless. And you know what? Being on Malvern Avenue means you’re close enough to walk to the beach and the main strip, but far enough away that you’re not dealing with the drunk backpackers stumbling around at 2 AM. The Corso gets absolutely mental during summer weekends, but from the apartment, it’s just distant enough to feel peaceful. There’s a decent little café called Barefoot Coffee about three blocks away that locals actually go to – way better than the overpriced tourist traps near the ferry terminal. For groceries, there’s a Woolworths that’s walkable, though you’ll probably want to drive if you’re doing a big shop. The whole setup just works well if you want to feel like you’re living in Manly rather than just visiting it. At this price point and with a 7.8 rating, I’d say it delivers exactly what it promises – nothing more, nothing less, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Rooms

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

Reviews

• fabulous for a short stay , easy Uber ride to Manly wharf – Michelle from Australia – 3 October 2022 (7/10)

  easy entry , quiet location , great facilities

• Easy place to stay – Deanna from Australia – 16 April 2023 (9/10)

  We didn’t stay in this exact room as when we arrived there were plumbing problems. I was pleasantly surprised that when we checked in we were given a room upgrade. The new room was great and was comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Found a few stray fake eyelashes but I quickly cleaned those up anyway.

• Good – Clive from Australia – 21 October 2022 (7/10)

  good space, good location close to Manly beach and corso
  
  What could be improved: could not for the life of us find the air con remote and absolutely froze & mouldy food in fridge on arrival

• Very good – Carolyn from Australia – 28 September 2022 (8/10)

  Spacious unit, beds were comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: We arrived on dusk it was raining and miserable. You check in in another location in the same street. We paid extra to park that the back. There is no number signage of property name at the back so it is hard to find. The units did not have numbers on most of there doors so it was try the key in the door.

• Just perfect. Thank you to the staff who were really welcoming – Jona from Australia – 25 February 2025 (10/10)

  Everything, was nice to relax in a clean and fancy environment after a long trip.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Poor – Justin from Australia – 28 March 2024 (3/10)

  What could be improved: Went to go to bed pulled back the sheets was a big stain on the sheets surely the person making the bed would of seen this had to strip the sheets of the single bed and use

• Pleasant – Roleen from Australia – 27 July 2023 (6/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Surroundings not pretty. No view.
  Had to keep windows and curtains closed
  Dirty dishes

• Passable – Emilio from Australia – 7 July 2023 (5/10)

  living are with TV was good. would have been good to have small dining table to eat on with the family.
  
  What could be improved: Parking is terrible – for two nights I had to find a public parking spot which in Mably is impossible. The 1inch step ro the ensuite, twice I tripped and the second time cut my toe open (can happen when ur half asleep and need to take a leak). Toilet not installed properly so gents, u need to hold the toilet seat while taking a leak. The mattresses are terrible, worst I have ever slept on. Unfortunate as we rented another place on the same road 4 years ago and was excellent.

• Convenient location to use while attending a wedding in Manly. – Sharon from Australia – 7 November 2022 (5/10)

  What could be improved: Someone had left a bunch of flowers on a bowl that had upturned. There was water all over kitchen bench and floor and nothing to use to wipe it up
  No bath mat was supplied. Shower recess drain was blocked; so ended up standing in several inches of yukky water.
  Beside tables covered in dust. Very off putting.
  Otherwise, it was a perfectly reasonable and well- located apartment to spent a night.

• Thank you – Juki from Australia – 16 January 2025 (8/10)

  とても快適でした！
  
  What could be improved: 特になかったです

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities