Luxurious Manly Retreat with Beachside Bliss

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at a lot of places in Sydney, but this spot on Pittwater Road actually surprised me. You know how most “luxury” hotels try too hard? This one doesn’t – it just quietly gets everything right. The moment you walk in, there’s this sense of… I don’t know, understated elegance? Like someone with really good taste designed it for people who actually travel, not just Instagram.

The location is honestly brilliant, and I mean that in the most practical way possible. You’re literally a three-minute walk from Manly Beach – not the touristy Corso end where everyone’s fighting for space, but the quieter stretch where actual locals go for their morning swims. I watched the sunrise from my room with coffee (proper coffee, not hotel swill) and could hear the waves without any of that Corso chaos. Parking was surprisingly painless too, which anyone who’s driven around Manly will tell you is basically a miracle. The staff mentioned they have some arrangement with nearby spots, though I didn’t dig into the details.

What really sold me was the attention to things that actually matter when you’re staying somewhere. The shower pressure – fantastic. The bed was one of those where you sink in just enough without feeling like you’re being swallowed. Air conditioning that doesn’t sound like a jet engine, blackout curtains that actually work, and here’s the kicker – they somehow managed to soundproof the rooms well enough that you don’t hear every conversation from the hallway. I’m usually a light sleeper, but I slept like a rock. The whole place has this grown-up vibe without being stuffy, if that makes sense. It’s clearly four-star quality, but they’re not constantly reminding you about it.

The best part? You’re close enough to walk to everything good in Manly – the weekend markets, that little wine bar on Sydney Road that locals love, even the ferry wharf when you want to head into the city. But you’re far enough from the backpacker madness that you can actually relax. I ended up extending my stay an extra night because, honestly, why wouldn’t you? It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re getting insider access to Manly without paying through the nose for it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $747. Apartment with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities