Manly Beach Retreat with free onsite parking

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about this place? The parking. I mean, seriously – finding a spot in Manly usually involves circling blocks like a vulture, but the Manly Beach Retreat actually delivers on that “free onsite parking” promise. It’s one of those details that sounds boring until you’re hauling luggage around at 3 PM on a Saturday when every backpacker in Sydney has descended on the area.

The location on Iluka Avenue is honestly pretty perfect if you know Manly at all. You’re tucked away from the main Corso chaos (which can get pretty intense during summer weekends), but it’s still just a quick walk to the beach – maybe five minutes if you’re not rushing. I love that you can duck down to the wharf area or hit up the northern beaches without feeling like you’re stuck in tourist central. The street itself is quiet enough that you’ll actually sleep through the night, which isn’t always a given around here. There’s something about being close enough to hear the ocean but far enough from the late-night revelers stumbling back from the pubs that just works.

What really gets me about this place is how it feels more like staying at a friend’s well-appointed apartment than a typical hotel. The 4-star rating feels right – it’s not trying to be some fancy harbor-view property, but everything works properly and the details matter. The rooms have that lived-in comfort where you can actually spread out your stuff without feeling like you’re disturbing some pristine display. And honestly, after staying at places where the WiFi cuts out every ten minutes or the shower has zero pressure, it’s refreshing to find somewhere that nails the basics. The 9-point rating makes sense when you consider it’s doing exactly what it promises without any pretense. You’ll find yourself lingering over morning coffee (decent machine, by the way) instead of rushing out because the space feels cramped or sterile. Plus, there’s something to be said for being able to walk to Manly Beach in flip-flops, grab fish and chips from one of the shops near the wharf, and not have to worry about fighting traffic or paying ridiculous parking fees. It’s the kind of place where you might actually extend your stay a day or two because leaving feels like more hassle than it’s worth – and I mean that in the best possible way.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $247. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Beautiful – Feeney from Australia – 5 May 2025 (10/10)

  The property was absolutely beautiful, and the location was exactly what we were looking for. It was an easy walk to the beach, park, and local cafés. I highly recommend this property and would stay there again.
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• Fantastic host. Would come again – Beth from Australia – 26 April 2025 (10/10)

  Great location. Very comfortable.

• Wonderful house in perfect location – Caroline from Australia – 18 April 2025 (10/10)

  I loved the location and off street parking
  The hosts were very welcoming
  The house was beautifully appointed and big enough for three people to each have own room to sleep

• Great location, clean & comfortable – Elizabeth from Australia – 4 March 2025 (8/10)

  Great location. Clean and comfortable. Well stocked with everything we needed! Would stay again
  
  What could be improved: It’s quite small, was the only downside for our family with small kids . But if you’re not intending to hang out in the apartment much it’s fine. Lots to do nearby

• Great place to stay in Manly – Tim from United Kingdom – 14 February 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely homely feel with all the facilities for a beach stay. Easy to access and hosts very helpful. Would be happy to return when back in Manly.

• Lovely place to stay close to Sydney's northern beaches. – Matt from Australia – 2 February 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment is nicely decorated, spacious and very well-equipped. Free on-site parking was very handy. The hosts communication was very informative and helpful. It's only about 350m walk to the beach. It wasn't an issue for us, but if you intend to spend most of your time in the heart of Manly then just be aware it's about a 1.8km walk from the property to the Manly Corso or ferry terminal. It's a very nice walk along the beachfront though.

• Great clean neat and cute apartment. Excellent location walking distance t – Michelle from Australia – 19 January 2025 (10/10)

  Great location
  
  What could be improved: No laundry or clothes airer but maybe that is Sydney living

• Lovely stay except for the sofa bed – Jane from United Kingdom – 30 November 2024 (8/10)

  It was very clean and had everything you need
  
  What could be improved: Sofa bed was very uncomfortable! Needs a mattress topper !

• Loved our stay! – Jane from Australia – 3 November 2024 (10/10)

  Location great for accessing Manly and surrounding beach suburbs. Beautifully appointed apartment with everything you need. Comfy beds and good hot shower. Very quiet street. Loved our stay thanks to the hosts. X

• Lovely place to stay – Anita from Australia – 26 October 2024 (9/10)

  Loved the beach-style layout of this apartment. Lots of room to move – reasonable sized lounge with lots of seating. Two bedrooms and bathroom. Also large sized kitchen and dining area. Not really close to the Corso but it’s a nice walk to do along North Steyne. Located very close walking distance to coffee shops, a bottle shop and also Harris Farm Markets. Our hosts, Jane and Graham were very accommodating. We will always have fond memories of our time spent here.
  
  What could be improved: A washing machine would have been great but we understand there was no room for it however there were plenty of laundromats around so it wasn’t a problem.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities