Manly Cosy Retreat – Short walk to beach

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about this place? The name actually delivers – it really is cosy, and honestly, that walk to the beach is more like a pleasant stroll than any kind of trek. I’m talking maybe 8-10 minutes tops down to the main stretch of Manly Beach, which means you get that perfect balance of being close enough to hear the ocean but far enough up Pittwater Road to avoid the weekend crowds stumbling back from the pubs.

The location is pretty clever when you think about it. You’re positioned right in that sweet spot where locals actually live – there’s a decent coffee place just around the corner (the kind where they know your order after two visits), and you can duck into the shops without fighting through the tourist masses down by the wharf. I mean, don’t get me wrong, the ferry terminal and all that action is still totally walkable, but you’re sort of tucked away from the chaos. The 4-star rating feels about right – it’s not trying to be the Ritz, but everything works properly and there’s genuine attention to detail. Think quality bedding that actually lets you sleep, decent water pressure, and those little touches that show someone’s thinking about what travelers need rather than just what looks good in photos.

What I really appreciated was how they’ve nailed that whole “retreat” vibe without going overboard. The rooms have this relaxed, beachy feel – you can tell they’ve put thought into creating spaces where you’d actually want to hang out, not just crash for the night. And here’s something most places get wrong: the noise levels are surprisingly good considering you’re on a main road. Maybe it’s the way the building’s positioned, or decent windows, but I wasn’t dealing with traffic sounds all night. Parking can be a bit of a dance around here (welcome to Manly), but they’ve sorted that out better than most places in the area. The 8.2 rating makes sense too – it’s consistently good without being flashy about it. You get that local feel because, well, you’re basically staying in a residential pocket of Manly where real people live and work, not just some tourist bubble. It’s the kind of place where you can grab groceries, find a quiet spot to read, or just wander down to the beach when the mood strikes without any major production. Perfect for when you want that Sydney beach experience but don’t want to feel like you’re staying in the middle of a theme park.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $278. Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Brilliant location with everything you could wish for to make your stay comfortable and fun!!! – Sean from United Kingdom – 24 February 2025 (9/10)

  This place is a little gem!! Literally minutes walk away from the beach and 10mins from Manly town. It had all the essentials plus much more, including a gazebo and chairs for the beach! We loved it so much we extended for extra days… this was so easily done, the management company answered all queries very quickly and were very helpful!!

• Very good – Ian from Australia – 10 February 2025 (8/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: No tea towels or hand towels in the kitchen.

• Excellent location, walking distance to most places of need and comfortable apartment. – Alida from Australia – 28 November 2024 (8/10)

  The location was perfect with easy walking access to most places that I needed to get to. The apartment was tastefully decorated, with a fully modern equipped kitchen, comfortable and lovely big bath towels. Nice touch with umbrellas and beach gear if wanting to go the beach which was only 1 block away.
  
  What could be improved: Being on the ground floor, the front door slammed each time a guest or resident used it, and lack of privacy as lounge, kitchen and bedroom windows all looking into laneway apartment window and carpark/bins.

• Very good – Andrew from Australia – 9 May 2025 (8/10)

  Very convenient location, easy access to buses & ferries

• Nicely renovated unit in an older block of 6 close to North Steyne beach – about.10 minute walk to The Corso. Parking i – Catherine from Australia – 14 March 2025 (8/10)

  Proximity to beach is great. Good to have aircon in living areas. Kitchen well equipped. Very comfy main bed(queen)
  
  What could be improved: Some day/night blinds would give greater privacy in living areas. Ceiling fans would be great in bedrooms.

• Very good – Brandon from United Kingdom – 13 December 2024 (8/10)

  Clean and perfect location
  
  What could be improved: Windows didn't lock and its a ground floor apartment

• Very good – Melanie from New Zealand – 24 November 2024 (8/10)

  Very comfy bed. Good location

• I stayed with my son & his friend as they had a concert to go to in Sydney .. this property is in such a great spot – Rachel from Australia – 20 October 2024 (9/10)

  The property felt like a home .. it had everything you needed … it was comfortable & great for what we needed ..
  
  What could be improved: I didn’t like that the emergency exit door was in the ensuite bathroom … but obviously it’s part of the building ..

• Lives up to its name – Broeske from Singapore – 28 March 2024 (7/10)

  Very short walk to the beach, morning coffee, pizza, and the Manly Ferry to Sydney. For a price comparable to a large hotel room, we liked having two separate bedrooms and two separate bathrooms.
  
  What could be improved: The listing says there is a dryer, but there is no dryer and laundry amenities was among the reasons we chose this property. The grocery store, Coles, is quite a walk from here.

• Great, quiet, comfortable stay while visiting our son and daughter in law from Queens Cliff. – Patricia from United States – 3 February 2024 (9/10)

  Great location. Comfortable. Nice to have laundry facilities.
  
  What could be improved: Would have preferred to have host meet us at the door of the building.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities