Manly Paradise Motel & Apartments

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about the Manly Paradise? It’s literally right there on North Steyne – I mean, you walk out the front door and you’re basically on the beach. Not “beach adjacent” or “short walk to sand” like so many places claim, but actually there. The sound of waves is constant, which honestly took me a night to get used to, but then I started sleeping better than I have in months.

The place has that classic Australian motel vibe – think updated 70s architecture that actually works. The apartments are surprisingly spacious, and I loved having a proper kitchenette because, let’s face it, eating out for every meal in Manly gets expensive fast. The balcony in my room faced the ocean, and watching the morning surfers while having coffee became my daily ritual. Fair warning though – if you’re here during summer weekends, it gets lively. The Corso (that’s the main pedestrian strip) is literally around the corner, so you’ll hear people heading to and from the pubs until pretty late. But honestly, that’s part of Manly’s charm.

What really won me over was how the staff actually knew the area. When I mentioned wanting to avoid the tourist trap restaurants, the guy at reception – I think his name was Dave – sent me to this little Thai place on Sydney Road that I never would have found otherwise. And he was right about timing the ferry too – catch the 4:30 pm back to Circular Quay if you want to see the harbor in good light without the morning rush crowds. The motel itself isn’t fancy (it’s 3.5 stars for a reason), but everything works properly. Hot water was consistent, the air conditioning didn’t sound like a freight train, and the WiFi actually reached the bed – small victories that matter when you’re traveling. The pool area is nothing special, but after a day of walking around the northern beaches, even a basic pool hits the spot. Plus, there’s something satisfying about having a proper swim and then walking two minutes to grab fish and chips from one of the shops near the wharf. I’d definitely stay here again, especially for the location – you’re close enough to the ferry terminal to easily get into the city, but far enough from the backpacker hostels that it doesn’t feel like a party zone. Just book ahead if you’re coming between December and February, because this place fills up fast once word gets out.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $204. Motel Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $368. Two-Bedroom Apartment with Sea View with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Comfortable and in a perfect location. – Kim from Australia – 8 July 2025 (8/10)

  Great location. Near transport and restaurants with a nice outlook to the beach. Small but very self contained.
  
  What could be improved: Bigger bathroom.

• Very good – Jannette from Australia – 6 July 2025 (8/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Stairs

• Was all we needed.no complains – Sarah from New Zealand – 30 June 2025 (9/10)

  Great location.
  Clean, easy.
  
  What could be improved: Clean & great location

• Fabulous – Linda from Australia – 29 June 2025 (8/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Would be noisy in summer

• great location and friendly staff – Stacy from Australia – 13 June 2025 (8/10)

  location was good
  
  What could be improved: shower was dripping and couldnt be fixed over the weekend. Extra towels were supplied though. Lower floor was a little noisy during the night and early morning, could hear someone's whole conversation at 4am outside our window.

• Good – Tisdall from Australia – 2 June 2025 (7/10)

  The location
  The staff
  
  What could be improved: The bathroom
  Shower – no water catchment therefore
  water everywhere
  Sink too small and impractical

• Very good – David from Australia – 1 June 2025 (8/10)

  The location and value for money.
  
  What could be improved: The difficulty of getting luggage down to the car park below as the lift doesn't go to carport.

• Beautiful locaton and comfortable amenities – Garry from Australia – 23 May 2025 (8/10)

  The property is located facing the ocean beach at Manly on North Steyne, with views over the beach and ocean. There are lots of restaurants on the esplanade along the beach, and it is not far from the Corso and the cafes and shops there. Some of the rooms are odd shapes to make the most of the location, giving all a view. The room amenities were comfortable and clean. We had wet weather for our visit, but it was nice to be able to sit and watch the weather over the ocean.
  
  What could be improved: While it is great to have onsite parking, the location of the parking is a bit awkward, having to go out of the motel and down an adjacent set of steps to reach the parking. There is a small area at the front, where you can drop bags before going to the parking.

• Great stay and will book again. – Louise from Australia – 18 May 2025 (9/10)

  Everything was great for a 3 day stay. Location was perfect. Room very comfortable. Bed comfy and shower easy to moderate temp.
  
  What could be improved: A little bit of noise during the night from late night revellers but not too bad.

• Short stay right on Manly Beach – Thomas from United Kingdom – 2 May 2025 (8/10)

  Location was great. Was able to park the car in a reasonable location
  
  What could be improved: Very expensive and only provided limited reception facilities

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities