Manly Vibes – fabulous design with gym, sauna, streaming, right opposite wharf & beach

Hotel Description

You know what really struck me about Manly Vibes? The name actually makes sense once you’re there – it’s not just some marketing gimmick. I mean, you walk out the front door at 54 West Esplanade and boom, you’re literally staring at the wharf and that gorgeous stretch of Manly Beach. Like, literally across the street. No “short walk to the beach” nonsense – you can hear the waves from your room if you crack the window.

The design here is honestly refreshing after staying in so many cookie-cutter places. Someone clearly put thought into making it feel modern without that sterile hotel vibe. The gym is actually decent (not just two broken treadmills), and I spent way too much time in that sauna after beach days – perfect for when the Sydney weather gets moody. What I really appreciated was the streaming setup in the rooms. I know it sounds minor, but after a long day exploring the Northern Beaches, being able to queue up Netflix without fighting with hotel WiFi passwords was… well, it just worked. The whole tech situation was surprisingly smooth, which you can’t always count on even in four-star places.

Being right on West Esplanade means you’re in the thick of everything but somehow it doesn’t feel chaotic. The Corso is literally around the corner, so you’ve got all those restaurants and the weekend market energy, but the actual hotel location feels more sophisticated than the tourist strip. I watched the sunrise over the harbor from my room – something about that 9.8 rating started making sense when I realized how rare it is to find a place that nails both the location and the actual experience. The ferry terminal being right there is clutch too; you can be in Circular Quay in thirty minutes without dealing with Sydney traffic. Honestly, after using the Manly ferry a few times, I started wondering why anyone drives in this city. The whole Northern Beaches thing becomes way more accessible when you’re based here – you can hit Curl Curl or Dee Why for different surf breaks, or just walk to Shelly Beach when Manly gets too crowded with weekend warriors from the city. Staff seemed to actually know the area too, not just the standard tourist recommendations everyone gives.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $264. Studio Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Fun and Flirty, Miami in Manly – Lisa from Australia – 8 July 2025 (10/10)

  We loved everything about this property – from the location to the fun and flirty decor. Located directly opposite the Manly Wharf in a great location and overlooking the Corso, close to Felons Seafood, Hugos and Felons bar, amongst other great cafes, restaurants, bars and grocery stores. We cant wait to stay again in this property.
  
  What could be improved: We had a small issue with the washing machine, which Skye was happy to fix. There was nothing wrong with the apartment, we really loved it.

• Convenient, Clean, Comfortable will definitely stay again – Rosie from New Zealand – 13 May 2025 (10/10)

  Super clean, quiet and stylish apartment. Check in was very easy. Location was excellent for us travelling from NZ – it was an easy train to circular Quay then ferry across to manly. The apartment was right there. The supermarket was across the road, but loads of great cafes close by. Would recommend to others and we will definitely stay again.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Odette from Australia – 29 April 2025 (10/10)

  Absolutely wonderful experience with the host. She was really easy to contact and access to the property was really easy. The apartment was exactly as the pictures showed, very well located and area is very safe. I could not recommend this apartment more.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing! I had a wonderful experience with this accommodation and I would definitely book it again. I highly recommend.

• Manly perfect location. – Diane from United Kingdom – 22 March 2025 (9/10)

  Amazing location, perfect for both beaches and for going backwards and forwards to Circular Quays.
  Beautiful coloured flat, great equipment. Secure flat.
  Is one big room. Groceries shops plenty. Great bars and restaurants.
  
  What could be improved: The patio was grubby, the floor was dirty, and I could not walk on it in bare feet. It would be nice to have eaten out there if there was a table and chairs.
  The safe did not work..

• Wonderful stay – Deborah from Australia – 24 February 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect location immediately opposite the wharf, on the Corso and opposite Coles and lots of cafes, restaurants and take away. Very clean and comfortable. Excellent to have a kitchen and laundry facilities

• A wise choice! – Chris from Australia – 10 February 2025 (10/10)

  Location and convenience. Great dining options. Secure and soundproof apartment. Walk to beaches with just a towel. Bus stops and Manly Wharf ferry. Balcony is great. I'm glad I chose to stay at Manly Vibes and I hope to stay here again when visiting Sydney.
  
  What could be improved: The apartment was faultless. A cheese pretzel I bought from Manly Coles Local was stale.

• Everything about this apartment is a 10 out of 10 but my main struggle was trying to find a parking as I didn’t know. Th – Katelyn from Australia – 5 February 2025 (10/10)

  This apartment was absolutely stunning! The apartment was spotless, welcoming, and loved the pink jungle vibe.
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing that I didn’t like.

• Exceptional – Frances from United Kingdom – 8 January 2025 (10/10)

  Fabulous position, right opposite top of Corso. Balcony an ideal place to people watch.
  Skye is extremely contactable re any queries we had.
  Would def book again.
  
  What could be improved: N/a

• Exceptional – Haroseta from Australia – 8 December 2024 (10/10)

  My Mum enjoyed her stay at Manly Vibes, she loved the retro decor & appliances, the cleanliness of the apartment and the relaxing overall vibe of the Manly community. She went to the beach, to Coles which were all in walking distance. She will be back, hopefully back to Manly Vibes!

• For a business stay this was just what was needed. – James from Belgium – 10 March 2025 (8/10)

  Location for the ferry to Circular Quay plus the local supermarket and restaurants.
  The apartment had everything that was needed, and was very comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: No complaints.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities