Poppy’s Pad – A Designer Mid century Manly Getaway

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much from another “designer” Airbnb listing, but Poppy’s Pad actually delivers on the mid-century promise. The place sits in one of those quieter Manly streets – you’re still close enough to hear the distant hum of the Corso on weekends, but it’s not like you’re sleeping above a pub. The owner clearly knows their Palm Springs aesthetic; I’m talking authentic Eames pieces, not those knockoff lounge chairs you see everywhere. The color palette is this perfect mustard and teal situation that somehow doesn’t feel overwhelming, and honestly, the lighting is spot-on for those Instagram stories if that’s your thing.

What really got me was how thoughtfully everything’s been set up for people who actually want to experience Manly properly. The kitchen has proper coffee gear – not just a Nespresso machine but an actual grinder and French press, which tells you the owner gets that morning coffee ritual. There’s beach gear stashed in the hallway closet (decent boogie boards, not the flimsy tourist stuff), and they’ve left this handwritten notebook with genuine local recommendations. I mean, they pointed me to this hole-in-the-wall Thai place on Sydney Road that I never would’ve found otherwise. The bathroom’s compact but cleverly designed – great shower pressure, which isn’t always a given in these older conversions.

Location-wise, you’re about a seven-minute walk to the main beach, maybe ten if you’re carrying all your gear. The Manly Ferry wharf is pretty much the same distance, so day trips into the city are dead simple. What I appreciated is that you can actually walk to the quieter end of the beach near the Corso without fighting through the weekend crowds – there’s this little pathway the owner mentions that cuts through near the surf club. Parking was surprisingly painless; there’s a spot included, which in Manly is basically gold. The 8.6 rating makes sense – it’s not luxury hotel perfect, but it’s got character and the details that matter actually work. The bed’s comfortable, the wifi doesn’t drop out every five minutes, and the whole place feels like someone’s stylish friend lent you their apartment rather than a sterile rental. If you’re the type who appreciates good design but wants to feel settled rather than intimidated by your accommodation, this hits the sweet spot.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $181. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Superb – Ben from Australia – 22 April 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely, comfortable apartment. Just like the pictures. Has everything you need for a good stay. Close to everything you need in Manly. Very quiet building. Yes, it's on a hill but Manly and Sydney are hilly around the harbour and beaches.
  
  What could be improved: For this money and renting a unit for a week, there really should be access to a washing machine so was surprised to find out there wasn't.
  
  Should be made clearer that you will be asked to separately provide card details for a AUD $200 security deposit to be held before checking in, which came as a surprise, however, we were quickly notified after leaving that it had been returned/the hold on the amount released.
  
  Communication via booking and the telephone number was a little bit hard, I persevered and we got there in the end but it took a little more effort on my part to get a follow up than I would have liked considering I was on holiday.

• Overall, the unit and location was great and we enjoyed ourselves a lot – Michael from Australia – 5 February 2025 (8/10)

  What could be improved: Communication about the parking permit, we were told a parking permit for our car was in the unit, but we couldn't find it, I emailed twice on the location, but no one got back to me, and we had to pay for parking which was disappointing

• Great getaway – Katariina from Germany – 31 January 2024 (8/10)

  Beautifully decorated and arranged place allowing for a relaxed and comfortable stay. The pictures do it justice! The location is great but includes a walk up the hill.
  
  What could be improved: Some of the amenities (oven and stove) did not work properly. Thin walls and floors mean you can hear everything and get woken up early by neighbours. During our stay it was very hot outside and the flat was also very warm.

• Pleasant week away with beach walls and city gallery visits. – Monika from Australia – 23 May 2025 (8/10)

  Comfortable home with everything you need for a week’s stay. We got a good work out walking up the steep hill – but lovely views from the flat.
  
  What could be improved: A good spring clean would really help … heavy layer of dust of higher surfaces, lights and fans. Main surfaces were clean (table top, kitchen bench, coffee table etc.) and serviceable.

• Good – Nicola from Australia – 13 November 2023 (7/10)

  styled well.
  
  What could be improved: The apartment is managed by a company in the Philippines. We had no local / Australian contact. Prior to arriving, we received multiple emails confirming the booking including a request of an additional booking bond, which we paid. When it came us trying to communicate with the owners (agency?) we struggled to get a response. This included no reply to an email prior to our arrival inquiring about a possible early check-in. There was also no local / Australian contact we could speak with regarding an issue with an appliance, which did not work properly throughout our stay.

• Hyvää majoitusta hyvällä sijainnilla. – Alpo from Finland – 25 March 2025 (9/10)

  Huoneiston koko ja pohjaratkaisu.
  
  What could be improved: Ruokailuvälineitä oli keittiössä niukasti.
  Sisääntulon portaissa kaide oli irti. Oli jopa vaarallinen.

• tres bien – Gaelle from France – 20 April 2024 (8/10)

  logement très bien , spacieux, lumineux, literie correct , rangement correct, canapé très bien … salle de bain très bien, cuisine correct
  
  What could be improved: ustensiles de cuisine sales et vieux
  absence de cuillère, manque de fourchettes , assiettes non adaptées au lave vaisselle …
  dessous de literie sale

• Lovely Property as described and presented. Would definitely stay here again – Scott from Australia – 26 February 2025 (9/10)

• Exceptional – Carl from United Kingdom – 18 December 2024 (10/10)

• Very good – Curtis from Australia – 3 August 2024 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities