Stylish Manly Apartment with Harbour Views

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much from this place at first glance – three stars in Manly usually means pretty basic – but this apartment on East Esplanade actually surprised me. The harbour views are legit, not some tiny sliver you need to crane your neck to see. From the living room windows, you’re looking straight out over Manly Cove, and honestly, watching the ferries come and go while having your morning coffee is pretty damn nice. The apartment itself has that modern coastal vibe going on – clean lines, lots of white, some decent artwork on the walls. It’s not huge, but it’s smart with space. The kitchen’s actually functional too, which is rare for these kinds of places. I mean, you can cook a proper meal here if you want, though with all the restaurants literally a two-minute walk away, you probably won’t need to.

The location is where this place really shines. East Esplanade is basically the quiet end of Manly – you’re close enough to walk to the beach and the Corso in about five minutes, but far enough from the weekend madness that you can actually sleep at night. The ferry wharf is right there, which makes getting into the city stupidly easy. No dealing with parking or traffic, just hop on and you’re at Circular Quay in thirty minutes. There’s a little stretch of cafes and that organic grocery store just down the road, plus if you walk toward the beach, you’ll hit up some of the better restaurants that aren’t total tourist traps. The building itself is pretty quiet – I think it’s mostly apartments rather than all short-term rentals, so you don’t get the constant party atmosphere some places have.

Look, it’s not perfect – the bathroom’s a bit cramped, and the air conditioning is one of those wall units that sounds like a jet engine when it kicks in. The WiFi was solid though, and the beds were actually comfortable, not those rock-hard hotel mattresses. Check-in was smooth, got the keys from a lockbox situation which worked fine. Parking can be tricky on the street, but there’s paid parking nearby if you’re driving. The 7.1 rating seems about right – it’s good, not amazing, but for the price point and location, it delivers. If you’re looking for something more authentic than a generic hotel room and want to feel like you’re actually staying in Manly rather than just visiting, this place works. Plus, having those harbour views doesn’t hurt when you’re trying to convince yourself you’re on a proper holiday.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $368. Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• We are 2 ladies at 85 years old and with mobility issues with no. Lift not good – Player from Australia – 9 February 2025 (7/10)

  The location and view
  
  What could be improved: Lift not working

• Great host communication, location was the selling sizzle and was perfect, – Anita from Australia – 27 January 2024 (8/10)

  Host Gabriel – great communicator, available.
  Location – brilliant, brilliant.
  Lovely bright, sun-filled lounge area, liked the colourful decore (cushions and picture), felt and looked homey and fun.
  Car spot – fabulous
  Loved the decor and choice of accessories
  It had all the small things that were handy to have e.g. packaged soap and lotion plus cold water jugs, canned food, napkins, dishwashing tablets and a spice draw etc
  
  What could be improved: Keys
  – A few more instructions on which keys to use for certain locks (coloured hoods?), and especially that you only need to turn it to 2 o'clock on the front garage door. Would have spent over 2 hours on the entrance driveway over the 6 days trying to get key to turn.
  – balcony blue key too hard to turn (open or close) – needs WD40 as the money place is balcony and couldn't get out a couple of days. Older person (thinking about suggesting location to my mum) would not be able to open.
  Instruction / Welcome booklet
  – where things are in the place (air con unit, toilet paper)
  – a couple of local recommendations of places to eat that aren't tourist hot spots
  – Manly ferry timetable printed out?
  Car Park
  – I think a little detail in the booking about tight spot, small car, power steering required. If we had taken our Subaru Wagon it would not have fit.

• Had a great time. Overall a great place to stay. – Dympna from Australia – 17 January 2025 (8/10)

  Location
  Fantastic location.
  
  What could be improved: Lift was broken 3 days of our stay. Had to carry suitcase down the stairs.
  Cockroaches in the kitchen

• Very nice area, handy to shops, restaurants and transport nicely appointed apartment will definitely be going back !. – Trevor from Australia – 5 October 2024 (8/10)

  Location and handy to the ferry !
  
  What could be improved: You need to tell future tenants what the height in the car park is. I had to park down the road.
  The unit needs a pest control done as there were a number of small cockroaches sighted over the stay.

• Great 5 night stay! – Carl from Australia – 9 January 2024 (10/10)

  I had a fantastic stay at the beachside 2-bedroom apartment. The location was perfect, offering breathtaking ocean views and a soothing breeze. The apartment itself was well-appointed, with modern amenities like air conditioning and a convenient washing machine. The cozy bedrooms and well-designed living space made it feel like a home away from home. I especially appreciated the easy access to the beach, creating a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience. I highly recommend this gem for anyone seeking a peaceful coastal retreat.

• Really good apart from parking. – John from Australia – 8 November 2024 (9/10)

  All was good with property and location is great.
  
  What could be improved: In relation to parking , it’s a nightmare to park in Manly outside of the premises . If you don’t have a small vehicle you will never be able to park in the basement – large 4WD won’t fit and local parking is very expensive.

• Would not recommend!! – Lyn from Australia – 17 April 2025 (3/10)

  The vicinity of the property was great!!
  
  What could be improved: There were cockroaches all through the kitchen and on the walls!!
  I had the displeasure of being woken up in the night as a cockroach had dropped on me!
  Also next day eating breakfast a cockroach dropped from the ceiling into my hair!!

• Very good – Tony from Australia – 3 February 2025 (8/10)

• Passable – Alison from Australia – 20 April 2024 (5/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities