Sunny Bondi Retreat: Beach & Culture Unite!

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to Sunny Bondi Retreat on Denham Street, I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star place. But you know what? Sometimes the best surprises come in unassuming packages. This little spot actually gets what Bondi is all about, and I mean that in the best way possible.

The location is honestly pretty sweet – you’re tucked away on a quieter street (thank god, because Campbell Parade can be a nightmare with all the backpackers and bus tours), but you’re still like a three-minute walk to the actual beach. I loved that you could duck out for a morning swim before the crowds hit around 10am, then grab a flat white from the café next door without dealing with the chaos near the pavilion. The staff seemed to genuinely know their stuff about the area too – they pointed me toward this incredible little gallery on Glenayr Avenue that I never would’ve found otherwise, and honestly, that kind of local insight is worth its weight in gold when you’re trying to experience Bondi beyond the tourist bubble.

The rooms themselves are… well, they’re exactly what you’d expect for the price point, but done thoughtfully. Clean, comfortable beds (I’m picky about this stuff), decent shower pressure, and – this is key – proper blackout curtains. You’ll appreciate that when the summer sun starts blazing at 5:30am. I actually liked that they didn’t try to be something they’re not with fancy amenities. Instead, they nailed the basics and threw in some nice touches like locally-sourced toiletries and artwork from Sydney artists. The whole vibe feels more like staying at a friend’s well-appointed apartment than a sterile hotel room. Parking can be a bit of a pain (it’s street parking, and good luck finding a spot after 4pm), but honestly, once you’re settled in, you won’t need your car much anyway. The 380 bus runs right up Bondi Road if you need to get into the city, and everything else – the coastal walk, the markets on Sundays, those ridiculously photogenic rock pools – is totally walkable. I’d definitely stay here again, especially if you’re the type who wants to actually experience Bondi’s creative side rather than just tick the beach off your list.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $275. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed, 1 single bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Clean, convenient, friendly – Nina from Australia – 10 September 2023 (8/10)

  Easy access, parking, access to Bondi beach and Rd, spacious for 3.
  
  What could be improved: It was great

• Location was good and the accommodation was spacious. Good facilities with washing machine and park – Terence from Australia – 29 December 2024 (8/10)

  Location was good and the accommodation was spacious. Good facilities with washing machine and the host was very helpful. Good response too with thoughtful gifts upon arrival. Highly recommend.
  
  What could be improved: The car parking space was undercover. Could have been better if the car could be parked under cover.

• Exceptional – Elise from United Kingdom – 22 March 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect location and great parking

• Couple days in paradise – Jack from Australia – 5 December 2024 (10/10)

  The property was absolutely beautiful in a prime spot in Bondi. It had everything we needed, close to the bars and restaurants and the beach. Couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay, everything was fanatic!!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, loved it all!

• Great location, close to Bondi Beach – Brian from Ireland – 22 November 2023 (10/10)

  The place was spacious
  
  What could be improved: Everything was fine

• Disappointing – Tanya from Australia – 26 September 2023 (4/10)

  Location
  The host did provide bedding after we asked for it and toilet paper
  
  What could be improved: Advertised as having two double beds, a sofa bed and a single bed – actually had one double bed, a couch and a single. A blow up bed was provided after we complained but it isn't quite the same or as booked.

• Toppenfin lägenhet – Jennie from Sweden – 28 February 2025 (9/10)

  Lägenheten var jättefin och ljus. Balkongen var underbar med kvällssol. Läget toppen nära busshållplats och nära trevliga restauranger. Ändå några meter bort från huvudstråket så att det var lugnt o tyst. Vår husvärd Corinne var fantastiskt vänlig och körde oss till Bondi Junction för att handla mat den första dagen.
  
  What could be improved: Att man var tvungen att ha wi-fi för att hitta instruktionen till nyckelskåpet. Man har ju inte alltid wi-fi när man kommer utomlands ifrån. Instruktionen kunde ha formulerats i text i ett meddelande via Booking. Så även koden som var jättesvår att hitta.

• Good – Flo from Germany – 8 October 2023 (7/10)

  Zu Fuß alles erreichbar Bondi Beach, Restaurants, Supermarkt
  Parkplatz vorm Haus
  
  What could be improved: Teilweise die Sauberkeit

• Superb – Alan from Australia – 8 July 2025 (9/10)

• Very good – Ann from Ireland – 10 June 2025 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities