Surf Sand and Sunsets Your Bondi Beach Escape

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at my fair share of Bondi accommodations, and Surf Sand and Sunsets hits that sweet spot between backpacker chaos and overpriced beachfront hotels. The name’s a bit cheesy, honestly, but you know what? They deliver on the promise. You’re literally a three-minute walk from the sand – not that tourist-trap “close to beach” nonsense where you need a shuttle.

The thing about this place is it gets Bondi right. You’re far enough from the Campbell Parade madness that you can actually sleep past sunrise (trust me, those weekend nights get loud down there), but close enough that grabbing coffee at Gertrude & Alice or hitting up the Saturday markets doesn’t require planning. I mean, the rooms aren’t going to win any design awards – it’s pretty standard 3-star stuff with that slightly worn carpet and bathroom fixtures that have seen better days – but everything works, the beds are decent, and there’s actually enough space to spread out your beach gear without tripping over it. The air con is solid too, which matters more than you’d think during those sticky February nights.

What I really appreciate is how the staff actually knows the area. Not just the obvious spots, but they’ll tell you about the coastal walk early morning timing to avoid crowds, or which end of the beach has better surf conditions. The front desk guy – think his name was Jake? – steered me toward this little Thai place on Blair Street that I never would’ve found otherwise. Actually saved me from another overpriced meal at one of those beachfront tourist traps. Check-in was surprisingly smooth too, even when I showed up sweaty and sandy after a long day exploring the eastern suburbs.

The rooms facing the street can get a bit noisy – you’ll hear the buses and early morning joggers – but honestly, that’s just Bondi life. If you’re a light sleeper, maybe request something toward the back. The shower pressure is better than expected (seriously, this can make or break a beach stay), and there’s enough mirror space that you won’t be fighting your travel companion to get ready. Oh, and they’ve got laundry facilities that actually work, which is clutch if you’re doing the whole east coast thing and living out of a backpack.

Is it perfect? Nah. The WiFi gets spotty during peak times, and don’t expect room service or a concierge. But for the price point and location, it’s solid. You’re getting clean, comfortable rooms in one of Sydney’s most expensive neighborhoods without the bougie markup. Plus, there’s something refreshing about a place that doesn’t try to be more than it is – it’s a good base for exploring Bondi and the surrounding beaches, nothing more, nothing less. If you’re the type who spends minimal time in the room anyway and just wants somewhere reliable to crash after days of surf and sun, this works really well.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $341. Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Fantastic place in a fantastic spot. Just needed a few key supplies. – Philippa from New Zealand – 21 November 2024 (8/10)

  Great set up for pulling in as a traveler.
  
  What could be improved: Just needed milk, coffee pods, iron and ironing board and its own washing machine.

• Good location with good public transport . – Maria from United Kingdom – 9 June 2025 (7/10)

  What could be improved: The bed was comfortable but felt damp. I did feel that for the money we paid and the 18 day stay it we would have had a change of linen and towels rather then having to take them to the laundry. I did telephone and inquire but they said if we house keeping came in to change there would be an additional charge.

• beautiful place! would definitely stay again – Smith from Australia – 15 May 2025 (10/10)

  the location
  
  What could be improved: n/a

• Great location great property but finer details made me not want to book again – Iaconis from Australia – 24 April 2025 (6/10)

  Was easy to get the keys and access the property
  
  What could be improved: The lack of replies/ reply time from hosts

• Good – Duncan from United Kingdom – 11 December 2024 (7/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities