The Best Hotels In Manly and Why You Should Stay in Manly on your sydney trip
When planning a trip to Sydney, you might be thinking ‘Should I stay in Manly?’. Many would say no. Just stay in the Rocks. Or Darling Harbour, or any other area of the CBD. But growing up with many of my friends living in Manly and the Northern Beaches, I have spent a big period of my life here. I feel I know many corners of this area quite well and can share some recommendations for your visit.
“I think yes. Staying in Manly is a great choice. It’s Manly’s sand between my toes.”
Sunny, laid-back and just an iconic ferry ride from Sydney's Circular Quay. Manly is all about sun, surf, and unwinding, and I’m here to help you find the perfect place for you to stay in Manly.
I have always felt Manly has a little something for everyone. This selection of accommodation options reflects various tastes and budgets so that you can make the most of your stay in one of the top beach destinations in Sydney.
So, let's dive into the best places to stay in Manly and make your visit a memorable one! This is my guide on where to stay in Manly.
“If I had to pick the best place to stay in Manly It Would Be Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection”
Contents
Where to Stay In Manly
Where is Manly? Map
Best Hotels In Manly
House and Apartment Accommodation In the Manly Area
Some Tips For Your Stay
Things to Do in Manly
Where To Eat In Manly
How Long To Stay In Manly
Why Should You Stay Manly?
best hotels in manly and Where To Stay
Where is Manly? Map
Best Hotels In Manly
Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection (8.4 Booking.com Review Score)
There is a lot to love about this hotel. Beautifully designed rooms located right on the beach. A pool with a view is also a selling point for me. The Coastal Villa looks like a great two-bedroom, two-bathroom option in Manly. If I were personally looking for where to stay in Manly, I would book this hotel.
Q Station (8.1 Booking.com Review Score)
One of the most unique places to stay in Sydney. Discover the story and history of Q Station, or just enjoy the stunning North Head location. Whilst you may want to stay closer to the heart of Manly, or at more modern designed hotels, this location surrounded by one-of-a-kind buildings is special in itself. I have noticed this is one of the best-value hotels in Manly, for some room types and dates.
Peppers Manly Beach (8.2 Booking.com Review Score).
Previously a Sebel Tower, Peppers has done some beautiful refurbishments and has a nice fresh feel. The location is about as good as you can get. Right at the beachfront, framed by Manly’s iconic Norfolk Pine trees.
Quest Manly (8.5 Booking.com Review Score)
If you plan on jumping on the Manly Ferry and want to stay as close to Manly Wharf as you can, then Quest could be what you’ve been looking for.
The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach (7.8 Booking.com Review Score).
This was a late addition to this list after discovering that they have some refurbished rooms that look nice. Same great location as Peppers, right on the beach. This is one I would try to book directly, as it seemed clearer if you were booking a refurbished room or not.
best House and Apartment Accommodation In the Manly Area
Manly Beach Houses
The Manly House (9.6 Booking.com Review Score).
This incredible 3-bedroom holiday house in Manly will win you over from the moment you see it. Newly renovated and ready to impress with its design and quality. Has everything you would look for in Manly Beach accommodation. Great outdoor area, BBQ and even a hot tub! The swinging seat out the front also looks like a moment of relaxation just waiting to be had.
4-Bedroom Apartments
Tusan Villa Little Manly (9.5 Booking.com Review Score)
A unique property in an area of Manly that is underrated in my opinion. If you are after more relaxed swimming than amongst the Manly Beach masses, then Little Manly is a great option. Families love this area, but it is good for anyone. This villa has a lot of wow features and will delight you from room to room.
3-Bedroom Apartments
Luxury Manly Beachfront Apartment (9.5 Booking.com Review Score)
A 3-bedroom North Steyne Gem. A great option for families wanting a great beach home to enjoy a Sydney beach holiday. Featuring a washing machine and dryer, and a barbecue on the balcony. The art above the couch represents what this place is. A ripper.
Executive 3-Bed Apartment with Harbour Views (8.0 Booking.com Review Score)
Seemingly new to Booking.com, I see this 3-bedroom apartment as having two main drawcards. The Harbour views and the large and spacious outdoor deck area. I can imagine coming back home after a day at the beach, popping out the outdoor umbrella, firing up the BBQ and sitting around enjoying your Manly weekender with friends, or making family memories to remember.
2-bedroom Apartments
The Ryokan - Zen (9.3 Booking.com Review Score)
Take a look at this stunning 2-bedroom apartment right on Manly Beach. Imagine waking up in this intentionally designed beachfront apartment, looking out the window to an amazing view of the beach.
Manly Waterfront Beach Stay (9.5 Booking.com Review Score)
Everyone who has spent time in Manly has an opinion on the best section of Manly Beach. If you are looking for an apartment in Queenscliff then this could be your place.
Manly Family Executive Apartment (9.3 Booking.com Review Score)
Travelling to Manly with kids and looking for a place to stay with bunk beds? You found it.
Recently renovated property on Fairy Bower Road in Manly. Between Manly Beach and Shelly Beach.
Sleek 2-Bed Apartment Metres from the Beach (9.2 Booking.com Review Score).
Exactly that. Sleek apartment close to the beach.
Spacious 2-Bed Apartment in the heart of Manly (9.2 Booking.com Review Score)
Nicely decorated in a great location, between the beach and the wharf.
Elegant 2-Bed Unit with Expansive Harbour Views (10 Booking.com Review Score)
Great Wharf-side location with incredible views of the harbour.
1-bedroom Apartments
I would recommend taking a look at some of the one-bedroom apartments in the Manly hotel list in this article. Peppers Manly Beach has a great option with a full kitchen as well as the bonus of access to hotel facilities.
Some manly Travel Tips For Your Stay
Top Things To Do In Manly
It goes without saying, but spending the day on the beach is a must. If you are visiting Manly in summer, or the warmer months swimming is great at many points along the beach. Remember to swim between the red and yellow flags. Go surfing if you are a surfer, or even if you want to give it a go for the first time, you can do a surfing lesson. The history of surfing in Manly is a big reason Manly is so popular. It held the world’s first surfing contest, and local surfing legend and 7-time world champion surfer, Layne Beachley is from Manly.
If the waves are too much for a relaxed beach day, head for a short stroll around to Shelly Beach. This little beach is a great swimming option that is more protected and calm. Better for families with small children and toddlers. So is Little Manly Beach, which also has a shark-netted swimming area which is quite popular for the little ones.
It would be hard to avoid but go for a walk through The Corso in Manly. It is one of Manly’s main streets and this pedestrian area connects one side of Manly to the other. It’s a lively spot with food, shops, restaurants, pubs and nightlife. On the weekend you can explore the Manly Markets here. Sunday there is also a fresh produce market to pick up some supplies to take back to your apartment or Airbnb.
I love the fact that Manly is connected to Sydney City by ferry. Two very different worlds, only a 30-minute ferry apart. Ride the Manly Ferry. It is the best value harbour cruise in Sydney. See the Manly ferry route that it takes as it voyages through Sydney Harbour.
Where To Eat In Manly
If you are after a sunset drink then I have spent many an afternoon at Wharf Bar. If you are after somewhere a bit more polished, then Hugos Manly may be your place at Manly Wharf.
If you are looking for one of the best places for seafood in Manly, then Garfish has stood the test of time and I have only ever heard great things. If you are thinking of grabbing some takeaway fish and chips, and having a picnic at East Manly Cove Beach, this could be the place ;) It has been for me.
If you are after some Mexican and Peruvian flavours check out Tijuana’s. They also have the largest tequila menu on the Northern Beaches.
Another one of the best-rated restaurants in Manly right now is Banco Manly.
How Long To Stay In Manly
Whilst you could be staying in Sydney and enjoy spending the day in Manly, if you plan on staying, I would stay for 2-3 nights. You want to benefit from the laid-back beach lifestyle.
For the same theory, if you are on a longer trip, or travelling from within Australia, or have been to Sydney before, stay a little longer. Stay a week and soak it up.
Why Should You Stay Manly?
After seeing the incredible things you can do and eat in Manly alongside the atmosphere, Manly is just different to other parts of Sydney. You can see why Manly is so popular. Other iconic beach areas like Bondi are incredible too if you want to compare. See what suits you better, as Bondi may be more your style.
“But for me, Manly has my heart.”
Who Wrote This Article?
Hi, I’m Chris. I started Best Sydney Hotels to share recommendations on where to stay in Sydney because I love hotels. I love staying in them, I have loved working in them, and there is no trip to Sydney that can't be enhanced by choosing the perfect hotel for you.
But why listen to me?
Based on my experience living in Sydney.
Because of the countless nights staying at 5-star hotels in Sydney and across the world.
I have spent many years working in Boutique and Luxury hotels in Sydney.
Through our hotel, house and apartment recommendations, me and the team at Best Sydney Hotels can help you find the ultimate accommodation in Sydney.