Harry Styles was (rightfully) roasted when he said Don’t Worry Darling was “a movie that feels like a movie”. I know I’m opening myself up to the same criticism, but the newly refurbed Manly Pacific is a hotel that feels like a hotel. Buffet breakfast? Check. Tiny heist-able toiletries? Check. Toilet paper folded into triangles? Check.
Beyond that rudimentary checklist, you’re made to feel at ease from check-in, as smiling staff buzz around the sable-coloured, marble-lined lobby. The hotel’s two-year, $30 million renovation involved a Coco Republic update to each of the 213 guestrooms, as well as nine ocean-facing suites and its exclusive Infinity Residence. (Manly Pacific recently joined Accor’s boutique hotel group MGallery – it was previously a Novotel.)
“From the late 1800s, there’s always been ‘a style’ of hotel – whether that’s been accommodation, or a bar or the likes – on this very corner,” general manager Dylan Cole tells Broadsheet.
The coastal suites are generously proportioned with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and views across to the Norfolk-lined waters of Manly Beach. The decor is undeniably sea-inspired, with pale wood flooring, travertine marble accents, shiplap cladding and sea foam walls.
Rooms and suites are filled with local and sustainably minded products: lemon myrtle and blue cypress toiletries by Leif; wooden hairbrushes, toothbrushes and razors, packaged in paper, are on-hand for forgetful travellers. The mini-bar follow suit, with Lark whiskey, Four Pillars gin, Manly Spirits offerings and Seven Miles coffee.
Standing on the balcony, watching people playing beach volleyball and surf on a Friday afternoon, it’s easy to understand why Northern Beaches locals rarely leave the peninsula.
Hearing the swoosh of the waves and the echo of the lifeguard’s loudspeaker, it would be hard to get closer to the beach. (I’d hazard a guess that, you could run from the hotel lobby to the waves in under a minute.)
In honour of the Northern Beaches lifestyle, there are beach towels in every room, and the mini-bar stocks 50+ sunscreen and surf wax. Reversible bucket hats (branded, of course) and even spades and beach umbrellas from Sunday Supply Co are provided for use during your stay. The hotel’s concierge service, the Manly Pacific Beach Club, can book you in for stand-up paddleboarding, shoreside boxing lessons, yoga or meditation. Alternatively, you can swap action for some rest and relaxation by the rooftop pool or in the new infrared sauna.
The Manly Pacific has historically been a family hotel, and it hasn’t lost that element in the refurb. Seaside film screenings with popcorn, breakfast Coco Pops and table tennis tables are there to welcome families. On a hot day, staff even bring Zooper Doopers for kids at the rooftop pool.
Manly Pacific has three in-house venues; Bistro Manly, a beachy bistro; 55 North, a quintessential lobby bar, and Tokyo Joe, a casual Japanese restaurant with lanterns, lights and arcade machines.
Cocktails at all three venues feature local spirits you’ll find in your mini bar, plus seafood-focused menus. Two standouts are Bistro Manly’s chargrilled Sydney rock lobster with fresh salsa verde and buttery champagne mousseline (and a generous helpings of fries), and Tokyo Joe’s crispy, crunchy tacos stuffed with salmon sashimi, bright wasabi tobiko and chilli mayo.
Manly Pacific
55 N Steyne, Manly
