The Sebel Manly Beach

Although it looks small at first glance, the Sebel Manly Beach is spread over two modern, white-and-gray concrete towers -- the North Tower and the South Tower -- and has 83 rooms in total. There are pine trees out front, and a neatly kept brick sidewalk; guests with small children and lots of luggage should note that there are several steps leading up to the entrance. The lobby is a simple space with rust-colored granite floors, white walls, and little decor save for a few black-cushioned chairs, a mirror, a photo print of a Manly Beach scene, and a surfboard hung decoratively over the dark-wood laminate front desk. There are also an ATM off to one side, and a computer terminal, but it's not much of a place to congregate. Although the hotel has some business facilities -- namely meeting rooms -- its beachside location, large rooms, and self-contained apartments make it more suited towards vacationers, particularly families. 

As its name suggests, The Sebel Manly Beach is located in Manly, a beachside suburb in Northern Sydney. The hotel itself is right across the street from the southern end of the beach, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants within walking distance. While the area is relaxed, it may not be ideal for those wanting to spend most of their time visiting urban attractions. Ferries depart from Manly Wharf, a seven-minute walk away, and it's a half-hour boat ride to Circular Quay, a good jumping-off point for reaching some of Sydney's main sights, including Sydney Opera House and The Rocks neighborhood. The hotel is about a 20-minute drive from Taronga Zoo, and about 35 to 45 minutes' drive from Bondi Beach. Sydney's Central Business District is a 30-minute drive without the typical heavy traffic, and can take up to an hour during rush hour. The airport is about 45 minutes' drive. 

The Sebel has 83 rooms in six categories, ranging from Superior Rooms (all in the South Tower) to Two-Bedroom Ocean View Apartments. All rooms are air-conditioned and have flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, glass-doored minibars, and safes (which may be difficult to reach, on high closet shelves). Each room also has a spacious balcony furnished with a small, wood table and two chairs -- some overlook the ocean. Superior Family Rooms have two bedrooms, while One- and Two-Bedroom Ocean View Apartments have separate living areas, kitchenettes, and closets with washing machines and utility sinks. Decor is consistent throughout, and is simple but modern: off-white walls, light-wood furniture, and textiles and carpeting in grays and beiges, including some tasteful prints. Artwork is limited, and dominated by framed black-and-white nature photography. Bathrooms have big vanities with vessel sinks and granite countertops, and have glassed-in walk-in showers. 

The hotel offers bright meeting rooms, one with space for up to 180 people; some have views of Manly Beach, though the faux-zebra-skin upholstery in one room may not suit all business travelers. Wi-Fi is available for a fee, as is indoor parking. There's a single computer for guest use in the lobby. Other facilities include free guest laundry machines (for those who don't have machines in their units) that are stocked with detergent and fabric softener. The hotel has two pools, one for each tower. The small North Tower pool has a brick-red tile patio, and furnished pavilion. The South Tower pool is a bit swankier, with a white-stone patio and hexagonal whirlpool. The privately owned Manly Wine is situated on the hotel premises, has beautiful ocean views, and offers a raw seafood bar and an extensive wine list; it's open for breakfast every morning, and reopens again for lunch, staying open until midnight.