The Manly Pacific hotel has long been a landmark on the Beaches, but over the years, it has gone through many changes.
When the original hotel was demolished and replaced with the Manly Pacific International in 1982, it was a monumental event. As Sydney’s first luxury seaside hotel, it embodied the area’s spirit of progress and sophistication.
Despite its tumultuous history, including the infamous murder of its co-founder’s wife in 1988, the Manly Pacific has remained a steadfast presence. It has undergone various rebrands, from ParkRoyal to Novotel, as part of the Accor hotel group.
As Novotel, it was known as your bog standard drab hotel, ticked the boxes, but frankly, lacked character and didn’t exactly embody the trendy laid-back beachy vibe Manly is so famous for.
But a new $30 million makeover has restored the Manly Pacific to its former glory, and the iconic hotel once again takes pride of place on the Manly beachfront.
The hotel’s new design takes inspiration from the stunning natural beauty of the Northern Beaches, with ocean-themed artwork and decor throughout the property.
One of the most striking features of the new Manly Pacific is the custom surfboard created by local shaper Denny Keogh of Keyo International. The surfboard serves as a tribute to Manly’s surfing history and its close connection to the ocean. This is just one of the many ways the hotel celebrates the local community and heritage of Manly.
The hotel has been reimagined by leading Australian designers Coco Republic to reflect the ultimate in coastal living, with rooms bathed in natural light and expansive views of the ocean through Manly’s towering Norfolk pines.
The luxury Infinity Residence at Manly Pacific takes the contemporary redesign to another level. The 177 sqm 1-bedroom suite features underfloor heating, a fireplace, a kitchenette, an exquisite ensuite with a black freestanding stone bathtub, and a living and dining room opening up to a 100 sqm private terrace with commanding views of the ocean.
Guests are welcomed with a beach towel personalised with their initials, customised pillows, fine linens, freshly cut flowers, LaGaia beauty products and their very own personal Beach Butler, on call throughout their stay. It’s a bit fancy !
There are also nine ocean-facing, two-bedroom, two-bathroom Coastal Suites and the hotel has even also introduced dog-friendly rooms available for those travelling with well-behaved pets. The mini-bar comes with selections from local Northern Beaches producers, such as Manly Spirits, Seven Miles Coffee, Gumnut Chocolates and Beachfox Sunscreen.
A new bar named 55 North has also opened in the lobby.
Inspired by the local spirit of the Northern Beaches, the innovative cocktail menu includes a twist on the classics, featuring the best of the region, and beyond.
The hotel’s General Manager, Dylan Cole expressed his enthusiasm for the hotel’s renewed connection with local suppliers.
“We want to showcase everything that’s great about Manly and the Northern Beaches. From our sustainable initiatives to our focus on local produce and artisans, we want to encourage guests to connect with the surrounding community and experience all that Manly has to offer,” says Cole.
Faye James was a guest of the hotel for one night and was provided food free for review.