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Iconic and memorable, welcome to the world renowned Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Sydney's premier accommodation, event and dining destination. Where Sydney’s famous harbour meets the Pacific Ocean amid gleaming panoramas and grand headlands, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel nestles on the sandy shoreline. A destination in itself, our exclusive enclave captures the feel of a secret seaside haven so completely, you’d never guess how close you are to Sydney’s busy heart. Boasting 32 light filled suites all appointed with timeless furnishings, king size beds, elegant marble bathrooms and floor to ceiling windows, each room enjoys impressive views ranging from the breathtaking Sydney Harbour to the lush greenery of Robertson Park. Each of our boutique rooms are appointed with modern amenities including complimentary wi-fi, plasma TVs, air conditioning, plush bathrobes, tea and coffee making facilities and toiletries. Whether you need a quick breakfast and coffee on the go, a long lunch or a sunset dinner, Our Beach Club provides plenty of dining options so that everyone is taken care of!
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Trendy
Location
10 Marine Parade 1 Military Road, Watsons Bay, Sydney, New South Wales 2030 Australia
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
699 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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A great place to stay. Parking is available, a ferry from Circular Quay or Manly brings you to the wharf in front of the hotel. There are good local walks and cafes or restaurants to suit a variety of tastes and budgets. Our room was good with a great view, there was a bit of noise from the beer garden below the balcony on the Sunday night we were there but it was quiet after 10pm.
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Date of stay: June 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Relaxed atmosphere, relaxed decor and dining. Service relaxed, to the point of sloppiness. Prices on the other hand, quite stiff. Lots of minor issues and things missing in room requiring endless calls or trips to reception. Staffed by loud (so loud) and relatively young people, often travellers, who are having a great time but are poorly trained, undisciplined, distracted and don’t interact with guests in a proper fashion. Requests are met with the mild annoyance of the entitled and slightly arrogant, as if one is interrupting their more important conversations with friends, colleagues or on social media, and not coming from people who are, in the end, paying their wages. A lack of social skill and manners can only be blamed on upbringing but a lack of professional skill and respect falls to management. Rigorous training in simple things like not speaking loudly or coarsely, not chewing gum, serving from the left, making sure rooms are fully stocked, follow through on requests etc. are certainly not too much to ask in even modest accommodation. While the views and environs are great and the location quite convenient, improving manners, etiquette and competence of staff would make this a place once could recommend without hesitation.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Judy B, Manager at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Responded 9 Mar 2020
Hi Klaus, Thank you for your very constructive feedback. Please accept my apologies for the lapses in service you experienced during your stay. Sadly I cannot find your booking, I suspect you were booked in under a friend or partners name? I would have loved to have contacted you personally to chat about your stay and apologise in person. I totally agree that the staff behaviours described above are unacceptable ... I suspect you are referring to the food and beverage staff and not the front desk? Rest assured we will follow up with further training and supervision in all areas. I notice on your profile that you stay in hotels often and have made 34 other reviews so we really value your feedback. Please feel free to contact me directly should you wish follow up further. Warmest regards Judy Beardsell Accommodation Manager
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Caught a ferry, like plenty of others, to Watson's Bay. Stopped at the hotel for a glass of wine in the sunshine. A Covid Check in procedure was handled very well. The manager last Thursday was much in evidence. When he heard the seagulls making a noise - he was there very quickly, to clean up the plates that customers had just left.
A well run operation with a really good manager.
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Date of stay: July 2020
Value
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I wanted to love this hotel as it has recently been renovated and it is situated in the most beautiful location however a couple of things prevented me from coming away completely satisfied. This is definitely a party venue and so the restaurant is loud and quite dirty. Not a place to have dinner with children, though the food was okay. The rooms have been revamped but the bed mattresses seem old and uncomfortable. There was a urine stain on my son's quilt, disgusting. The carpet appeared unclean and the air con did not work well- vent in loft bedroom was not working so it was very stuffy. Our room also looked out to the garbage bin area which was a turn off. There was an overwhelming smell of fish throughout the hotel, which I guess is to be expected given it is surrounded by seafood restaurants. So although the view is amazing and it is a short walk to the beach, staff also friendly and helpful, I won't be back.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from JudyB2741, Manager at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Responded 28 Jan 2020
Hi, Thank you for your review. Please accept my sincerest aplogises for the shortcomings during your stay. I am so sorry for the inconvenience caused.I completely understand your comments about the party venue however it is important to note that this is just on some days in the summer holiday season and when we have special events. We try hard to advise guests in advance if the venue will be busy. For potential guest this is a good point to take into considerations when booking in the summer holiday season. Many guests love the vibrant nature of the venue and love this time of year whilst others are better suited to mid week and months other than December /January. Thank you for highlighting this point. I would love it if you could contact me to advise your room so that I can follow up your other points. Our beds are only 3 years old so should be comfortable. It would be great to know what room you were in. We really appreciate your constructive feedback. Please always feel free to provide feedback directly to us during your stay so that we can make amends. Sadly in this forum without your name I am unable to follow up. Warm regards Judy Beardsell Accommodation Manager
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We recently stayed at this hotel and were expecting good things. Unfortunately the first thing that greeted us when we walked in the room was a very large toenail clipping in the middle of the floor! We mentioned it to the front desk staff and the cleaner then came and did a quick vacuum (just in the area where the toenail was) and was apologetic, saying they were very busy due to Australia day. It was a gross start to our stay and made us wonder how clean the room really was. Not a god feeling in Covid times! A real shame as the hotel is actually lovely and the staff were very nice
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Date of stay: January 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Judy Beardsell, General Manager at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Responded 18 Apr 2021
Hi Kim, Please accept our sincerest apologies for this lapse in cleaning standard. Thank you for being lovely about this oversight and responding well. Rest assured that we have followed up with the housekeeping team and this will not happen again. We truly appreciate you bringing this to our attention so that we could follow up and rectify, not just for you but for future guests. With many thanks Judy Beardsell Accommodation Manager
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We’ve been coming a couple of times a year since it opened about 5 years ago and we love it. It was great when the kids were little and could safely play on the beach and now that they’re older, jumping off the pier, SUPing and even commuting with friends on the ferry or bus to Bondi or the City. One of my favourite parts of a stay at a boutique hotel is the familiarity of the staff; Jacob’s been here for what feels like years and makes it a pleasure to return. Thank you to the whole team and please make sure Jacob never leaves!!!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WBBH from the moment we booked we felt this hotel was going to be special.
From the pre arrival two days before our arrival from the friendly reception team who reached out to confirm details and answer any questions.
On arrival greeted with smile and on advising the team it was a special occasion added a lovely little surprise to begin our stay .
Parking is free and the team will give a token to display in your car so you’re all covered.
Hotel is beautifully maintained, reception area clean , tidy and open .
Our room on the second floor was huge , when we walked in we were amazed of how cool it was but how tastefully it was furnished.
Open plan looking out towards Sydney CBD .
The room had a coffee pod machine , T2 teas , little biscuits, free cold bottled - not two but 4 . Ample glasses , including champagne flutes and wine glasses . Beautiful coffee/tea cups.
Ample comfortable seating , smart TV , free Wi fi , living plants .
Bathroom was huge, separate toilet , bath shower and supplying top quality bathroom amenities not these little tubes like most hotels .
Lots of cupboard space , safe , beautiful dressing gowns.
Even though the hotel is above the beach club the room was well insulated and noise from below was heard but not disturbing.
The king bed was comfortable, cosy and warm.
We had a noisy air con however the team apologised and did all they could to rectify the problem and provided lovely complimentary thoughts to acknowledge any disruption to our stay.
Hotel is well situated for great cliff walks , views of the city or a ferry ride to Manly or Circular quay.
Absolutely stunning boutique hotel , with stunning views and exceptional reception team.
We will certainly return . Kudos WBBH.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Even though the property is right at Sydney Heads, it has great ferry access into the CBD. Family beach and park on one side; right on the cliff path to Bondi, so excellent for walking. The old outside of the property belies the interior quality. The room we had was spacious and well-appointed; comfortable. The hotel also has a teeming beach bar and cafe and is very busy at peak times. Good parking for guests.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Looking out over the park alongside might be the quietest
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from JudyB2741, Manager at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Responded 19 Jan 2020
Thanks ET .Great comments. Love it! Hope to see you back soon. Cheers Judy Beardsell Accommodation Manager
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The hotel was recently seen on Sydney Weekender and whilst the rooms are ok and location is good, be prepared for the noise factor after the hotel patrons leave and the staff stay on to wind down and close. We recently stayed in late January 2022. On the Sunday night, they closed at 10 pm, but continued the loud music until 12 am when the staff left. On the Monday night, they were supposed to close at 9 pm, but patrons left at 12 am, due to a wedding and then staff left around 2.30 am, so whilst the music stopped after 12 am, you still couldn't really enjoy the view/ocean breeze by leaving the door open. Disappointed, as the accommodation is not cheap to have a harbour view and whilst we were prepared that the hotel didn't close until late, wasn't excepting not to be able to fully enjoy the location.
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Date of stay: January 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We dined at the WBH last night and we’re very disappointed with the food. We ordered the seafood platter ($150) for three of us to share and a burger for my son.
The burger was basically meat and cheese in a processed white bun. I’m sorry WBH but I haven’t seen such a sad looking burger since the high school sausage sizzle.
We ordered the Seafood Platter because we’d shared it here a couple of years ago with friends from the US and had glowing memories of the abundance, the quality and the freshness of the seafood. Our platter last night could not have been more different. It was tired, it was colourless, in was scant and floating in water. Very disappointing and consequently overpriced!
I think the venue has fallen into relying on the beauty of its stunning location and lost focus on the quality and presentation of their food which is too bad since it is such a beautiful location to take out of town guests.
Take a picnic instead and see the sunset from the park. Or just get drinks and maybe some chips.
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Date of stay: February 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sally Turki , Marketing at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Responded 14 Feb 2021
Hi there Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us feedback. We're really sorry to see you didn't have a positive experience when you ate with us. We'd love to get in contact with you to get a couple of more details and the chance to chat with you over the phone. Would you mind sending your best contact number to sally@watsonsbayhotel.com.au?
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There are more places to choose from in the Watsons Bay area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$370 - AU$464 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
hotel watsons bay
LOCATION
AustraliaNew South WalesSydneyWoollahraWatsons Bay
NUMBER OF ROOMS
32
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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