For more than 150 years, Coogee Bay Hotel has been delivering good times by the ocean, long before Coogee grew into the lively seaside suburb it is today. Largely thanks to its central location, locals have long treated the hotel as the beating heart of the neighbourhood; a place to meet up for a post-work drink or a big group celebration. Now, fresh from a thoughtful renovation (complete with brand-new Beach Bar and Dining restaurant), the neighbourhood stalwart is back – offering a laid-back base that offers carefree beachside energy just a short drive from the CBD.
My boutique ocean-view studio became my own little coastal sanctuary: modern, warm, beautifully designed and just steps from Coogee Beach. With relaxed dining, busy bars, frequent live entertainment and two distinct accommodation styles, Coogee Bay Hotel is a solid option if you’re looking for a relatively affordable beachside stay in the Harbour City. Whether you come for the food, the ocean views or the community spirit, it’s a stay that captures the easygoing essence of Sydney’s south-eastern beaches.
Why stay at Coogee Bay Hotel?
A landmark in the Eastern Suburbs for over a century and a half, Coogee Bay Hotel has evolved from seaside schoolhouse to beloved pub to a modern hospitality hub offering dining, accommodation, events and even its own bottle shop, The Barrel. While its iconic heritage façade remains firmly in place, the interior has stepped confidently into a new era with the recent addition of Beach Bar and Dining: a polished take on elevated pub food served across the restaurant, bar and sunny beer garden.
These historic walls hold a historic sense of play. In the 1920s, when Coogee was hailed as “Australia’s most beautiful seaside resort,” the hotel’s breezy garden and wraparound spaces became a retreat for holidaymakers, and it still draws a big (largely Irish) international crowd.
What makes Coogee Bay Hotel truly special is the village-within-a-venue atmosphere. Stand in the central garden and you’re surrounded by all the ways to eat, drink, dance, shop and stay: Beach Bar and Dining, the stylish Arden Lounge, legendary live-music venue Selina’s, the Sports Bar, two beautifully renovated hotels, premium event spaces and The Barrel bottle shop. Just beyond it all lies the hotel’s most prized feature: the golden stretch of Coogee Beach itself, its unofficial front yard, just steps from your bedroom.
What are the rooms like at Coogee Bay Hotel?
The hotel offers two accommodation styles: the lively Bay Rooms above the main venue, and the quieter, contemporary Boutique Rooms tucked behind the hotel.
I stayed in a Boutique Ocean Studio, a spacious, beautifully appointed room blending modern coastal style with a homely warmth. Soft blue hues echo the shoreline outside, while artwork featuring the local coastline ties the space together. The king bed is plush and the room includes a chic work desk, a lounge area, a large TV and glass doors leading to a private balcony overlooking the glittering Coogee waves.
A thoughtfully designed kitchenette complete with a sink, microwave, tea and coffee facilities and a stylish red mini-fridge, adds to the convenience. It’s the kind of room you could happily settle into for a long weekend, or even longer.
Which are the best restaurants/bars/dishes/drinks at Coogee Bay Hotel?
Coogee Bay Hotel has entered a new era of coastal dining with the launch of Beach Bar and Dining, led by Executive Chef Justin Schott (ex-Mimi’s) and overlooking the ocean.
I dined there for dinner and was genuinely impressed by the fresh, seafood-forward menu. The cheesy fried garlic bread was one of the best iterations I’ve had, and the ricotta gnocchi was delicious – something far beyond typical pub fare. The cocktail list is equally enticing, all bright, summery and beach-inspired. My pick was the Spiked Lemonade with limoncello, a refreshing counterpart to my Italian style dinner and absolutely worth ordering.
Breakfast service in the Beach Bar and Dining space is launching soon, but in the meantime, Coogee offers an abundance of excellent cafés just steps away. Le Petit Coogee is one of my longtime favourites for brunch, and Penelope Bakery makes an incredible iced matcha that I would wholeheartedly recommend. You can view our Coogee Area Guide here.
With the hotel sitting in the heart of Coogee’s dining strip, you’re never more than a minute’s stroll from something delicious.
What is the service like at Coogee Bay Hotel?
From the moment I checked in, the service was warm, genuine and effortlessly friendly. Staff were quick with local café recommendations and happy to share their favourite dishes and drinks when I dined at Beach Bar and Dining. Many team members are Coogee locals, which adds to the authenticity – you feel the community connection through them.
There’s a sense that the staff genuinely enjoy working together, and that camaraderie shows in the service – it’s welcoming without being overly formal, perfectly suited to the hotel’s laid-back, coastal personality.
Is there a gym or pool at Coogee Bay Hotel?
There’s no gym or pool on-site, but with the beautiful Sydney coastline on your doorstep, you really don’t miss them.
What’s the area like around Coogee Bay Hotel?
You couldn’t ask for a better location in Coogee. Step outside the front door and you're in the heart of the suburb with cafés, restaurants and shops at your fingertips, and the beach directly across the road.
Coogee is quintessential Sydney: friendly locals, surfboards tucked under arms, brunch queues, ocean breezes and golden-hour drinks. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, one of Sydney’s most iconic experiences, is an absolute must-do while staying here. For sunset, wander over to Coogee Pavilion for panoramic views and a Spritz in the sun. There are also so many swim spots along the coastline including Wylie Baths which you have to go to if you’re a salt-water swimming obsessive! Public transport is simple, with frequent bus routes to the city and surrounding suburbs, and the L2 Randwick Light Rail a short ride away. Guest parking onsite at the hotel adds welcome convenience, especially for longer stays.
Why should you book a stay at Coogee Bay Hotel?
Coogee Bay Hotel strikes the perfect balance between city accessibility and coastal escape – all with a laid-back, neighbourhood vibe. The rooms are modern and inviting, the staff warm and knowledgeable, and the dining at Beach Bar and Dining is worth travelling for alone.
For the quietest and most spacious experience, I’d recommend booking a Boutique Room, though the character-filled Bay Rooms offer their own charm if you want to be close to the action. Whether you’re visiting Sydney, planning a staycation or simply craving ocean views from your balcony, Coogee Bay Hotel delivers a stay that feels both effortless and memorable.
Address: 253 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee NSW 2034
Price per night: Prices start at $300 a night (varies by season and room type)
Closest transport link: Regular bus services to central Sydney and surrounding suburbs; nearest light rail stop is L2 Randwick (short ride away); onsite guest parking available
Book Now here.