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  5. Reviews of The Ryokan - Zen

Reviews of The Ryokan - Zen

25-27 South Steyne, Manly, 2095 Sydney, Australia

#15 of 694 Holiday rentals in Sydney

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 52 apartment reviews

9.4

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.7

  • Comfort

    9.3

  • Location

    9.8

  • Facilities

    9.5

  • Staff

    9.8

  • Value for money

    8.8

  • Free WiFi

    8.8

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 22 April 2024

    9.0
    Great weekend getaway in a beautiful apartment in Manly.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Noisy location (but would be the same anywhere in this location) lots of construction work nearby. Early morning noise so need earplugs for a lie in!

    Beautiful and uniquely decorated Japaneses style apartment Clean and well designed. Comfortable beds and lovely bedding. Excellent amenities. Close to the beaches. Easy walk to restaurants. Convenient location.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 17 April 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I would suggest that in the advertising for the room it needs to be clear there is NO lift and that you are 3 flights of steps up to the room. This made it a challenge with the small children. I would also suggest on the window in the second room have some kind of lock. Due to the pipe that runs out that large window, it does not lock, and it slides up extremely easy. It made me quite anxious as the kids loved looking out to the beach through that winow, but they could easily get out of it, and you are 3 stories up. ( I would hate for something terrible to happen)

    The location of this room was truly something special. Walking distance to the beach and market and at night you can hear the waves on the beach . The hosts could not do more , helping with our bags up and down the steps, a welcome gift for the hubbies birthday and mini bar provided complimentary ( they also had a gift for the kids) it was a lovely room to stay in. Thank you

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 6 April 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 4 nights

    If I had to nitpick: The kitchen table chairs and living room floor cushions weren't super comfortable for ~8 hours of computer work. We would really have appreciated a couple of more supportive chairs or extra cushions. We were also a little surprised that there were no chopsticks in the kitchen!

    Staying at the Ryokan was such a treat. We loved the location just across the street from Manly beach -- it's easily walkable to everything you might want to do, the living area has a great view of the beach, and opening the windows fills the apartment with the sound of the surf. The interior design is every bit as beautiful as it looks in the photos, and the futon bed was extremely comfortable. It's a 3rd floor apartment, so it did get a little warm, but the portable A/C helped immensely to keep the bedroom and meditation room cool. Wifi was excellent for working remotely. The hosts Chi and Dan were so kind and accommodating, providing snacks, beverages, and local recommendations. Chi even left a handwritten welcome note!

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 5 April 2024

    9.0
    Perfect spot to relax opposite the ocean beach in Manly.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Bathroom was a tad small; no surfaces near the vanity to set down skincare and toothbrushes. Otherwise no complaints.

    Fabulous location and lovely interiors. Dan was friendly and helpful upon arrival and the local suggestions sent through by Chi were very welcomed.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 22 March 2024

    9.0
    Great place right on the beach
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights

    It's not a criticism as the apartment is obviously advertised as a Japanese style apartment so we knew what to expect. However this means that there are split levels and steps which can be a problem for elderly people. My mother had a heavy fall at night as she missed the step down in the living room, luckily she ended up with just some bruises. Therefore I wouldn't recommend this place for elderly people who might also find the 3 flights of stairs challenging.

    The location is fantastic, just across the road from Manly Beach. The communication with the host was prompt, checking in and out was very easy, we were allowed to check in an hour earlier which was great. The apartment is very clean and has a nice view, we were checking the surf at Manly Beach from the window every morning as we were having breakfast. The parking permit is an absolute life saver in Manly if one gets there by a car. The supermarket is about 100 m down the street, cafes and restaurants very close by. All in all a nice clean place right on Manly Beach.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 March 2024

    10
    Great short stay in central Manly
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Apartment is located on the 3rd, there are no lifts, it wasn't an issue for our family but good to know.

    The apartment was in immaculate condition, beautifully designed and the little touches like the hand written note, complimentary snacks and drinks and high quality amenities made for a great short break. The communication with the owner was very responsive and they offered additional information for our stay. Location for the apartment is very central, across from the beach and close to restaurants and supermarkets.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 6 March 2024

    10
    Best spot ever
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Awesome location, super friendly hosts, such a cool layout and setup

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 24 February 2024

    8.0
    Was a beautiful space, well maintained and clean with a lot of thought and effort put into the desig
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The bathroom was a touch small and I personally do not like a shower over the bath. The futon lounge was too low and not easy, hard to put your legs anywhere,

    So clean and well designed, so close to shops, restaurants and the beach!

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 23 January 2024

    9.0
    Perfect location
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Not enough storage for clothes.

    Fantastic location with beach views. Warning for those who are not mobile - you have to walk up three flights of stairs and bed and couch on floor japanese style. Was able to use residential sticker for street parking.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 23 January 2024

    10
    Fabulous
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Loved everything, the aesthetic was a pleasure!

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 21 January 2024

    9.0
    Dan was amazing - he insisted on carrying our bags up and down the three flights of stairs!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was the most humid day on record while we were there - the apartment was very warm and the a/c struggled to keep the whole apartment cool. Our only complaint!

    Fabulous location for hanging out in Manly! Absolutely central to food and beaches!

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 5 January 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We loved the beautiful decor, the wonderful and attentive service and how close the apartment was to the beach! Chi and Dan have really made an oasis in Manly

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 December 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing, everything was positively perfect in everyway!

    The setting is incredible. As interior designers, the owners have done an incredible job of bringing the atmosphere of a tranquil, Japanese style ryokan, and combining it with a sleek, modern design. It is spacious, comfortable, and has the beach directly across the road and shops and restaurants a five minute walk away on the corso. Every convenience was provided, hair dryers, shampoo, conditioner, skin care, luxury sheets and towels, wifi and as a special addition to our stay, we were also provided snacks and beverages due to special circumstances. Staying here was a delight and we are already looking forward to booking our next stay!

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 23 December 2023

    10
    Fabulous location and amazing service. Parking was a real hassle but we loved our stay.
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 12 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Street parking is appalling.

    Location was perfect. Property manager was amazing. Literally could not have been better.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 1 December 2023

    10
    I had a wonderful stay, and I would definitely stay here again.
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Location was fantastic!

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 28 November 2023

    10
    Stylish, very relaxing, funky
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing! Be prepared to climb stairs but that’s it

    The style, the cleanliness it was so comfortable and the furnishings were excellent.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 30 October 2023

    9.0
    Fantastic location, stylish apartment and super helpful hosts
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Not loads of room to sit together in communal spacep

    very stylish, well thought out, great location

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 24 October 2023

    10
    Lovely!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I think all the split levels need to be made clearer, with highlight/grip tape on the edges. I fractured my ankle as I didn’t see where one of the steps was!

    Attention to detail, well kept, clean and comfortable. Lovely decor.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 9 October 2023

    10
    Amazing place :)
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing!

    Amazing, clean space. Very thoughtfully furnished and the rooms were both fantastic. Bathroom also great and a washing machine also which was very handy for a family. Unfortunately the Manly weather turned cold the days we went, so couldn’t enjoy the so close beach! Super easy access to the beach and the main strip, restaurants etc close by. Thoughtful additions from the wonderful hosts, lovely tea choices and a little welcome pack with some goodies for my kids. Such a nice touch and a very responsive host. Only consideration is no lifts, so may not be ideal for an elderly person. Otherwise absolutely loved the place

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 30 September 2023

    10
    Perfect location and wonderful apartment for our family getaway.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing. It was great.

    The Ryokan was in such a fantastic location. A stones throw from the beautiful beach, shops and restaurants. The apartment was clean, comfortable and the kids loved the Japanese bedroom with the sunlit nook. Chi and Dan went above and beyond, with little extras that made our stay special and memorable.

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 24 August 2023

    10
    The best hotel/air b&b stay experience I have ever had. Beyond beautiful!
    • Business trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Everything about this property was beyond exactions and immaculate. The most beautiful staff/hosts. Incredible location and beautiful property that was very welcoming and home like feeling! 10/10 will be coming and staying again! Family friendly too

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 7 August 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 1 night

    The apartment was lovely, Chi the host was wonderful, had excellent response times and the location was fantastic and convenient with the beautiful ocean so close!

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 18 May 2023

    10
    Gorgeous little apartment close to the beach which made our mini-break to Manly a delight.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    lovely decor and great location

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: 9 May 2023

    9.0
    Front seat for all the surf action
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Two-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It got a bit chilly. If you are not used to the city soundscape it can be a bit noisy at times

    Awesome location and brilliant decor! Felt exotic and cosy I watched the surf from the breakfast table, whilst doing the dishes...if you love the surf it's perfect!

    Stayed in May 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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