Sydney: The Dive Hotel – stylish, opposite Coogee Beach
The first time I drove past this small boutique hotel and noticed the name and diving figurine, I burst out laughing. However, this place is so not a ‘dive'. It's gorgeous!
When my swanky friends Alice and Steve come to Sydney, they usually refuse my generous offer of the blow-up bed and head to Dive. Located opposite the elegant sweep of Coogee Beach, the hotel offers friendly, groovy, boutique accommodation. The 14 self-contained rooms have polished floorboards and a kitchenette with microwave and fridge. Rooms 1 and 2 have special views across to Wedding Cake Island. Alice the designer was particularly entranced by the bathroom, all marine blue tiles and glinting steel. We had to force her to leave, but not before she took photos.
It's so nice to see a hotel catering for those of us who do not like to rise with the birds....a complimentary buffet breakfast is available 0700-13:00. It's the little touches which make a stay memorable and Steve 
reported the four different kinds of bread for breakfast toast was his moment. The kitchen and dining room open out to a sunny garden. With coffee and tea available all day, it's a rather lovely space to hangout, in-between dips in the sea. Al reports The Dive has a fab selection of books and designer mags.
Annexe for families
If you're a family, or travelling in a group, definitely checkout booking the Annexe. It's a three-bedroom, relaxed home, two streets back from the beach. It has a sunny garden and an open plan kitchen/dining room.
The Dive Hotel
234 Arden Street, Coogee
Tel: 9665 5538
