"How did it strike you on arrival? With its pretty white and flamingo-pink façade, arched windows and wraparound balcony, Hotel Ravesis commands one of the best corners on Bondi’s seafront Campbell Parade, with views across the road to the beach and ocean. The hotel has its own entry for check-in, separate from the ground-floor bar. Nice. What’s the crowd like? International and interstate beachgoers book into Ravesis to check out the Bondi lifestyle, as well as hedonistic lovers of a good night out. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. Occupying the top two floors of the 1914 building, 12 boutique rooms beckon with side street or beachfront views, Juliet balconies or sunny terraces, and some split-level suites. Lighter and brighter after a 2017 redesign, each individually styled bedroom embraces a coastal blue, green and chartreuse colour scheme with hits of sorbet pink. Interiors have a vintage-modern feel, with laid-back lounge chairs, sleek coffee tables and retro radios. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us? Spacious Queen, King and Twin beds in white linen flaunt upholstered headboards with vibrant patterns. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase? Mini-bar, cable TV, DVD player, and tea- and coffee-making kit are all present and correct. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down. All rooms are ensuites, most with baths. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word? Wi-Fi is free. Room service: Worth it? Room service, tick. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why? The 24-hour front desk crew can help with local dining tips, valet parking, booking an in-room massage, beach towel hire or surfboard storage. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you. Sociable types will love the buzzy indoor-outdoor bar-restaurant on the airy, first-floor balcony, where chef Peter Streckfuss serves seasonal, Australian produce from oysters to fresh fish and house-made pasta. Drinks span beer, wine and cocktails. There’s also a popular ground-floor public bar, which screens sports with live music and DJs, and a dedicated club space. Regular events include Friday fiesta El Rosa and Señor Sundays. If you’re noise-sensitive, this stay probably isn’t for you. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay? Pop across the road to frolic on Bondi Beach, where you’ll also find a skatepark, Icebergs oceanside pool, street art and outdoor cafes and bars. Then again you could just soak up seaside scenes from your bedroom balcony. Bottom line: worth it, and why? Ravesis is Bondi’s only beachfront hotel with ocean views. It’s also on the corner of foodie Hall Street, home to some of the best local dining and shopping spots." - Sophie Davies
