The Observatory Self Contained Apartments - Coffs Harbour, New South Wales

Kat Deluca

The room was so bad! I can't believe there are so many good reviews of this place. The bed was awful and sunk into the middle so the two of us ended up sinking into it. The mattress definitely needs to be changed. There was no aircon in the bedrooms and the blankets provided were very thin, so being in winter we were pretty cold at night. Would have liked to put a heater on in the bedrooms, but could only put the one on from the lounge room which didn't really heat the bedrooms. For some unknown reason they have a light on a pole right outside our bedroom windows (see picture). Crazy bright light that shone ALL night. Didn't turn on and off when people went by on a motion sensor, just blasted all night. Even with blinds closed it was like sleeping on the surface of the sun. WHAT are you thinking Don't say 'oh its for safety' Put the light on a sensor at least people. It's common sense! My husband removed the light bulb after the first night so we could actually get some sleep. No plastic plates for the kids so if you have little ones make sure you bring your own, or you may end up with broken plates. Thought this was meant to be suitable for families? Have to pay for the washing machine and dryer which is a bit crap too. Definitely not self contained. I would stay away if I were you.

David A

Friendly, efficient and welcoming staff, clean, tidy and spacious appartment with a wonderful view from private balcony. Quite reasonable rates. If time hadn't pressed, we'd have stayed a second night. Easy walk to town, tried the Mana Chita East African restaurant which was very pleasant. Will be going back for more Coffs "medicine".

Ken B

Stayed here for five nights from August 5th to August 9th, 2024.||I highly recommend these units.||Some things to know:||1. Lydia, the on-site manager, is the glue that holds this place together. As what some may call a "senior citizen", I had to ask for help several times. Once included ringing her at 9:30 PM!||She was at my doorstep within five minutes, and two minutes later fixed the problem.||This is someone who gets tremendous pleasure at helping people solve problems.||She does so with style, grace and considerable charm. She lives with an attitude best summed up in her own words: "too easy!". Lydia gives new meaning to that phrase.||2. The apartments are meticulously clean and tidy. Everthing you need (almost) is provided. The only exceptions are things like bathrobes, slippers and things one might usually bring from home.||3. Apartments are generous in size and very comfortably decorated. All have |large TV screens with multiple channels.||4. If you choose a top floor apartment, be ready to walk for four fights of stairs |( two flights between each floor). I never spotted anyone available to help with luggage, but in fairness they don't advertise having this.||5. Each unit has it's own dedicated parking bay.||5. There is a reasonable selection of restaurants, places for coffee, a chemist and a small supermarket all within easy walking distance.||In summary, I give these units a 5 star, Highly Recommended rating. The lynchpin is Lydia. I strongly recommend that she be formally acknowledged by management for truly outstanding customer service.

Jenn P

We enjoyed 2 nights at this place. Very spacious 1 bedroom apartment. Really comfy bed, a full kitchen and plenty of seating. Although it was on the ground floor, the walk from our car parking area, was up stairs or an outside walk on a designated pathway. Luckily we had bought a wagon, and this made it lot less trips with all our stuff. When we moved on, we moved our car to the roadside, and the walk was far easier to park the car. Loved the place, and would come again.

Matty P (Mattysgarage)

Lovely place to stay,
Incredibly accommodating to our young family and easy Car charging on site,
Staff are more than helpful and the rooms are exactly what are advertised, would stay here again

Fotis P

This is the second time I have stayed at the observatory and it definitely is home.
From the moment you arrive, it feels homey and the rooms are really big and comfortable, and just have a feel that you are home and not staying at a hotel or an airbnb or in an apartment. Simply put, it’s home, with great room amenities.

Special thank you to Vanessa and Amanda as they are both very friendly and super helpful. You both are very special and make the stay that little bit more special.

Location is great as it’s nearby some delicious restaurants and all the major attractions are a 10 minute drive in any direction.

It definitely is my go to and will continue to stay at the observatory every time I head up to Coffs, and my daughter is absolutely in love with this place too.

Thank you for all the memories Observatory and thank you Vanessa and Amanda.
See you again soon.

Doris Cowan

I atay at the Observatory Holiday Appartments fortnightly for work and mostly always have the lovely Vanessa as our welcoming employee who is always very friendly and helpful, nothing is ever too much trouble. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and very clean. I have witnessed the recent changes with shower screens and sustainable use by illuminated plastic bathroom items.
I would highly recommend this stay to anyone who likes the above in a stay as well as the bonus of being within walking distance to local cafes and restaurants, markets, service station with one of rhe cheapest fuel in the Coffs area, jetty beach/ foreshores and theatre with both local and international stars.

Lina H

Stayed 2 nights here with my kids,
Towels and bedding only get cleaned once every 3 days minimum
No vacuum in property and no dishwasher
Make sure to keep place absolutely spotless as I was charged. $50 fee for not keeping the floor clean ( with no vacuum) go figure…
Also was accused by a lady named Vanessa of having extra kids and threatened to be charged $25 per extra person.
Will not choose this place again!
Oh it’s also right next to the train station