Crowne Plaza Resort, Gold Coast

The Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, part of the IHG Hotel group, is a prominent resort located between the vibrant entertainment hub of Surfers Paradise and the dining and shopping precinct of Broadbeach. Positioned 250 metres from the beach, the hotel provides a blend of beachfront relaxation and urban convenience, with a G-link tram stop at its doorstep. The resort features rooms and suites with private balconies and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean or the Gold Coast hinterland.

The resort is known to be family-friendly, offering specific amenities and services for guests with children. This includes a children's pool, and the option for family-sized rooms. Cots and infant beds are available, though they may incur an extra charge and are subject to availability. Children's meals are also provided in the on-site dining facilities. For older kids, there is a game room with electronic games and a tennis court.

The Crowne Plaza offers a wide range of facilities to cater to both leisure and business guests. Guests can enjoy a large outdoor swimming pool with a mini spa, a premier tennis court, and a 24-hour air-conditioned fitness centre. For convenience, the resort also provides secure on-site parking, a 24-hour reception, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The resort features several dining options, catering to a variety of tastes.

Relish Grill & Bar: A poolside restaurant serving all-day dining, a buffet breakfast, and an a la carte dinner menu with fresh seafood, Italian cuisine, and grilled meats.

Horizon Sky Dining: Located on the 26th floor, this is Queensland's only revolving restaurant. It offers a buffet lunch with a selection of fresh seafood and hot mains while providing breathtaking 360-degree views of the Gold Coast.

Shooeys Sports Bar: A modern sports bar for guests to relax and watch live sports.

In-Room Dining: The resort provides a 24/7 in-room dining service.

The Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise offers a variety of rooms and suites, each with a private furnished balcony.

Standard Room: Features a king bed with a sofa bed or two double beds, with garden or partial ocean views. Accommodates 2-3 people with a king bed or up to 4 people with two double beds. Size 33 sqm to 52 sqm, depending on the room type.

Premium Ocean View Room: Located on higher floors with sweeping views of the ocean. Available with a king bed or two large queen beds. Accommodates up to 2 guests with a king bed or up to 4 guests with two queen beds. Size The King version is 33 sqm, while the Double version is 52 sqm.

Junior King Suite with Ocean View: A spacious suite with ocean views, a separate bath and shower, and a private balcony. Accommodates 2 people. Size 53 sqm.

One-Bedroom Suite with Ocean View: A spacious suite featuring a spa bath, a walk-in shower, and a private balcony with sea views. Accommodates up to 4 people. Size 86 sqm.

Penthouse Suite: The largest suite with ocean views, a furnished balcony, and a separate dining area. Accommodates up to 4 people. Size 119 sqm.

The resort is conveniently located at 2807 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise. Its prime position places it within a short walk of Surfers Paradise Beach and just a G-link tram ride away from major attractions. Nearby points of interest include The Star Gold Coast Casino and the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Theme parks like Sea World and Warner Bros. Movie World are also a short drive away.

The Crowne Plaza Resort is generally well-regarded by recent guests, with most reviews falling into the "very good" to "excellent" category. It's often highlighted as a great option for families due to its amenities and fantastic location between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. Guests seem to love the convenience and the friendly vibe from the staff.

The Good Stuff (Positives)
A+ Location: This is a huge win for the hotel. Guests consistently rave about its prime spot, just a short walk from the beach and right next to a tram station. It makes getting around a breeze!

Super Friendly Staff: Reviewers frequently praise the hotel staff, describing them as exceptional, helpful, and wonderful. This personal touch seems to make a big difference in guests' experiences.

Fantastic Pool: The outdoor pool is a major hit, especially with kids! Reviews mention it as a great place for families to spend time and have fun.

Spacious Rooms with a View: Many guests love their rooms, noting that they are spacious, clean, and have amazing views of the ocean or city from the private balconies.

The Revolving Restaurant: The "Four Winds 360°" revolving restaurant gets a lot of love for its breathtaking views and delicious food, particularly the seafood.

Family-Friendly Facilities: Reviews and the hotel's website confirm that the hotel has a kids' pool, a video games area, and offers family rooms with connecting doors, which are perfect for holidays with little ones.

Things to Keep in Mind (Issues or Negatives)
A Bit Dated: A few reviews mentioned that some parts of the hotel, including the rooms and facilities, feel a little old or "tired."

Cleanliness Can Vary: While many found the rooms clean, a couple of reviews brought up recurring issues with cleanliness and maintenance, such as broken remotes or problems with the temperature control in the rooms.

The Security Deposit: A consistent point of frustration for some guests is the AUD 100 refundable damage deposit, which can take a week or two to be returned.

Conclusion
Overall, the Crowne Plaza Resort Gold Coast seems to be a popular and solid choice for a family getaway. The unbeatable location, great pool, and friendly staff are definitely the highlights. While some guests have noted minor issues with the hotel's age or occasional maintenance problems, the positive feedback on the family-friendly atmosphere and fantastic service generally outweighs these concerns. It sounds like a great spot to make some holiday memories!