Having just treated Mrs QF WP to a night away at the Hyatt Regency Coolum (Sun, 25 Jan as the following day was Australia Day - a public holiday), I thought I'd give my thoughts on the Resort.

I used to be a lifesaver at the nearby (2 miles) Coolum Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, but had never stayed at the Resort. I agree it looks jaded, but it has been there 15+ years and salt air doesn't help anything age gracefully.

The attached Golf Course is picturesque and has been the site for the Australian PGA Championships 2000-2003 (IIRC).

Yes, it is a 20 min walk to the Beach Club, but why walk when there is a free mini-bus shuttling between the Resort and Beach Club? From the Beach Club, the actual beach is a 200 metre walk. There is a lifeguard on Duty and definitely swim between the red and yellow flags.

I'd booked at the Hyatt web site the day before and snagged an AX346 code at $215, including Continental breakfast for 2, in a Studio Suite King Bed, non-smoking, low floor, late check-out. I would have booked the FFN if I expected to stay at another before Feb 29. I'm a very infrequent Gold Passport member, just the base level.

We checked in at midday and Glenn (Front Office Reception) advised me that our room wasn't ready, but as I'd put my mobile (cell) number on the Registration, he said he'd ring me when it was. That wasn't a problem, as we wanted to head to the beach anyway. Sure enough, we got a call while we were on the beach.

Our bags were stored at the Bell Desk until we came back from the beach - no problems. The staff attitude was excellent, nothing was too much trouble. They shuttle you to your rooms upon arrival and for departure, ring up and get them to pick you up. We arrived back to check into Room (Suite?) 125, just a standard room backing onto a lake and near where breakfast is served (Bruschetta's) for the suites in the area.

I concur with the post about the Wine Shop, because even though it was pricey, it was cheaper than a $15 corkage per bottle if you BYO. We bought a sparkling red for pre-dinner drinking and a Lindemans Merlot (IIRC) - total cost $49. Dinner cost us $51 - two main meals (huge Italian dishes that we couldn't finish, a Squid Ink Linguini with Scallops and can't remember off hand the other) and a dessert (passionfruit cake).

I did take whatever I was allowed from the Guest Folio in the room to be able to assist others - I have a 2003/04 Leisure Guide (titled "Make the most of your stay at Hyatt Regency Coolum") and the Holidays Activities Program that sets out all Restaurants & Bars, etc. I'd be happy to scan and put on my FT SnapFish site so everybody can view them.

Now that I've earned some Hyatt points - 1,000 for online booking bonus + stay points, even better - my account remains active.

There is plenty to do in the surrounding area (and suggested in the book). It is a little bit out of the way (2 miles from a thriving metropolis of Coolum, which was a sleepy pass through town 15 years ago when I first arrived to join the SLSC), but that's generally what a Resort is meant to be. Hey, it's closer to things than Sanctuary Cove is to things on the Gold Coast...but I agree that Sanctuary Cove is a better Resort.

[This message has been edited by QF WP (edited Jan 29, 2004).]