Flews

Probably the former but that's really the essence of the question as well.

We really have no time for "touring", we just want to get to the hotel as quickly, and efficiently as possible.

Thanks again.

Cheers,

LTN Phobia

OOL is closer. Taxi would be the best way.

Renting a car cause you to wait quite some time in a queue for the paperwork.

If arriving at Brisbane domestic airport, AVIS car hire can cause a long wait trying to get out of the boomgated parking area depending on where your rental car is parked. It's very poorly designed. I don't know about other rental companies though. Their arrangements may be fine.

m0hamed

I've been to this hotel once before and for some reason my recollection was much worse than reality! The hotel is dated, very 80s furniture etc., however on this occasion we spent a day at the pool drinking cocktails, then hitting the beach 10 metres away and I actually came to quite like it. I'm not the type of person to vacation and stay on the property, but for those that day the hotel is perfect. The location is perhaps their best asset as they are the only 5 star hotel on the beach on the Gold Coast.

Was upgraded from a base room to an Executive suite without prompting and the hotel obviously VIPs plats as every time I called room service, guest services etc. they called back to ensure that my request was fulfilled.

DownUnderFlyer

About half the rooms are renovated now, but AFAIK none of the Executive Suites.

m0hamed

Do u mean like the Oasis rooms? We were able to see into a lot of rooms in the property and none looked updated other than flat screen tvs.

futaris

Not a bad rate at all...

Sphinx

I am at the hotel now. Staff are truly wonderful and will bend over backwards to accommodate the needs of guests. Reception, concierge, and bell staff have been particularly helpful. The rooms are adequate, though dated. As a platinum you may find it a little confusing to figure out what their upgrade is. For some, this has been to an oceanfront, for others it is an oasis room, and for some it has been to a suite. True to starwood style, there is no mention at check-in of whether one has received an upgrade or not. No executive lounge available. The food at the terraces restaurant is great, but you can't use the starwood privilege discount since the buffet is already discounted for everyone till end July. Newspaper delivery is only upon request, yet has been inconsistent - but I get to read it in the breakfast room anyway. One can also cross the street to the mall where more dining options are available, including for breakfast.

Ewing

I stayed in a villa about a month ago that seemed recently renovated. I haven't stayed in a room in the main building for a while though.

In any case, I love this hotel. It's one of my favourite places to just take off to and chill out for a weekend.

DownUnderFlyer

Can you write a bit about the villas? And maybe even post pictures?

Ewing

The villas are nice - about the size of a typical city 2 bedroom apartment. When you enter there is a round dining table and a full kitchen (including a refrigerator with ice maker).

The lounge room had a 3 seater lounge (that pulls out into a sofa) as well as two individual couches. There was a stereo system and a ~42" plasma TV with DVD player and of course the TV channels available in the hotel and movies/etc on demand.

The main bathroom is large with a shower, and has a european laundry (washer/dryer behind bifold doors - it included laundry powder/etc as well).

The main bedroom has a king size bed. The ensuite has a spa bath with built in shower. Bedroom had a small LCD TV.

Second bedroom had two single beds, again with a small TV.

The balcony has another table and chairs, as well as a deck chair.

The complimentary bottle of sparkling and box of chocolates went down very well on the balcony - as did the fresh seafood we picked up from the place that's outside the villa gates and directly across the road.

The villas also have their own secure parking that's separate to the main Sheraton carpark (a villa room key is required to get in, unlike the main carpark that is open to all).

I didn't take any photos unfortunately - next time

m0hamed

There is one photo here http://www.starwoodhotels.com/pub/me...p372gr9_md.jpg

These are the apartments you see from the beach and pool, right?

Ewing

You can see them from the beach - but not the main pool (they have their own pool that's for villa guests only, but of course are able to use the rest of the facilities).

Here's an aerial shot that illustrates where they are:
http://snaps.se.id.au/1/20100702-villas.png

-Shaun

aussiechris

I have just ended another great stay here.
With new owners this place is making a big comeback and the future looks bright once renovation plans get Council approval.
Upgraded again to a Palm Suite on Level One (Ground Floor).
Staff where fantastic and very helpful as usual. Many of the staff have been here since the Hotel opened in 1987.







Welcome gifts included 2 drink vouchers , fruit bowl and Baileys x 2
I look forward to returning soon.

m0hamed

Fabulous. I'm there next week. Last time I was upgraded to a suite facing the the street. So dated. Booked an Ocean suite the first time I stayed, again, dated.

Your room looks recently refurbed, and the PLAT gifts sound like a great touch.

aussiechris

On my Iphone, my booking changed from an Exec Suite (my original room was quickly upgraded to this ) to a Palm Suite a few days before arrival.
My points for the stay have quickly posted which included Plat amenity, 4th Starpoint and (Resort promo )10,000 Starpoints (R10). Fantastic job Mirage!