My family and i visited the gold coast a decade ago. Deciding to revisit the beautiful beaches, we decided on another trip to the gold coast. I looked up places to stay for our dream vacation,and i was attracted to Breakfree Imperial Surf.
Making the reservation online,i arrived at the property...well,after going around it twice. Probably due to road works around,and unclear signs,we finally arrived at the destination. Being a few meters away from the beach,i'd say i chose the right place for my family!
The reception was understaffed,in my personal opinion,but service was prompt and friendly! Our check in was smooth and the receptionist provided ample information about facilities as well as local attractions.
Upon checking into the room,i was completely unprepared by what i was about to face. Being a frequent traveler, i was appalled by the lack of air conditioning within the entire apartment. I mean,paying quite an amount,but not getting air conditioning, seriously? In my rage and shock i confirmed this by making a phone call to the reception,who confirmed that only ceiling fans were available. It was only when i opened the windows when the sea breeze rushed into the room, and i'd say that a change from air conditioning to natural air actually feels refreshing!
Looking around the room,it was fairly dated. Its like it actually stayed within the 90's, the color of the curtains,the old tiles,the bathrooms...feels like the whole place stopped in time... and i mean, we're in 2014. You know. I also got a side room,so i feel rather cheated when they say all rooms are ocean facing,when my apartment was...really facing another block-Don't promise what you can't deliver... I only had a small view of the ocean :( Certainly did not meet my expectations in 3 aspects: the design/decor, the sea view that was promised, as well as the air conditioning, which can make it rather warm in the day. So my first impressions of the place was next to miserable, as i felt the apartment was really lacking. The sofas were also torn and looked like they had seen better days.
Being disappointed, my family and i went shopping. We grabbed groceries, and being passionate about cooking, i was going to prepare breakfast the next day for my family. The shopping malls were nearby and we managed to grab a bite at one of the nearby restaurants.
Reaching home tired from travelling, The bed was extremely comfy! I'm a guy who gets used to my own bed, and can't get to sleep well on another bed. However the location was quiet and peaceful, and accompanied with the sea breeze, i have to say it was pretty nice for comfort.
The next day i got up to prepare breakfast. The kitchen was clean and acceptable, with utensils being rather clean too. I really dislike tiles for flooring, but eating your breakfast with a view of the ocean,you won't really care for what's beneath your feet.
Now i decided to proceed to go on the local attractions featured in a little booklet the reception provided,and they said we should make the bookings though the front desk-which was,the game changer. We went down to the front desk (yes,the same receptionist who checked us in the day before) and were greeted promptly by the receptionist which quickly and effectively made the bookings we requested,and assured us we were going to have a great time and encouraged us to take many photos! With our bookings, we had an enjoyable time at the gold coast. Staying by the beachside was great as taking a stroll along the beach is a stone's throw away,literally.
Checking out was the fastest i've ever seen, and yes,the same lady handled my checkout. I have to say all in all it was a very comfortable stay, and the rooms are ginormous. I was in a 2 bedroom apartment,and i think it could actually hold 5 people in the entire property. The kitchen, rooms, and even the washrooms were really large.
I sincerely hope that Breakfree Imperial Surf can get a facelift that is long overdue. In terms of service and location,this place has it. But the decor and amenities should really be improved. If the rooms were all renovated and updated, it will truely be a destination where you can indeed, break free.
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
- Imperial Surf Resort Apartments is just a stroll from the patrolled beach and on the doorstep to the hub of the Gold Coast in more ways than one. In walking distance to the Surfers Paradise mall with fabulous shops and boutiques and its own complement restaurants, ranging from gourmet to casual alfresco dining. Boasting spectacular view and being one of the tallest buildings on the Gold Coast. All apartments have ocean views, some also feature sights of the hinterland ranges. ... more less
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- Also Known As:
- Imperial Surf Hotel Surfers Paradise
- BreakFree Imperial Surf Gold Coast/Surfers Paradise