Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort

The resort offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, with its signature lagoon providing a hub for water activities like kayaking and sailing, making it a memorable destination. It is particularly well-suited for families with young children and teenagers, who appreciate the extensive range of activities designed to keep them entertained. Many guests highlight the presence of local wildlife, such as kangaroos and bush turkeys, roaming the grounds, adding to the resort's charm. However, a significant number of reviews point to the dated condition of the rooms, which often do not align with the perceived value or online images. While the overall setting is praised, some guests express disappointment with the service levels and the value for money offered. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to request a newly renovated room or an executive suite, and consider exploring dining options outside the resort for better quality and value.

Facilities & Amenities
The resort boasts a large swimming pool that is a popular spot for guests, though it can become quite crowded, especially during peak seasons, and some areas have been noted to need better cleaning or more shade. A major highlight for many is the complimentary access to water activities on the lagoon, including kayaks and sailing boats, which provide hours of entertainment for all ages. While a gym is available and generally well-equipped, some guests have experienced issues with Wi-Fi connectivity in their rooms, describing it as sketchy or unreliable. The presence of a spa (hot tub) is appreciated for relaxation, though some found it to be small or not warm enough. Guests should be aware that some areas of the resort lack elevators, which can make transporting luggage challenging, particularly for rooms on upper floors.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is notably mixed, with a prevalent theme of dated room conditions. Many guests report encountering musty smells, mould in bathrooms, peeling paint, and worn furnishings, suggesting a significant need for refurbishment in many units. While some guests found the beds comfortable, a considerable number described them as uncomfortable, too firm, or consisting of two singles pushed together, leading to restless nights and back discomfort. Bathrooms often receive criticism for mould, lack of hooks, and slatted doors that compromise privacy. Noise from adjacent rooms or walkways can be an issue for some. In-room amenities are often described as basic, with old televisions lacking smart features, poorly placed or non-functional power points, and a notable absence of complimentary bottled water, which many guests expect.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet consistently receives high praise for its extensive variety and overall quality, with many guests highlighting it as a standout feature of their stay, often noting it is particularly good for families. However, the experience at the main restaurant for other meals, often referred to as Sola, is frequently met with disappointment. Guests describe the food quality as average to poor, with dishes being overpriced, processed, or overcooked, and portion sizes often small. The dining setup is often criticized for its lack of table service, requiring guests to order at a counter, which can lead to long waits, especially during busy periods. Room service is also reported to be expensive, slow, and inconsistent in quality. The bar area is generally enjoyed for its atmosphere and cocktail selection, though guests often experience long queues due to understaffing.

Location & Accessibility
The resort's location is a significant draw for many, offering direct access to a nearby beach within a short walking distance, which is highly appreciated. However, its setting is often described as isolated, meaning guests typically need a car or ride-sharing services to access external restaurants, cafes, or attractions, as there is little within walking distance. Parking is generally available and often plentiful, though some guests report that spaces can be quite a distance from their rooms, requiring a long walk with luggage, especially during peak occupancy. A recurring issue mentioned by guests is the poor signage throughout the large resort, making it challenging to navigate and find specific rooms or facilities, particularly upon arrival or in the dark.

Staff & Service
The staff at the resort generally receive praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, with many guests highlighting positive interactions, particularly with reception and breakfast teams. However, the check-in and check-out process often draws criticism, with numerous reports of long lines, slow service, and occasional unhelpful or rude interactions, especially during busy periods. Housekeeping service is a point of mixed feedback; while some guests found it responsive to direct requests, many others reported inconsistencies, such as rooms not being cleaned, towels not replaced, or rubbish left behind. Service at the restaurant and bar is frequently described as slow and understaffed, contributing to long waits for food and drinks, and a general lack of attentive table service.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the resort's cashless policy, which means all transactions must be made via card, a point of frustration for some who also noted additional credit card fees. A significant concern for many loyal guests is the inconsistent application of rewards program benefits, with reports of welcome drinks or other entitlements being denied, particularly during public holidays, often without prior notice. The resort is frequently utilized for conferences and events, and feedback from attendees often highlights the suitability of the facilities for such gatherings. Some guests also mention the unique experience of seeing wildlife like kangaroos and bush turkeys freely roaming the resort grounds, adding a distinctive charm to the stay.