The Penthouses

This was our fourth trip to the Gold Coast and we had narrowed our accommodation choices down to 2 based on location, price and reviews. The Penthouses was one of them, but we had serious reservations about the place based on some reviews on the Trip Advisor web site. So to be fair we contacted the managers direct, mentioned the reviews and asked if we could expect what we could see on the web site. They replied that what we could see would be exactly what we would get and that the reviews were written about apartments that they had since downgraded to a 3 star rating and had advised the owners to upgrade them. Based on this discussion, we booked a 3 bedroom apartment for two weeks and hoped we hadn't mad a mistake.

On arrival we were not disappointed. We were on the 13th floor (ominous sign), but the apartment was very spacious, the master bedroom was large with a very spacious walk in robe and big ensuite. Bedrooms 2 and 3 had built in robes and were of a reasonable size for a holiday. The kitchen was well appointed with dishwasher, new fridge, microwave and electric wall oven and bench top hot plates. The lounge and dining areas were also large enough so that 6 people weren't tripping over each other.

The view from the balconies was majestic, the Pacific Ocean and coastline from Tweed Heads to The Spit from the lounge balcony and great views over the Hinterland and Gold Coast from the master bedroom balcony. All other rooms had ocean views and ocean sounds included. The only downside here was that the front balcony was on the small side.

As with all of the other apartments we have stayed in, the level of provisioning in the kitchen was basic. The range of pots, pans, containers etc wasn't too bad, and was certainly the best so far. The main problems were a shortage of plastic storage containers, sharp knives that were blunt and plastic ended cooking utensils that melt when used on the barbeque. We ended up buying a sharp knife, barbeque tools and plastic storage containers and then took them home with us. Upon leaving we did advise the building management that the standard of kitchen utensils needed to be reviewed.

The apartment was showing signs of age with grout between tiles in the main bathroom being discoloured in places, and some of the fittings in the ensuite were also discoloured. Overall the bathrooms were OK but could do with a makeover. The kitchen is also at the stage where it needs a makeover as the hotplates and oven were old and the bench tops are heavily scratched.

To sum things up, the apartment was very large and comfortable, in a great location and was certainly value for money (haggled over the price). If you are looking for a 5 star resort with pristine rooms and all the trimmings, go elsewhere, but if you want comfortable accommodation with great views and value for money, then The Penthouses is worth considering. We will seriously consider returning on our next trip.

Liked: Location, size of apartment, views
Disliked: Starting to show signs of age
Would you recommend this hotel: Yes
I recommend this hotel for: Families, Families with teenagers, Families with young children
Date of stay: May 2009