Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort

The Sofitel Noosa stands out among large chain hotels, with a laid-back beachy style reflecting its location between the river and the ocean. The bright and airy lobby makes a fine welcome, with a seating area edged with decorative screens, floor-to-ceiling windows and stylish ceiling lights hanging from the double level ceiling. The hotel is arranged over two wings, around the central pool area, so to one side of the lobby behind a light wood wall is the business center and to other end, the cozy River Lounge. A good amount of seating is arranged beside the lounge bar and its outside terrace overlooks the river. The hotel's Beach House restaurant is aptly named, and uses light wood and white decor to create a fresh, coastal feel. Hanging ferns and casual conservatory-style seating in the bar area gives it a chilled-out vibe. Guests at the Sofitel tend to be families and couples attracted by the pool and the central location, but the conference facilities also provide a steady flow of business travelers. 

The Sofitel Noosa is located along Hastings Street in the center of Noosa, between Laguna Bay and Weyba Creek. It's a five-minute walk to beautiful Noosa Beach and the many beachfront bars and restaurants, while the area's top shopping is right outside, on Hastings. Beside the hotel is a jetty where you can pick up the hop-on/hop-off Noosa Ferry along the river to Tewantin, or take a sunset cruise. Buses to Sunshine Coast Airport leave from Noosa Heads Station, five minutes away on foot, and take about an hour (or it's a 30-minute drive). Australia Zoo is an hour away by car.

Rooms at the Sofitel are spacious and light, with balconies and a range of extras including microwaves, minibars, and kettles plus living area with sofas, flat-screen TVs, and small dining tables. Air-conditioning is also standard, and suites add high-end Nespresso machines. Expect to pay extra for in-room Wi-Fi, which is a big disappointment. Laguna Suites feature wraparound balconies with a selection of outdoor furniture including a parasol. Decor is mainly white with wood furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows and splashes of color in the cushions and in the wall art by indigenous artists. Despite being bright and light, the decor is a bit plain overall. As is common in high-end chain hotels, the twin rooms have two double beds. Two-story poolside villas have an upstairs bedroom with balcony and ground-level living area leading onto a pretty terrace while suites have a separate living area beside the bedroom. Bathrooms again are bright with a light colored decor and feature a jetted spa bath and separate shower. They are uniform across all categories, although suites add rainfall showerheads. All include bathrobes and slippers. 

Perhaps the standout feature and the one guests rave about most is the Sofitel's swim-up bar. The pool area is nicely landscaped with plenty of loungers and some mini cabanas around the perimeter and central bar. Activities are also plenty for those so-inclined, including tennis courts, bike rentals, and a private dock where a host of water sports are offered, from jet-skiing to sailing. Organized boat trips can also be booked. Inside, Aqua Day Spa offers treatments, a sauna, and a large aqua therapy bath area, there's a gym with cardio machines and weights. The Beach House restaurant serves a buffet breakfast and a modern, international menu for dinner, plus a lunch menu at weekends. All three bars (including the pool bar) serve a range of light snacks throughout the day. The underground car park has a fee, as does Wi-Fi in rooms, although it is free in the public areas. The business center and a collection of conference rooms with outdoor space are handy for the few business guests who pass through the hotel.