Wyndham Surfers Paradise

The Wyndham tries to make the most of its beach proximity, capitalizing on big spaces and bright light at almost every turn. The lobby makes a fine welcome, with a handful of sand or green-colored seats and some nice photographs leading up the open wooden stairs. To the back are the reception desks with a DVD-hire stand and a small display of clothing for sale, plus the entrance to the pool and barbecue deck. Upstairs, the Lobby Lounge bar/restaurant has a cozier feel with carpet and green velvet chairs, as well as some outdoor seating. Elevators take you up to the apartments, and there are large windows looking out over the ocean as you step out onto each floor. The apartments are geared towards weekly rentals, with their own kitchens, so guests tend to be families or couples looking for a little more independence during their stay. 

Set on Surfers Paradise Boulevard, the Wyndham is just a block back from the beach, though the walk there will take about five minutes. There are restaurants and small stores along the main road right outside, as well as a tram line that links to Cavill Road and the shopping centers in less than five minutes. Alternatively, the walk into town will take about 10 minutes. A 15-minute ride on the tram leads to Broadbeach (or Broadie to the locals), a quieter suburb when compared to buzzing Surfers Paradise, which has plenty of laid-back bars and restaurants. You can also pick up the Airport Shuttle from there, taking about 30 minutes to reach Gold Coast Airport. It's about the same ride to the airport in a car, or a 70-minute trip to Brisbane Airport. Attractions such as Dreamworld and Wet 'n' Wild are a 30-minute drive away, and Sea World is a 10-minute drive along the coast. 

The bright coastal style continues in the one and two-bedroom apartments, with aqua and brown tones -- including some nice wall art -- against their light walls. They are starting to look a little past their prime, and while not wholly out of style, we spotted some sagging upholstery and less-than-fresh patterns and carpets in the rooms we visited. Some of the wooden furniture is also little dated, but the overall effect is bright and pleasant. Living rooms have tables for four and desks, plus sofas, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and iPod docks. The full kitchens include dishwashers, large fridges, washing machines, ovens and stovetops, and microwaves. Two-Bedroom Apartments have a slightly larger living area with extra armchairs and dining to seat six. Bedrooms are simply furnished with large mirrored wardrobes with drawers, but only some have their own TVs. Glass patio doors lead to balconies with tables and chairs, where views are of either the river and distant mountains, or the ocean (obviously, we prefer the latter). Bathrooms are spacious, with clean white decor. Some include shower/tub combos, while others have large glass shower cubicles. Two-Bedroom Apartments have two bathrooms. It's worth noting that Wi-Fi is not free in rooms and that daily housekeeping isn't provided. 

The Wyndham has a nice outdoor area edged with palms, featuring a large pool with a shallow sandy beach area and fountains, loungers, and a whirlpool. Unfortunately, towels for the pool aren't free. The adjoining indoor-outdoor barbecue area is a great space to kick back, with lots of comfy sofas, tables, and a TV. Inside, a small gym has just a few treadmills and bikes, as well as some free weights, though it's really only sufficient for a basic workout. The Lobby Lounge on the first floor serves a daily buffet breakfast and a light lunch menu, as well as a cocktails and drinks. The selection at breakfast isn't the best, and it isn't included in room rates. There are also pizza and Indian restaurants downstairs with takeaway service. While the hotel does offer Wi-Fi, it isn't free, though there is free on-site parking.