Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach

Sofitel is supposed to be the epitome of the Accor Group as a luxe brand. As an Accor Gold member, I was expecting more. The hotel was not able to upgrade my room as there was no double-bed rooms available upon my check-in. When I asked if they could offer alternative benefits the reception staff said that room upgrades were upon availability so if none are available then no upgrades would be offered and they could not offer any alternatives. We were given a level 6 room of a 20+ floor hotel. As Accor Gold it was a bit of a let down (pun intended). As we travelled during the Australian school holiday period, we had not expected the spa area (not the pool but the actual spa) to be filled with very young children - probably primary school and younger - splashing around in the spa. Experience was less than enjoyable. I noted that there was a sign nearby to indicate that children are to be supervised, but still a spa is not a splashing area for kids. One group was even playing footy ball passing between children in the spa and those in the adjacent pool. There was toilet paper floating in the spa also. The hotel also stated no glassware in or near the pool area, but obviously this was not observed. Some adults placed their cocktails and beer schooners by the poolside (edge). This was a safety issue that the hotel staff did not bother to address as staff were delivering drinks to guests without further reinforcement of the safety notice. Another poor safety feature is the lift. #1 - the lift door closes very quickly within 2-3 seconds after it fully opened. This is probably the fastest closing period I've come across. Safety sensor worked at all times, but still 2-3 seconds is hardly enough time to relaxingly stroll from one waiting area to another. #2 the lift from the carpark is not disabled-person friendly. There are several steps and down to get to the lift landing from the carpark. No wheelchair or elderly with walking aids can get to the lift landing without help. The only access for wheelchair guests is to be dropped off at the drive-through foyer area. If someone was to fall from the steps, there is very little the injured can do as there is no nearby call button. As Accor Gold we were given two drinks vouchers. We elected to use it for morning coffee instead. Ordered for Long Black Large - that one in Australia would expect would be a barista-made coffee. When the staff brought the coffee out they said they only had 1 size - and it was a small size (next step up from a babyccino size). The Long Black taste exactly like filtered coffee they would have used for breakfast service. So what's the difference there? Bed was ok - though was 'noisy' whenever you turned in the bed. It was the sound of friction between the sheetings. Not a biggie but if you are a silent sleeper, it does affect your sleep. If so, don't choose Sofitel as that is their signature bedding. Toilet was typically worn - but all operational. Bath amenities are now in large bottles affixed to the wall. They no longer offer small travel sized toiletries. Check-out was a breeze - efficient - no doubt they would like to get you out and away as soon as they can. Overall our stay could have been better at this Sofitel post-covid lockdown era. If you are looking for a better bang-for-your-buck, spend it at the better rooms at the Novotel Surfers Paradise that is still part of the Accor Group. Unfortunately our experience was not relaxing enough to warrant a return.

Great hotel staff was amazing especially breakfast staff always friendly & helping out. Would stay again at this hotel.

very good hotel close to convention centre

Everyone was lovely and helpful and professional

Comfortable, cared for - but too short.