Dorchester on the Beach

My husband and adult children, including our eight month pregnant daughter and 22 month old granddaughter rented Apartment 2 at Dorchester on the Beach at Surfers Paradise, from December 23 until January 1, a particularly hot and humid period. Upon arrival we were informed that the air conditioning was not working in the main bedrooms so a makeshift arrangement had been put in place. This arrangement was intrusive, noisy and hard to manage. With windows being blocked and rooms rearranged to accommodate the cumbersome air conditioners, we asked that they be removed. The inconvenience outweighed the benefits. On the third night of our tenure there was a huge storm which resulted in flooding in our daughter, son-in-law’s and their baby’s bedroom. A noisy and intrusive dehumidifier was installed that restricted the access and use of the room until the moisture was removed. While we appreciate that the storm was out of the ordinary, the response from management to the situation was less than satisfactory. We asked that some compensation be given and it has taken until now, to find out there would be none forthcoming as this was ‘ a first world problem’. We paid over $6000 for the accommodation, certainly first world prices. The unit is billed as four and a half stars but that is doubtful in our view. The unit seems aged with windows stiff and very hard to open, maintenance is lacking as was evident by the non-functioning air conditioning and storm damage.

Great view from apartment , no buildings in front so look at the window and can see the beach and sea . There’s a gate from the property straight to the beach Our apartment was nice , would defiently stay again .although in some places the apartment is a little tired looking . Garage a bit tight but do able Great location close to surfers Lots of air con and fans. Which you need !

Stayed with friends here over Gold Coast Marathon weekend, and it was fantastic. Views are stunning to the north and south. Direct beach access, path right out the front. Rooms were clean and spacious, and everything we needed. We used the laundry more than the kitchen, so nice to have a new washer and dryer to use. The only downside is the very tight and low underground car park. It's a tight 1.9m clearance with tight turns, so 4x4 and high vehicle owners, be aware. Doable, but hold your breath! We'd definitely stay here again!

We've never stayed so close to the beach before - what a stunning location! Halfway between Northcliffe Surf Club and the Langham Hotel, with only a footpath separating the building from the sand dunes! Stunning views from the apartment, with windows all across the front. Whilst the building itself is a little older, our apartment was beautifully furnished, with large rooms. Our hosts were very friendly and helpful. Secure parking underneath the building. Pool right between the building and the beach and a great BBQ area. Pathway outside great for a walk, run or cycle (there are plenty of Lime e-bikes nearby to rent). Close enough to walk to the action in Surfers Paradise or even Broadbeach, but far enough away for a bit of peace from traffic.

We've stayed at the Dorchester two times previously, both in 4.5 star apartments, and both times were a great experience. Hence why we chose to stay there again. This time around was terrible. Our apartment (#21) was not the 4.5 star experience we've had in the past. When we arrived the apartment was very dirty. Socks from previous customers, dirt, wrappers under the couch, food and dead bugs on the window edges, mould on the roof of our bathroom and around the dishwasher, no mesh in half of the rangehood, a massive rusty eye sore of an air conditioner on the balcony, a sign outlining one of the doors could not be used and was due to be fixed next week (this sign was from back in April) and even a sign to say the blinds in the dining and kitchen area weren't to be opened. The floors in the apartment were so dirty that we had to wash our feet again before bed. We addressed these issues with the relief managers who did offer to clean the apartment, but we were in it and didn't want cleaners in there while we were trying to relax, so were told to address things with the managers. We did that, to have the issues dismissed by a very arrogant manager, Michael. Every issue we raised was dismissed, even including the fact that we couldn't open the blinds in the dining area and kitchen, with Michael asking us why we needed to open them! As a guest in a 4.5 star apartment, being able to open the blinds to see the view when you're on the beach shouldn't be an exception. The other manager, Karen, was a lot more understanding of our issues, and did give us a voucher to the surf club which we very grateful for. We certainly understand that getting staff at the moment is tough, but as a consumer paying full price we expect the same level of service and cleanliness as any other time. No other place we stayed at during our holiday has had the issues or excuses they did. We won't be coming back.

Just stayed 3 nights here. Next time I'll be coming for longer. Fantastic views. Right on the beach. Beautiful sunrises. About 10 minute walk to Surfers and 10 minutes to Broadbeach. 2 minute walk to Northcliff Surf Club. Apartment was lovely and very well equipped. Take your food and you don't need to go anywhere. We had 6 people in a 3 bedroom and it was very spacious. Thanks for a great stay

Amazing place to stay ! Great apartments with enormous space . Beat location, right on the beach and closed to everything you need! We good a warm welcome from the owners Karen and Michael and they made sure we had an awesome stay. We will be back. Thanks for having us . Nicole (from Red) and Craig

Wow! What a place - from the spectacular location to our amazing hosts! I stayed down with my husband, kids and parents. And all had such a great time. So much stood out - location, views, hosts, heated pool (even in September while it was freezing) my favourite touch had to be the wines supplied in the fridge (mini bar style) 😉 Thank you Michael & Karen for helping to make this stay so enjoyable (numerous cancellations elsewhere due to the lovely covid) this was one well earned break!

Unfortunately we didn't get to stay due to an event cancellation. BUT the prompt, friendly and understanding manager, Michael, will ensure our next trip to the Gold Coast we will check in here first. Thank you for your understanding and hope to get to stay here very soon.