Unit 9 'The Rocks', Coolum Beach

The pool was clean too, and we had an ocean view for our five-day stay. I miss Clubb Coolum already! We were three: me, Mum, who uses a walking aid, and my child. The place was clean throughout, from the bathrooms and linen to the beds, kitchen and lounge, and the facilities were great. It’s family and disability friendly, and the staff were always helpful and attentive. I’m very fussy about where I stay, but this was spacious and in a perfect spot: on the main road without being too close to the busy shops and crowds. We could walk to the beach, shops and restaurants. Other Noosa accommodation should meet Clubb Coolum’s standards. I wouldn’t hesitate to book again, and wouldn’t choose to holiday anywhere else.

We were warmly welcomed by the reception and housekeeping staff, and have already recommended the place to friends. We’ll be back. Our two-bedroom ocean-view unit on the third floor was comfortable, had everything we needed and looked out over amazing ocean views. It’s an easy walk to the main cafe strip, and there were fans and air-conditioning units throughout. The walls and floors looked a little tired, though they were clean. We noticed a slight food-prep smell from the ground-floor restaurant, but it didn’t affect us much. One of the two lifts was being replaced during our stay, but that never caused a problem and should improve future visits.

I’m not seeking a refund. I just want future guests to be cautious, especially anyone with mobility limitations or medical conditions. The parking fob was unreliable at first, and other guests said it might work if you “wiggle” it. When the lift was out of service, the emergency stairwell and exit route were confusing, without an obvious continuous way out. I ended up by the pool with no clear exit from the building perimeter, while another route led to dead ends. I raised this at the front desk, but the response felt dismissive and rude rather than helpful. If you stay, test the parking fob early and ask for clear evacuation directions when you arrive. I’ve attached photos of the lift call button panel. They aren’t very clear, but show how unpresentable it looks for a hotel that isn’t inexpensive.

The kids did like the pool, and the staff were so nice that I couldn’t bring myself to ask for half my money back, even though I honestly wanted it. For this price, I was shocked by how worn the room was. It looked like it hadn’t been updated since the 90s: rust on the door frames, a microwave that I assume was once white but had turned yellow with age, a hair dryer from the 1980s that gave me childhood flashbacks, and a fridge handle that looked as though it had been used a million times. I’ve included evidence pics. This was the most expensive accommodation in Coolum.