Breakfree Imperial Surf

After-hours check-in was a struggle. I was told a text with instructions should have arrived, but I got nothing. Since I booked through my Accor app, I expected the instructions to show there, but they didn’t. The app doesn’t seem fully connected to the people who manage the apartments. The after-hours team kept at it and helped me get in, though it would have been smoother if I’d received the right information. The apartment was tidy and suited four people. It’s close to theme parks and good places to eat.

The reception staff were amazing, and the apartment had an incredible view, but the state of the room and building was deeply disappointing. It felt neglected and unhygienic, with safety issues that made us uncomfortable. I wouldn’t recommend it or return. We’ve stayed elsewhere on the same street for a similar price and found those places much better maintained. There was visible mould on the shower roof and heavy dust on the curtains. The kitchen doors were covered in fingerprints, a bottle cap was on the floor, and we found a cockroach and ants in the kitchen. The lounge pillows and curtains were stained. The hallway carpets had a very noticeable unpleasant smell. The apartment was in significant disrepair. The walls were dirty, and the entry door and most interior walls had chipped, flaky paint. The ensuite shower handle was rusty, broken and sharp enough to cut someone. The bath handle fell off as soon as it was touched, even though we hadn’t used the bath. Several power points didn’t work. The apartment sleeps four, but only had three dining chairs. Both the spa and one lift were out of service for our whole stay.

The location is beautiful, right across from the beach, with amazing views. I was on level 18, and the staff were welcoming with great service. The rooms were alright, but the master suite toilet had a badly damaged seat, the bathroom light flickered, and there was a huge carpet stain. There was mould or something gross on the back of the living room blinds. The fridge was a bit damaged, so things inside didn’t get very cold, but I guess it did the job.

The ocean view was fantastic. We were on the ocean side and could sit on the balcony watching the waves roll in. The beach is just across the road, and it’s a short drive to major shopping centres, with theme parks and nature walks also nearby. The beds were comfortable, and the linen and apartment supplies were clean and good. The price was good, though you’re really paying for the view. Our unit was so run down it shouldn’t be rented until fixed. I gave the company this feedback directly. Maybe other units are fine, but ours had broken shower doors, bathroom and closet drawers that wouldn’t open, badly chipped kitchen floor tiles, and a very old oven with broken parts and tin foil over the racks. The lounges were badly stained, so we didn’t feel comfortable sitting on them. I don’t mind an aged, retro or tired place, and a 70s throwback never hurt anyone, but this went beyond that.