Palazzo Colonnades

The location was the best part of our stay. The pool and hot tub were clean and well looked after, the tram right outside was very useful with our two disabled children, and it was fairly quiet overall despite morning construction noise. Inside Room 1002, though, the condition and cleanliness really let us down. It was sold as self-contained, but we were told on arrival the dishwasher was broken and a technician would come during our stay. We weren’t too concerned since we only planned on making breakfast and coffee. But the plates and cutlery were filthy, mismatched, or broken. The bathroom seemed not to have been cleaned: someone else’s soap was still in the shower, there was grime on the floor, a strong unpleasant smell, and the toilet seat wasn’t attached. The advertised washer and dryer were also a problem. The dryer didn’t work and the washing machine was full of mould. We raised all this with management and were told someone would look into it, but nobody came. As we’re finishing the stay, I can honestly say the accommodation wasn’t worth the money.

The location made getting around simple, with a tram stop right outside and an easy walk into surfers paradise. surfers paradise, broad beach, and pacific fair were just minutes away by tram. For theme parks, it was an easy half-hour tram ride followed by a 10-minute bus trip. Staff were lovely and helpful, and we really enjoyed the pool and spa. Cleanliness was the main issue. On the first day, a hand-washed cup had been left face down, still wet and smelly, and some plates and cutlery weren’t very clean either. The bathroom needed a major clean. The toilet smelled bad from the time we arrived, and the mid-stay cleaner only sprayed and wiped the seat. The shower drain smelled too, as did the bin cupboard. Floors needed much better vacuuming and mopping. We got fresh linen and towels with the mid-stay service, but no extra tea, coffee, or toilet paper. Another dishwasher tablet and some dishwashing liquid would have been nice. The apartment had what we needed to be self-sufficient, though it came with just one roll of toilet paper. You can buy more at the front desk. It’s been a good stay, and I’d come back hoping the cleaning has improved.

The staff were lovely and helpful, and we still had a great six-day stay at Palazzo Colonnades. The interior is starting to show its age. We were given two rolls of toilet paper, and when we ran out we had to buy more while shopping or pay $5 for four rolls at the accommodation.

We’d happily stay again. The room was spacious and clean, and having a washer and dryer was great. The pool and hot tub were kept up well. The tram is right outside, and we could walk to the beach, shops, and restaurants.