Xanadu Main Beach Resort

We slept wonderfully during our five days here. The beds and pillows were the standout, and I couldn’t fault a thing about the stay. Staff were friendly and helpful. Our spacious two-bedroom apartment on the 16th floor had patios looking out over the sea and The Broadwater. The resort’s tropical grounds were beautiful, and the pool and BBQ areas were spotless with plenty of shade. It’s a perfect beachside location, and we can’t wait to return.

The worst surprise came on our last day: a horrid brown stain on a mattress. We were too frightened to lift the base sheet any further, and too apprehensive to check the other mattresses. That’s truly disgusting and is why, although we enjoyed the holiday, we won’t consider returning to Xanadu. My three-star rating, and the two stars I considered, reflect that. To Xanadu management, I’m glad to hear the next paying guests in Apt 140 will have a much improved experience with the help of our money. The apartment was reasonably clean, spacious, and had lovely views from its good-sized balconies, though occupied spider webs hung from them. The decor, kitchen, and furniture were old and dated, far from what the website showed. The carpet was reasonably clean but worn in places. The kitchen was equipped, but the dishwasher was old and its crockery drawers rusty. The kettle had a little scum buildup, and the toaster’s heating elements looked rusty. Wardrobes were old but adequate. The shower head leaked, and the curtain backing was filthy and mouldy. We woke at 4 a.m. every morning to mechanical sounds, hammering, or both, whether from construction sites, the beach, or roads. Sunday was no exception. We’d noticed active construction all around Xanadu on arrival. Check-in was easy, and staff were friendly, helpful, and very efficient. They quickly removed the ants after my first uncomfortable night, when I felt I was being bitten and woke to ants in my bed. They also cleared two active ant trails leading from outside into the bedroom and lounge and changed the bedding. The pool was adequate, basement parking was great, the building felt secure, and the lift was very fast. It’s a convenient spot, just moments from the beach, shops, and restaurants.

As tourists, we shouldn’t be treated this way. The room was extremely dirty and the service was terrible. When we asked for clean towels and a floor cloth, reception told us to wash them ourselves. We were also told to wash the floor towels in the same machine as the shower towels, which felt unhygienic and disgusting. The staff attitude was very poor. If I’d known this was the service, I wouldn’t have spent a cent staying here. It’s one of the worst hotel experiences I’ve had, and I’ll never set foot in the place again.

For the money, Main Beach is good value, with fantastic views and access to the best of the Gold Coast. The buildings are big, but the place doesn’t feel busy. It faces east, so the morning light will wake you up. Paying extra for a high floor is a must.