Joondalup Resort

The gardens are lovely, with lots of birds, and the pool area is beautiful. The rooms, though, were disappointing and very dated. The bathrooms need upgrading, and there weren’t any extra pillows. Some lighting outdoors in the garden would be nice as well. Service from the staff felt very average. For the high price, I expected a better standard.

The kids loved the pool and the movie basket, which we got on the first night. On the second night we had to ask for it, though, and that felt awkward. Movie night also means signing into your own Netflix account, and the Wi-Fi was terrible. We struggled to connect both nights. We booked the two-night Family Fun Package. The rooms felt dated and weren’t very clean, especially the walls once we opened the curtains. Food at the restaurant was too fancy for us and didn’t feel family-friendly or suited to the resort. There were very few options for kids, and a poolside menu would make sense. We went across the road to Joondalup Lakeside for dinner on the second night. Service throughout the resort was poor. Lobby and restaurant staff didn’t seem to communicate, and no one seemed happy to be there. We even had to ask other guests where to find pool towels. I also tried for three days to reach the onsite Endota Spa by phone. It’s appointment only, so I couldn’t ask staff in person. I eventually called the Joondalup Lakeside store and found out they were booked three months ahead. The resort advertises the spa, so this was disappointing. I joined the waitlist without luck. It’s difficult to book that far ahead when a surprise staycation like mine isn’t planned in advance. We found the stay average and wouldn’t come back.

At dinner for a friend’s birthday, my medium-rare steak arrived rare, and my friend’s chicken wasn’t cooked through. We sent both back. The steak came back well done, with just an apology and no refund offered. It felt like we were expected to accept it and move on. We were also hurried on the golf course. Staff came up to us on the final hole and said we’d gone over our time, which wasn’t true. The rooms were dated and needed maintenance for a four-star hotel. We paid a lot, and there are much nicer places to stay. I wouldn’t recommend booking here.

I’ve visited in quieter periods and found it really relaxing. The pool is a joy, and every meal I’ve had at the Alcove has been spot on. Even the basic rooms are spacious, with trees, plants and birdlife all around if you stay overnight. It’s a lovely place to catch up with friends or family. Staff from reception to the eateries were attentive, professional and friendly.