Meridian Port Douglas

The Good Location - close to eating options, wharf area (for the market & sunsets), beach & shopping. Ironing board and umbrella provided Hairdryer with retractable cord Adults only, so pool area is quiet (except for traffic noise) Adequate pool loungers and nice landscaping around the pool area’s. Pool temperature was comfortable and pool/spa areas were clean Utensils and condiments provided for BBQ use in the Pool area cupboard, also plastic glasses as there is a no glass rule. Free tea, milk and coffee in room fridge The reception did provide a plunger pot for coffee when requested and whenever we needed information, they were helpful. Lots of tour information at reception. The Bad Bed is super soft – like sleeping on a water bed or jelly; every time you want to turn over, you have to ‘lift’ yourself up first before you can turn onto the other side (and I weigh sub 50 kilo’s!!). Management need to review these mattresses; I’ve stayed in a lot of places all over the world and have never encountered any beds as soft as this. Not impressed, We did not book a pool side room and we were located on the first floor at the corner in a fairly dark room unfortunately; it did have 3 small balconies (letting in lots of street lights at night) with 2 chairs at one of them but not inviting enough for us to want to sit outside as we did not get much (if any) sun. Bathroom does not have an extractor fan so steamed mirrors are a thing here, there is one small tiny window on the outside wall for ventilation Tap Faucets, both handbasin and shower – first work out which is hot and cold ones then spend some time twiddling them until you get the desired temperature for your shower, not what I wanted on my first night arriving in the early hours of the morning. You have to do this each time you want to shower! Shower mixers were developed for a reason!!! But installed here. Only one hook behind door & only one bath towel rail for the 2 bath towels, why isn’t there a rail for the hand towel and bathmats??? Where are they supposed to hang??? Bathroom floor gets water splattered when you have a shower – should provide a wipe cloth (or an extra bath mat) so guests can mop up – you don’t want your guests to slip! The room aircon is quite noisy – possibly due to the age of them. The Wifi drops out all the time which is super annoying (especially for NZ’ers who are used to nation wide fibre connections). The wooden shutters, were the only window covering and these let in ALOT of street light at night and if this bothers you for sleeping then maybe this is not your place. My partners head side of the bed was ‘well lit’ up this way (just as well it did not bother him), but for anyone who requires complete darkness to sleep, choose somewhere else or bring well fitted sleep mask/shades – you’re going to need them. The studio kitchenette area has very little space to work on, I would not recommend anyone plan on any meal preparation here other than heat the odd meal in the microwave, make a hot /cold drink. The washing up sink is ginormous though! Besides glasses, cup/saucers, dinner & side plates, bowls, cutlery, can opener, bottle opener/corkscrew, coffee machine, and microwave, the was a also a toaster. There is no room service here and during our 7 day stay, we had our towels changed and bed linen changed (if requested). The shared laundry outside the room is handy (only usable during 8.00 am – 8.00 pm). The Ugly The room décor is extremely dated and needs updating. Everything appears clean enough but on closer inspection there is black mould throughout the shower, light switches could do with a clean (especially the one in the bathroom) and just don’t look too closely at the geriatric taps at the washing up sink in the pool area! Toilet tissue is very thin and rough, likely a budget brand. The Meridian is positioned at a noisy intersection so expect a sound track of continuous traffic noise – not especially relaxing by the pool or in our room (which was a corner street facing room) Conclusion Overall, I would not book to stay here again, I think there are many other options that provide much better value for money. For a similar price, there would be room services, breakfast included, better views, etc.

There are lots of good points with the Meridian so lets start there. The staff were friendly. The heated pool and spa are it's best feature. The location great, short walk to the beach and town for meals etc. The room was very tidy and the kitchen facilities good. Now the BAD, to say the beds were soft is an understatement. We were in room 9A a one bedroom apartment, the springs were shot, and sagged in the middle. I complained to management hoping they might shift us, but they said that there was nothing that they could do, and that all the beds were soft in other rooms. The mattresses in our room need to be replaced. Sleep is an important part of your holiday, unfortunately we were there 9 nights. Sleeping was terrible, and I woke up every morning with a stiff back. I read a poor bed review on 9B, and when cleaners were doing 8b I felt the beds there and they were soft too, but our mattresses need replacing. So I would not go back and stay with them again unless they could assure me they replaced the mattresses.

Stayed here for a week. Had a lovely welcome and the apartment was good, fresh clean decor, superb air con which is much needed! Plenty of storage, comfy bed, hot water and decent shower. Room was spotlessly clean and fresh as was the whole resort. The staff were all kind, helpful and friendly. Balcony overlooked the pool area and the whole stay was quite peaceful. The pool was a nice temperature and the jacuzzi was always working. It was very quiet while we were there so always got a sun lounger. A very nice understated place to stay literally around the corner from Mc Crossan Street and all its shops and bars and eateries. Four Mile Beach is a few minutes walk away. It was incredible to sit on the balcony in the evening and watch the wildlife, of which there is a lot here! Flying foxes, Rainbow Lorikeets, Butcherbirds, Cockatoos and many more. It’s a self catering complex but there is a bbq facility by the pool and plenty of facilities in the apartment to cook. It was really handy having a washing machine and tumble dryer right outside the door. A welcome pack was provided with washing powder, detergent and sponges etc for cleaning. I’d definitely stay again.