Bel Air Resort

Don't get the wrong idea... Yes, we did feel that we arrived in the 1970s but in a good way. The Bel Air on Broadbeach evokes those 'Hollywood' glamour stays with a very special 'classic' pool and old-style fittings and features. Unlike many other hotels that are left to languish, this hotel remains comfortable, classy (well, in a slightly tacky way) and good value. The service was great (early check-in no problem, late check-out no problem), good security and the location could not be better - Pacific Fair across the road, Gold Coast Convention Centre 5 mins walk away, beach 10 minutes walk away. I'll be honest, this place was booked based on location and price .... but it was a very pleasant surprise with a style to make us smile.

We have stayed here before so it was a go-to choice for us. Unfortunately it wasn't as nice as we remember it. Our room was very dated and not clean. The wool blanket in the wardrobe had long black hairs on it. Not one but many. The other blanket couldn't be used as it was dirty. The hot shower tap in the bathroom came off and fell in the bath due to the 'Hot' screw part being missing. Having to step over the side of the old bath to get in to shower is also a health and safety issue. You needed to watch your step every time. The drawers in the bathroom had hair in them so we didn't store any of our stuff in them. A bathroom reno is definitely needed. There was a distinct dirt track across the carpet to the couch. And then at 1.30am in the morning you were woken by the jackhammer just across the road by the tram-lines. This went on for an hour or two. Great! Perhaps a discount on those rooms would have deadened the noise for the guests? Overall the hotel complex is nice, but this room was disappointing. We thought the cost of the room was high for what we got.

I rate this place for proximity to everything. The rooms are dated, but the actual pool/feel of all the facilities = 90s retro delight. Walk to Broadbeach restaurants, pac fair, 20 minute bus to airport. Perfect spot for a GC weekend. The strip of shops on the highway are a little dodgey with an undesirable crowd at night, but still felt safe walking past with my child. They were harmless and kept to themselves. Thanks Bel Air. Great value, clean and safe. Great spot. I’ll be back.