![The main pool at Mercure Gold Coast Resort.](/web/20170121174357im_/http://www.traveller.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/r/q/5/j/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtrpyy.png/1484880506204.jpg)
Our rating
THE PLACE
The Mercure Gold Coast Resort, previously own by The Radisson, was refurbished in November 2014. New dining areas were added as was a new-look lobby and conference area. Rooms were also refreshed with some still being refurbished. The much-needed refurb added a contemporary touch to the resort, giving it a look and feel that fits the tastes of today's traveller. However, the new interiors make the exterior look dated. The resort, pinned as a hotel for sports fans, remains a popular pick for families and couples looking for a spot to escape the crowds of Broadbeach.
THE LOCATION
The resort is a 25-30 minute drive (about $65-75 taxi ride) from the airport. From Sydney, it's a 1.5-hour flight to Gold Coast Airport in Coolangatta. From the resort, it's about a 10-minute drive to Broadbeach and around a 30-minute drive to the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The resort is within a short drive of Gold Coast theme parks making it perfect stay for families. Having a car would be worthwhile if staying here. The hotel can arrange shuttle buses for groups, otherwise you'll need to take a taxi.
THE SPACE
The hotel is easy to navigate and does away with fancy names for its facilities. The restaurant is called the restaurant and the large wooden outdoor deck is called the deck. The style is typically Gold Coast, easy, relaxed and to the point. The lobby, which receives plenty of natural light, features extra-large pendant lights, said to be a first in Australia. There are two outdoor swimming pools, a day spa and fitness centre complete with yoga mats, and a sauna, giving the inland resort some beach-side vibes. There are no elevators at the resort, so guests needing wheelchair access, or families with young kids, can opt for ground floor rooms.
![Plenty of natural light: The lobby at Mercure Gold Coast Resort.](/web/20170121174357im_/http://www.traveller.com.au/content/dam/images/1/2/e/w/o/n/image.related.articleLeadwide.520x294.gtrpyy.png/1484880506204.jpg)
THE ROOM
The Superior King Rooms with balcony (34m2) offers a generous space with a free-standing desk, plenty of shelf space and a single L-shaped lounge with side table, which is perfect for eating dinner and watching TV simultaneously. The inclusions of light-coloured wood gives the room a scandi feel, and the colour scheme is neutral with pops of orange, adding vibrancy and character. The rooms have Wi-Fi access (at a fee), tea and coffee-making facilities. The bathroom is unrenovated but in good condition with new tap wear. There's an extendable clothes line in the bathroom which is perfect for hanging your swimmers or undies (and not on the balcony).
THE FOOD
There is one restaurant at the resort which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and one bar where you can grab drinks and snacks. The dinner menu features trendy ingredients such as kale and salted caramel, and does well to cover the bases from oysters and soup, to salads and pasta. There are three beef options 'from the grill'. I order the lemon and pepper fettuccine pasta with local prawns that are cooked perfectly, and for dessert, I order the panacotta with strawberry jelly and berry sorbet, a light and refreshing option which arrives in a glass, presented like it's a bird of paradise. I'm pleasantly surprised by the food, delicious, homey meals with great flavours – I'm not at all regretting my decision not to go into town.
Unfortunately, dinner might have spoiled me because the buffet breakfast the next morning was underwhelming. The food was cold despite it being peak breakfast time (there was bus-load of tourists at breakfast). I guess I prefer my eggs, bacon and tomatoes warm at the least. Though, it was great to see the hotel catering for Asian tourists with rice and boiled egg with a wide selection of fruit options.
![A refurbished room at the Mercure Gold Coast Resort.](/web/20170121174357im_/http://www.traveller.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/r/q/3/e/image.related.articleLeadwide.520x294.gtrpyy.png/1484880506204.jpg)
STEPPING OUT
It's worth heading into Broadbeach for the beach, shops and restaurants. Social Eating House and Bar is a great spot for a quick meal or a long al fresco lunch. Serving Charcuterie, confit pork belly and slow-roasted boneless salt bush lamb shoulder, the tapas-style dishes are designed to be shared. If you're in need of a break from sun and beach, it's worth taking a short drive to the hinterland where you can explore the local national park and charming mountain villages.
THE VERDICT
A resort with relaxed friendly service, spacious clean rooms and decent food, that's all reasonably priced. The resort is a good choice for families, couples and golf lovers looking to avoid the bustle of 'The Strip' but want a stay that's a mix of beach and bush.
ESSENTIALS
The resort is part of AccorHotel group; if you're a member of Accor's hotel loyalty program Le Club, it's worth checking what discounts you can get. Rooms at the Mercure Gold Coast Resort start from $165 (room only). See www.mercuregoldcoastresort.com.au
![The bar lounge area at the Mercure Gold Coast Resort.](/web/20170121174357im_/http://www.traveller.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/r/q/3/g/image.related.articleLeadwide.520x294.gtrpyy.png/1484880506204.jpg)
HIGHLIGHT
The food was surprisingly good. Trendy ingredients such as kale and salted caramel feature on the menu shows that the hotel is listening to new food trends, and the result is a enjoyable, on trend dinner experience.
LOWLIGHT
The buffet breakfast, it was cold.
The writer was a guest of Mercure Gold Coast Resort.