Hotel Review: Superior Ocean View Room at Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach (Queensland, Australia)

French luxury hotel brand Sofitel is instantly recognisable around the world, synonymous with high-end, ultra-comfortable accommodation and the expected features that come with such a high standard, including the service. Located a stone’s throw from the beach at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, this Sofitel is by far no exception to said standard, large and attractive amongst a sea of high-towered hotels, well-placed in the cosmopolitan heart of Broadbeach with just about everything you could need at your fingertips.

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I recently had the opportunity to check out one of their Superior Ocean View Rooms, trying my best to experience all this French-inspired luxury had to offer and why this is one of the highest rated hotels in the area. That repute is immediately evident from the grand, open lobby which has some of the most attractive and colourful art that I’ve seen in any similar hotel on the Gold Coast, set against a sea of white with an impressive central pillar surrounded by black lounges and massive white candles. The lobby is also the entryway to the TC’s Bar & Gaming Room, tucked towards the back, and the acclaimed Room 81 restaurant, which is run by Chef Sam Moore and was recently awarded Two Chef Hats by the Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG).

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Inside the two-hatted Room81. Image supplied.

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Service is obviously taken very seriously here and it made for a very smooth check-in process, sending me up to my room with no fuss. There’s a certain, hugely positive feeling I associate with walking into a spacious, comfortable hotel room that’s obviously kept up to a high standard of cleanliness, shining especially during the afternoon when the Gold Coast weather is at it’s best and lights up the room from the bed-side balcony, making the simple, elegant room look at the more impressive even without the dramatic decor of similar five-star hotels. It’s rather bare here, focusing more on comfort than anything else and giving you a nice, incredibly roomy space to live for a night or two. The bedroom is full of light brown, earthy tones which are consistent across the bedside cabinets, clothing cabinets, and the roomy desk which includes the mini bar, along with small bottles of various spirits just to provide a bit of variety for those that like a quick nightcap.

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The bathroom is medium sized with a decent amount of standing space between the bathtub (no spa in this particular room unfortunately), large shower, toilet, and marble vanity. A Les Notes de Lanvin collection (part of long-lasting Parisian couture and beauty house Lanvin) sits on the vanity to stick with the world-class French aesthetic.

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Various electrical outlets are located near the cushy king size, as well as an mp3 player tucked away neatly by the bed (however, the adapter hasn’t been updated to fit anything past an iPhone 4). Art is minimal but effective, with the most notable painting above the bed, presenting the same earthy tones as the furniture. A large wall-fitted television is located opposite the bed, above a study desk mainly containing local guides on where to go and what to do around Gold Coast, most of which are very comprehensive. There are also all the expected dial codes and service listings for the hotel.

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The balcony is big enough to fit two or three people comfortably offering sweeping views of the beach, perceptible between the nearby hotels and their large towers. The view is striking both during the day, and at night where the below streets are full of life, particularly the nearby Oracle precinct which is home to high-end boutique shops, some of the biggest restaurants in the area, and some bars.

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While Broadbeach isn’t exactly spread out as far as hotels are concerned, Sofitel boasts one of the best locations, close enough to the beach to be considered a beach-side property but far enough to offer a more peaceful slice of Broadbeach living. Food of all price ranges are a walk outside, from the nearby McDonalds and Guzman y Gomez to mid-range favourites like Bavarian Bier Cafe and the very popular Mamasan Kitchen & Bar. But of course, you don’t even have to leave the property to get a good feed here, from the above mentioned Room81 to the more casual Bistro On3 which is where one would find the breakfast buffet (6:30am-10:30am) every day, as well as a lunch menu, a la carte dinner option (from 6pm; closed Tuesday-Wednesday) and high tea (from 2pm). On3 kitchen also services those looking to sip some cocktails or grab some bites poolside.

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On3 opens out to the pool deck which is large with more than enough seating surrounding the main pool, and also the spa and kids pool. There’s almost no depth to it, but the pool is simple and relaxing, stretching in front of the various adjustable deck chairs and boasting a large capacity. The deck is a great place to relax and, as far as my experience goes, has a quiet and peaceful ambiance, half of the seats offering substantial shade, with the other half perfect for anyone who would prefer sunbaking without having to skip down to the beach.

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Beautiful artworks decorate the lobby and are found throughout the hotel.

Other features include 10 meeting rooms of various sizes, including one located right off the pool deck. The biggest space is the Grand Ballroom, which can fit anywhere from 60 to 350 delegates. There’s a gym located on the second floor, and the hotel is also connected to a small two-floor arcade with a big supermarket, casual eateries, a Commonwealth Bank, post office, and more.

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Every breakfast buffet should have a pancake maker.

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Fresh juices at breakfast in On3.

Services include valet car parking, guest library, foreign exchange, WiFi (including an in-room service), babysitting on request, business services, laundry/dry cleaning, 24-hour concierge, and in-room dining.

The entire hotel is polished and charmingly simple, mature in it’s approach to luxury without compromising on it’s 5-star reputation. With Gold Coast now on track and steaming towards the big Commonwealth Games set for 2018, there’s plenty of big changes in store for the area, making a location as perfectly placed as this one to definitely consider when thinking of a stay in Broadbeach.

Broadbeach North tram station is a one or two minute walk from the property so zipping up and down the coast is incredibly simple. Though most of what you need is right there, with Pacific Fair shopping centre a short 10-15 minute walk towards Broadbeach South. The heart of Surfers Paradise is only a five minute drive from the property. Gold Coast Airport is a 20km drive, and you’re looking around 60 minutes drive to get to Brisbane Domestic and International.

Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach is located at 1 Surf Parade, Broadbeach, QLD 4218. For bookings and more details head to their official website HERE. Rates for the Superior Ocean View room start from AUD$289.

The writer stayed one night as a guest of Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach.

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Chris Singh

Chris Singh is an Editor-At-Large at the AU review, loves writing about travel and hospitality, and is partial to a perfectly textured octopus. You can reach him on Instagram: @chrisdsingh.