Tag Archives: Novotel Surfers Paradise

Dec 27 2018

Destination – Gold Coast. What to do during your stay!

When you reside in South East Queensland, the Glitter Strip that is the Gold Coast, or the Goldie as it is often affectionately referred to by locals, is right on your doorstep. Funnily enough, when something is right on your doorstep, you often overlook it in favour of destinations further from home.

Highrises tower over sand, surf and myriad of city streets. Here the limit is, imagination, pure and simple.

Recently having enjoyed a brief overnight stay at Surfers Paradise, it was a delight to spend some time wandering our little area and visiting a few local businesses. Our accommodation for the night, was Novotel Surfers Paradise. Not the first stay here and definitely wont be the last.

This trip was to serve two purposes, one for a function, the other to catch up with lifetime mate and spend some girl time alone for the first time in about 16 years. Both purposes were fulfilled beautifully,

With a balcony giving a view of the sea and beach, Novotel Surfers Paradise, really is a pleasant place to wile away some time as you relax into that holiday (albeit brief) mode. Our room had been renovated, was clean, tidy with plenty of room to move. That balcony is just an awesome added extra bonus!

Staff were fantastic, throughout the establishment, from reception to cleaning and everything in between. Very welcoming and helpful. The only meal we had at the hotel was breakfast, but, the choice at the buffet is superb. Add to that a helpful chef who can whip you up an omelette or eggs of your choice. Yum, great way to start your day.

Even though the weather wasn’t that great we did head out for lunch on the first day. After a bit of retail therapy, what could be nicer than a balcony lunch overlooking the flame trees in full flower, with a lot of potential for simply watching the world go by. We found this ideal spot at Hard Rock Cafe. Located on the same block as the hotel, we arrived there by meandering through some interesting shops between the Novotel and Hard Rock. Ok so we didn’t go far, but in our defence, there was a lot to see, I mean a lot!

Again the service was superb, with meals coming out quite quickly. The Nacho meal was huge and I certainly enjoyed the fish n chips, awesome food, great company and a lovely atmosphere.

There’s plenty to see at this venue too, with walls seeping music history for your perusal. Loved the Christmas tree set up, great tribute to Guns N Roses.

Part of the reason for this trip was to visit a small function at the iconic Island hotel. With a renovated function, open bar area on the rooftop, it was interesting venue to visit. The Island is one of the original hotels for Surfers Paradise, now renovated, whilst still maintaining some of the history from years gone by. We were treated to a very brief sunset, which looked incredible from the function room we were in. Would recommend paying The Island a visit whilst you’re exploring Surfers, theres a great bar and restaurant downstairs, plus those renovated rooms are apparently quite a sweet place to stay.

Our exploring included a test of a couple of chocolate places, one each day of course… Our favourite between Max Brenner & San Churro, was the latter, on this occasion.Remnants of the 2018 Commonwealth Games remain around Surfers, with Borobi smiling happily at tourists and locals alike, inviting you to take a posing photo.

We finished our exploration of this small part of the Gold Coast, with a lunch at Helm Bar. The large sprawling complex caters for your needs and is conveniently located alongside one of the canals, meandering its way through Surfers. Even on a dull, overcast day, there is still plenty to see across the water, with the big floor to ceiling windows allowing a great view. Here we encountered helpful, friendly staff and a menu with plenty to choose from.This superb platter we shared was a credit to the Chef. Awesome finish to our short little break.

There is simply not enough room to cover everything we saw and experienced. However, set Gold Coast as a destination for your break, either short or long stay. You certainly will not be bored!

Further photos and brief stories, posted on Dine Live Travel’s Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and Stellar. Follow Dine Live Travel to enjoy future visits to the Gold Coast!

Mar 18 2018

Novotel Surfers Paradise

Treated to a viewing of the refurbished rooms at Novotel Surfers Paradise this week was quite an unexpected bonus. Attending this Travel Massive meet was most definitely worth the return trip from Brisbane to the very heart of Surfers Paradise.

Now sporting a wonderful peaceful ambiance the rooms are quite inviting. Couple this with the balcony off each room giving you simply stunning views across the Gold Coast, and you have a winning combination.

A new rooftop area is now available for function hire. Very spacious, kitted out with comfortable, inviting furniture, this certainly is a rooftop space worth considering if you’re requiring a venue.

Views upwards are quite impressive too!

Staff were all friendly and more than happy to assist in any way possible. The lobby area can be quite busy at times with tour groups coming in and out but it doesn’t matter as there is such a huge amount of space, along with a bar/cafe, information & tour booking desk as well as reception. An onsite restaurant is up on level one plus laundry, games room, gym etc near the pool and rooftop areas.

Centrally located, from this hotel it is a mere short stroll to the beach as well as a multitude of attractions, leave the car and enjoy a walk.

Consider this hotel if you’re looking for accommodation, those newly refurbished rooms really do look very inviting!

Jul 23 2017

Novotel Surfers Paradise – Hanlans Restaurant/Bar

Mini Breaks are a great way to give your mind and body a chance to take a breath before you launch back into the routine of life. This view of Surfers Paradise Main Beach area, could be all yours at Novotel Surfers Paradise.  As an Accor Plus member, the complimentary room for the year was still waiting to be utilised.  Hence a visit to Novotel Surfers Paradise.

Our view from the room, was mesmerising.  From here we could watch the activity on the streets below, check for whales passing out at sea, view the river and its boats, or simply chill out and enjoy the landscape canvas rolled out before us.   Sunset and Sunrise views, were nothing less than superb!

Day rolled into night, with outstanding orange hues as the sun dropped in behind the Western Ranges.  As the hunger pains set in, we visited the Novotel Restaurant, Hanlans.  Located on Level 1 of the complex, the expansive restaurant mainly operates as a buffet for both breakfast and dinner.   On the ground floor, Hanlans Bar is open through the day, with a breakfast and lunch mini menu to keep you going.Staff here are attentive.  Water is topped up throughout your meal, plates are cleared in a timely fashion and above all else, every staff member we came across, throughout the hotel, from reception, concierge through to bar, restaurant and cleaners, were professional yet friendly.  Its a rare venue to have all staff displaying good quality customer service.

From fresh seafood, to seafood salads and other salads or meats, through to a delectable dessert selection, along with many options in between, there is plenty to choose from.

Should you have the prilege of being an Accor Plus member, you will receive big discounts of your meals.  For two people with one membership, this results in a 50% meal discount, essentially one of you eats for free.

Rooms are comfortable, clean, with balconies plus the added bonus of being so close to a lot of options, where you will likely park the car and leave it there.  Shopping is below the hotel, or walk to the beach in 5 minutes.  Check out the Q1 tower for a birds eye view, barely 10 minutes walk or visit the many other attractions in the area.  

As night falls, life does not become quieter on the streets below. Patrons flock to the nightlife, bathing in the depth of colourful lights, twinkling around them from all angles.

A winter sunrise in Queensland is stunning.  Orange hues light up the fiery sky before fading through to the daylight blue.  Take a short walk to the beach and you may have the opportunity to see a surfer disappearing into the waves. 

Silhouettes outlined by. the rising sun provide not only fantastic photo opportunities, but also those moments where time stands still, momentarily.  Indulge yourself, take the walk and wonder at the colourful birth of a new day.

All the food we enjoyed at the Novotel was fresh, nicely presented, and enjoyable.  Below are some food images from our weekend stay.Caesar Salad with Chicken tenders at Hanlans Bar.

Love the presentation of the loose leaf tea.

Calamari & salad at Hanlans Bar.

Cheese plate at Hanlans Bar.Burger at Hanlans Bar.

Ice cream is made fresh on the premises.

I love this personal touch with what we think are staff handprints across the front window, making an interesting view from Hanlans Bar.   Sit down in the bar, enjoy a barista or bar drink whilst you watch the world go by.   There is always something happening in Surfers. This is a venue we will return to, look forward to seeing you there!