We stayed at Royal Woods recently for 5 nights. The resort is a like a gated community with electronic gates to exit/enter through, giving some extra security. The accomodation is in villa units of varying size. We rented a two bedroom unit comprising (1 double with spa bath ensuite and 1 twin single), general bathroom, kitchen and lounge area. Outside is a lovely balcony with a small table and two chairs. This met our needs very well being a couple travelling with kids age 17 and 9. The kitchen has a microwave, oven, hotplates, toaster, kettle etc. and a full size fridge. Dining table and chairs for four and two double sofas in the lounge with TV and DVD. The unit is fairly sparse in terms of decoration but that's ok. There is a double garage
downstairs which contains the washing machine and dryer, which you would share if there were occupants in the other part of the villa (as the villa seems to have been divided into two). Fortunately for us, the rear part of the villa was unoccupied. Had I known this was the
configuration, I probably would not have booked this accommodtion, as I imagine it could be quite noisy and I wouldn't fancy having to co-ordinate use of the laundry facilities with another family. The villa was clean and the complex is quiet. The pool is great and we used the heated indoor pool every day as it happened to rain every day of our stay. Torrential at times. So much so that on the last day, the sewerage overflowed into the garage which was not nice. We
had to tip toe over scraps of toilet paper and other things I won't mention. The pool area is excellent and includes two heated spas, a waterfall, indoor heated pool, sauna room and
games room with billiard table and jukebox. The gym was being refurbished but I didn't use it or look at it. The complex is in a quiet area with some restaurants/shopping centres nearby.
Surfers Paradise is about a 10 minute drive so you would certainly need a car if you stayed here. I was very frustrated by the electronic entry gates which I couldn't get to work at all. I had
to get out of the car with the remote and it still wouldn't work! (we came in via the exit gate, when someone drove out, so not that great security wise!). We don't like the high rise
apartments of Surfers Paradise so this was very good for us. However, I would have to be guaranteed that I had the villa to myself, before I would decide to stay here again.
- Royal Woods Hotel
