Gold Coast Paradise: Boulevard Towers Holiday Apartments Await!
Gold Coast Paradise: Boulevard Towers - My Honest Take (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the beans on Boulevard Towers. This ain't your sanitized brochure review; this is real talk, Gold Coast style. I stayed there a few weeks ago, and honestly? It was a rollercoaster. Let’s dive into the chaos!
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- Keywords: Gold Coast apartments, Boulevard Towers, holiday apartments, Surfers Paradise accommodation, wheelchair accessible, accessible hotel, family-friendly Gold Coast, spa Gold Coast, swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, Gold Coast views, waterfront apartments, accessible travel, Gold Coast dining, family holidays.
- Meta Description: My unfiltered experience at Boulevard Towers on the Gold Coast! From accessibility and killer views to the questionable breakfast buffet and the (thankfully!) amazing pool, I'm dishing out the honest truth. Accessibility, family fun, and the search for the perfect coffee… read on!
(Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, Honestly)
Look, I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I always appreciate good accessibility. Boulevard Towers claims to be accessible, and well, they try. The elevators are huge and the ramps are decent, which is a huge plus on its own. BUT, and this is a big but, getting to some of the amenities felt a bit clunky. Like, the pool (more on that later!) meant a slight detour and a few less-than-ideal inclines. The accessible rooms themselves seemed well-equipped, but I didn't personally stay in one so I can't give a definitive opinion. On a scale of "effortless" to "haphazard," I'd land it somewhere around "enthusiastically awkward."
(On-site Restaurants/Lounges - Fueling the Machine!)
There's a few different dining options within the towers, so you don't have to venture out, which is a lifesaver when you're exhausted after a day at the beach (or dealing with toddlers or battling your own internal demons!) I remember the bar was pretty standard issue, no real personality but the drinks were cold and the happy hour was a welcome sight after a long day of beach activities. Now, I'll warn you about the in-house restaurant. The food was… fine. The buffet breakfast. Oh, the buffet breakfast.
(Breakfast Buffet - A Culinary Adventure…Or Disaster?)
Okay, where do I even start? The buffet… It was an experience. I'm going to call it an experience. There were options, yes. Eggs, bacon, some sad-looking sausages. The pastries, well, let's just say they weren't exactly Parisian patisserie quality. There was a coffee machine that required a PhD (or at least my husband's engineering degree) to master. The juice felt suspiciously watered down. But, in my hazy, pre-caffeine state, I kinda loved it, in a "this is hilariously imperfect" way. It felt like the kind of breakfast you'd get at a school camp, but hey, it kept the kids fed and the adults fueled up for the day. I would recommend it if you're looking for fuel, but not if you're looking for an exquisite meal.
(Internet Access - Wi-Fi Yay!…Mostly)
Free Wi-Fi is a massive win, and Boulevard Towers delivers. It was pretty seamless throughout the building, even in the room (which is crucial for those late-night Netflix binges). I'm not going to lie, I spent way too much time streaming. The internet sometimes hiccuped, mostly in the pool area. So, if you're on the phone and you're standing in the sunshine, expect it to cut out at some point.
(Things To Do, Ways to Relax, Spa, and More…Oh My!)
Alright, this is where Boulevard Towers really shines.
- The Pool with a View: The outdoor pool is where it's at. Seriously, the views are incredible. The infinity edge makes it look like you're swimming straight into the ocean. It was my happy place. I spent hours floating around, pretending I was a sophisticated water nymph. It's not just a pool; it's a vibe. Pure, unadulterated Gold Coast magic.
- The Spa: I didn't get a treatment (because, budget), but it looked amazing. The menu was impressive, with everything from body wraps to facials. The sauna and steam room looked inviting for a relaxing afternoon.
- Fitness Center: I'm not a gym rat, but the fitness center was well-equipped. My husband, who definitely is a gym rat, gave it a thumbs up. Just remember to bring your own motivation, because the Gold Coast is full of temptations!
(Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Secure)
Boulevard Towers felt safe. The security guards were friendly and visible. They also had a whole bunch of safety features, from fire extinguishers in every room to smoke detectors. I didn't actually need to test the safety features, thank goodness, but it was reassuring to see they were in place. The cleaning crew were working hard. Hand sanitiser available everywhere.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Body!)
Beyond the buffet-of-mixed-feelings, there are other options, mentioned before. I'm told there is Asian cuisine in the restaurant. There's a bar with a happy hour – which I definitely indulged in! The coffee shop was a lifesaver. The food delivery service was great for those nights when you just wanted to stay in.
(Services and Conveniences - All About That Little Extra)
They had pretty much everything you could need. Luggage storage was a godsend because our flight was delayed on the way home. The concierge was helpful. The laundry service was a life-saver. The convenience store was essential for emergency snacks and sunscreen.
(For the Kids - The Mini-Humans Were Happy!)
I don’t have kids, BUT from an observational point of view, it seemed super family-friendly. They had a babysitting service if I wanted to escape to the spa alone. I had a feeling that there were even some kids facilities.
(Getting Around - Location, Location, Location!)
Boulevard Towers is perfectly positioned for exploring the Gold Coast. It's close to everything. The car park was free, and there was a taxi service.
(Available in All Rooms - The Nitty Gritty)
Air conditioning: Crucial for the Gold Coast heat. Blackout curtains: Essential for sleeping off all those cocktails. A coffee/tea maker. A TV with all those lovely satellite/cable channels. My room was a pretty good size, and that's always a win. There was a safe, a mini-bar that tempted me with its goodies, and a fantastic view.
(The Quirks, The Imperfections, The Raw Truth)
Okay, let's be real. Boulevard Towers isn’t perfect. The decor is a tad… dated. The hallways could use a splash of paint. The elevators, while functional, sometimes seemed to take forever! The occasional thump from the neighbors' room. But you know what? That's part of the charm. It’s a lived-in hotel, not a sterile, soul-less chain. It's got character, and that's what I loved.
(Overall Verdict - Would I Go Back?
Yes. Unequivocally, yes. Despite the (occasionally) questionable breakfast and the few minor accessibility hiccups, Boulevard Towers delivers on its promises. The location is superb, the pool is divine, and the staff are lovely. It’s not the Ritz, but it’s comfortable, convenient, and a great base for exploring the Gold Coast. Plus, the memories… well, the memories are priceless. Just remember to pack your sense of humour, and you'll have a blast!
Escape to Paradise: Grand Samota Hotel, Sumbawa's Hidden Gem
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your sterile, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is… my itinerary. Gold Coast, here I come, messy luggage and all! We're talking Boulevard Towers, baby! Let's see if I survive it.
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Panic (or, "Where Did I Put My Passport?!")
- 10:00 AM: Flight lands at Gold Coast Airport (OOL). Already running late because I, in a moment of peak brilliance, forgot to print out my boarding pass. Cue frantic scrabbling through my handbag, muttering about the evils of modern technology… and my own absentmindedness.
- 10:30 AM: Successfully navigate the airport. I'm officially a Gold Coast adventurer! After a minor existential crisis involving the baggage carousel, I'm on the shuttle to Boulevard Towers.
- 11:30 AM: Finally at Boulevard Towers Holiday Apartments. Wow. The foyer… hmm, it's a little… dated. But hey! We're here! Check-in. The woman at reception is, surprisingly, very nice. "Oh, you're in Apartment 1204," she says brightly. "Top floor, lovely view!" Visions of panoramic ocean vistas dance in my head. Is this real life?
- 12:00 PM: Apartment discovered! Okay, the view is… amazing. Seriously, breathtaking. The apartment itself is… let's call it "functional." It's got that slightly-been-loved, beach-rental charm. You know, where you can practically smell the ghost of sunscreen and questionable cooking skills. *But the view… oh, the view. I could stare at that turquoise water all day, honestly. *
- 1:00 PM: Unpack. Or, attempt to. My suitcase exploded. Underwear everywhere. Definitely forgot to pack an ironing board. Crap.
- 2:00 PM: Supermarket run! I need supplies. Supplies and snacks. Lots and lots of snacks. I'm on holiday, dammit! No judgement. The local Woolworths is a swirling vortex of people in board shorts and questionable fashion choices. I feel right at home.
- 3:00 PM: Stock the fridge. Chocolate, chips, cheese, the essentials. Regretfully, no champagne. Immediately fix this. Need more champagne. Stat.
- 4:00 PM: Beach time! Okay, so I have some work to do, so I'd rather not be in the sun for long. But come on, I'm here! The sand: pristine. The ocean: sparkling. The other beachgoers:… varied. Several people are clearly trying to achieve the perfect beach body. Others, however, are simply enjoying life. Love. It.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the apartment and a long, hot, luxurious shower. Seriously, this is the best shower I've had in months.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset drinks on the balcony. The view… still mind-blowing. Sigh. This is the life.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a nearby Italian restaurant (according to a slightly dodgy recommendation from the hotel). Maybe. I'm also thinking of a quick delivery of a pizza. Decisions, decisions…
- 8:00 PM: Maybe I'll eat dinner and watch some tv. Or maybe I'll just stare at the ocean again. I’m a creature of habit, after all.
Day 2: Surfing, Sunburns and Sushi Regrets.
- 7:00 AM: Woke up with the intent to see the sunrise…and went straight back to sleep.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast on the balcony. The coffee tastes like heaven, the view is still unreal. Starting to think I could live here.
- 10:00 AM: Surfing lessons! The waves are a little choppy, but my instructor is a surfer dude. He asks 'you ready for some fun?' I'm pretty sure he's never seen me get out of a bathtub. Turns out, surfing is hard. I spend more time underwater than riding waves. Took the first wave and fell on my face. A total wipeout! But you know what? It was also one of the best experiences I have had in a long while! At least I'm getting my daily dose of the ocean.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a beachside cafe. Fish and chips. Delightful! I may or may not be developing a slight sunburn. Note to self: More sunscreen. And maybe a hat.
- 1:30 PM: Sunbed and a book. A little bit of relaxation after the surfing session and before the sun gets way too hot. I'm starting to feel like a Gold Coast local, except I probably look like a tourist getting burnt.
- 3:00 PM: Sushi for dinner. The sushi was nothing special which was a shame. I ended up eating too much. It's fine, only a little bit of a food coma.
- 6:00 PM: Wandering the shops. Looking for souvenirs, because. A shirt with 'Gold Coast' on it, a tacky keychain. Don't judge me!
- 7:00 PM: Drinks at a rooftop bar. Amazing views, again. Starting to get used to these things. Feeling pretty alright. This is what happiness feels like!
Day 3: Theme Park Tango and Exhaustion (or, "Why Did I Eat So Much Pizza?")
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast, more coffee, and a frantic search for my phone (always). Today: Theme Park day!
- 9:00 AM: Theme Park Adventure! Dreamworld. Thrill rides are fun, screaming until my voice hurts. The lines, on the other hand… Worth it!
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the theme park. More pizza. I regret nothing. But my stomach might.
- 3:00 PM: More rides! But wait. When am I going home?
- 5:00 PM: Back to the apartment, exhausted. Collapse on the sofa, barely able to move.
- 6:00 PM: Shower, and then, a nap. The best nap of my life.
- 7:30 PM: Wake up. Hungry. Order takeaway.
- 8:30 PM: Realize I never bought that bottle of champagne. A tragedy of the highest order! Must remedy this tomorrow.
- 9:00 PM: Early night. Theme parks. Exhaustion. Sleep.
Day 4: Relaxation, Reflections, and the Dreaded Departure.
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Still tired. But happy, I think?
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast, the balcony, one last look at the incredible coastline. Trying to soak it all in, knowing this is all coming to end.
- 10:00 AM: A long walk along the beach. Trying to walk off the pizza-related guilt.
- 11:00 AM: Back to the apartment to do absolutely nothing. This is my favorite part of every trip.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. (Still regret not finding a good sushi place.)
- 1:00 PM: Pack. The most depressing part of any holiday.
- 2:00 PM: Final balcony sit. Reflecting on the trip. I'm happy.
- 3:00 PM: Check out. Goodbye, Boulevard Towers! Goodbye, Gold Coast! Maybe I'll come back.
- 4:00 PM: The shuttle to the airport.
- 5:00 PM: The airport. Gah!
- 6:00 PM: Boarding.
- …and so on…
Final Thoughts:
This itinerary is full of imperfections, like me. There were moments of utter joy, moments of mild terror (that surfing lesson, yikes!), moments of extreme laziness (that nap, again?). I am happy I went to the top floor, the champagne didn't make it. I forgot the iron board, I didn't make any amazing friends, and never had a great meal. But I came, I saw, I ate pizza, and I had an amazing time. Gold Coast, you were a blast. Maybe next time I'll remember the damn ironing board… and the champagne.
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Right, so... Boulevard Towers. Is it REALLY paradise? Or is it just… *Australia*?
What's the deal with the apartments themselves? Size matters, dammit! Can a family of five *actually* fit?
The Pool! Everyone always talks about the pool. Does it live up to the hype? I have high standards...
Okay, amenities, the boring stuff. What's actually *in* the apartment? Kitchen? Washing machine? My sanity depends on this. (and the washing, of course.)
Location, location, location! How close *is* it to the beach? Because, hello, that's the whole point, right?
Are there any downsides? Spill the tea, please!
Parking! Is it a nightmare? Because I've had nightmares about parking...
So, overall... Would you go back? Give it to me straight!
