[~Sorceress~]

So, we're heading to Paradise Resort for a week in December and there seem to be some mixed reviews!

What do I need to know in advance? We've booked the family interconnecting rooms but are on a waitlist for a family resort and a family room close enough together to use.

I'm planning to take my Thermomix so we've got the option of cooking in our room, but knowing my family they'll prefer to eat out ... so any tips on the best value places to eat nearby (I'm guessing the resort isn't going to work for 8 nights straight!) very welcome!

Is the Kids Club as good as it looks?

[Pearson]

We have not been for a few years, DS loved it. The rooms are a little dated and tired, but I have always had a comfortable bed (better than some places that I have paid considerably more for).
The kids club is pretty awesome, and most kids are happy to have different friends to play with.

We like that we could keep an eye on the kids easily, always got a pool view room so DS could go down to the pool and hang out, but we could keep an eye on him etc.

The in-resort restaurant is a bit hit n miss. However, there is a red rooster a block and a half away (towards the beach). Also, check out the Surfers Paradise RSL, they have a great menu, affordable and welcome families (we got gourmet pasta there last time, for 1/2 the price you would pay on the street) La Porchetta is on ?orchid ave? and is nice too.

There is a bus stop right outside the door and this will take you to most places including the theme parks, or south to surfers cbd/pacific fair etc. So, if you are from SEQ, take your go card!

Woolies is about 3 blocks away walking.

I HTH, have a great time!

[~Sorceress~]

Thanks so much, Pearson. The RSL sounds like a great tip!

[Charlie & Lola]

Basically don't expect 5 star luxury and you won't be disappointed. It can get crowded around the pool and it really is very very very child friendly but the kids should have fun. The staff were super friendly, the poolside cafe had very reasonably priced meals for lunches and the 'restaurant' wasn't too bad considering it's aimed at families. There was a lot more choice of salad/veg there than at any of the restaurants on Hamilton Island.

We did a big shop at a local supermarket on the first day, bought cereals, fruit, snack foods, drinks etc so we could feed the kids some meals in the room.

If you like seafood the seafood buffet at the ANA hotel was good value.

[Jenno]

I live not far from surfers and if it is possible, get out of surfers to do your shopping, you will save yourselves heaps.

If you are looking for a few hours of safe water play the broadwater parklands water park is great, shallow but so much fun and there are lifeguards there. And along that strip are parks, cafe etc .

Have fun

[~Sorceress~]

Thank you . Broad water parklands sounds lovely!

[Miranda Grace]

We had a blast there earlier this year.
Rooms very basic but clean and tidy
Cheap lovely meals from poolside cafe
Great kids club. Even my 11 yo ds loved it
Great sitting by the pool of an evening with great live music
Noisy during the day as the pool area is so busy
Annoying bop Bop music blasting in my ears while trying to read poolside off putting.
Close to everything
Pool small and very crowded but the pool slides and stuff makes up for it.
Staff friendly
Enjoy!

[Dionysus]

didn't stay at Paradise Resort, but just thought I would put another vote in for heading to the broadwater rockpools. DD was just over 2.5 when we went to Surfers Dec/Jan this year and we stayed walking distance from the rockpools. Fantastic setup!