Hotel conundrum

**Emma09** · October 1st, 2012, 12:31 PM

Here is the situation:

Going on our first family holiday to the GC later this month.
All very spur of the moment

My mum income ing also.

The issue is with the hotel choices.

Would you prefer

A) fabulous hotel, great location, great swimming pools-excellent children's facilities
Little bit more $$ than I was originally looking at.

B)cheaper hotel, still lovely, ok location, not as many children's facilities

It always comes down to the $$

I'm thinking that we would probably spend more downtime at the hotel using the facilities ie swimming pool
Than we have in the past (with no children)

Am I right, seasoned travellers with children?

**RhiChiChi** · October 1st, 2012, 12:40 PM

I'd go the first option. We didn't go too far from our hotel facilities when DD was younger as we had to work around nap & feeding times. Now that she is older we can do more things out & about.

**Sopdet** · October 1st, 2012, 12:41 PM

We always try to go for the serviced apartments with good facilities for kids.

**SunnyRain** · October 1st, 2012, 12:43 PM

If you'll miss the money, go the cheaper option. There are a billion things for kids to do on the gold coast and you might want to spend more on activities than your hotel.

**FabFiona** · October 1st, 2012, 01:03 PM

I found it easier with little kids to have everything close. So for me with two kids under 3, the good hotel with more activities is the way to go.

Are you thinking the one with the ship in the swimming pool? Maybe Crowne something?

ETA: found it. Crown Towers Resort.

**Cassius2** · October 1st, 2012, 01:29 PM

Looking at your DDs age, I'd be tempted to go the cheaper option. She will not be too fussed on the look of the pool and no doubt not that fussed on the activities (can she do many of them?).

But, then again, if this is a special holiday and you are looking for a spoil, then option #1 and never look back lol.

TBH my big thing would be to look at the facilities that you guys (the Big People) would prefer. Especially with your mum coming...ie, sneak away once DD is in bed and have a romantic dinner on the grounds could be a good thing to do etc.

**~ Zarava Flutterby ~** · October 1st, 2012, 02:04 PM

I go camping so i don't mind roughing it even with kids BUT when we plan a weekend away we tend to choose somewhere with good kids facilities - more for the fact that some days while DP and I want to do very little we still have kids to keep entertained.

A great pool or child minding service (if you want alone time) is worth the extra $$ in my opinion and really it means you can save yourself some $$ by spending a day at the hotel rather than out on the town. IYKWIM.

Is there a huge difference in pricing? If it's say $100 total i'd go the more expensive option and enjoy some quiet time at the hotel.

**OceanPrincess** · October 1st, 2012, 02:36 PM

I'd go the more expensive option, if you can swing it. You deserve it

**ladybird11** · October 1st, 2012, 02:40 PM

We're off to the GC at the end of the month and staying at the Paradise Resort! It'll be our second visit there and initially we chose it because of the awesome location and kids facilities and I wouldn't change it for the world...Makes the stay so much more enjoyable when we had all those facilities to keep the kids occupied during our 'down time'!

If you can swing the more exxy option, go for it!

**Emma09** · October 1st, 2012, 03:31 PM

Thanks everyone!

We're staying at Crown Towers, should be lovely

I did look at paradise resort- but it was a little to kid friendly for me.
My DD is only 2 and I doubt she would have got the most out of it.
Definitely staying there next time though!

For things to do, so far I have:

Seaworld
Movieworld
Australia Zoo

Any other suggestions?

DH and I will get out a few nights for adult time (bliss!)
I want to go to Jupiters casino!

**beansbeans!** · October 1st, 2012, 04:19 PM

I would skip movieworld, unless you want to go as there is very little for little peoples to do there

**OceanPrincess** · October 1st, 2012, 04:24 PM

Looks lovely Em! How exciting. When are you off?

Tend to agree with Movieworld, there's lots there for bigger people to sit and listen to/watch... Dreamworld might be better for DD, or even Wet n Wild if she's into the water and swimming?

There's a lovely park right on the water, between the main hwy and the water, which we spent an hour or so at after dinner one night.

It's going to be a long drive to Australia Zoo as well - tbh my kidlets got a bit bored there. Consider if its worth it.

Can't think of anything else right now...

ETA Currumbin Sanctuary is much closer than Aust Zoo and might be more fun - you get to feed the birds by hand