"This time is a bit of let down for me, the property is more overrated, the facilities is definable amazing property on the Gold Coast. Privacy and security is on high however services wise is bit 1/10. Check in to my room with High Heat on 28 deg heat at 2.30pm check in, room was dark no light on, bathroom was a mess, long black hair clinching on the hanging towel, mirrors got soap smear, bathroom smelled like old drainage issues, that’s not all, i decided to order In room dinning services, Dinner turned up 45 mins late, cold and mashed potatoes splashed over my prawns on the way up to the room. 8.20am the next morning I got a banged on my door non stop, there’s Privacy lights on, room service again, enough frustration I open up the door with a trolley forced into my room, Quickly denied ordering a room service which I didn’t Order- sorry mam someone in your room ordered this, That’s alright error happens in any department. The arrogance part is when I call reception to advised them that someone knocking non stop at the door, Her reply was blant, non professional, sounds like that reception had a bad morning too, No apologies needed, Go back to sleep I’ll let Room service know 🤨😏☹️🙁😡Sure did you still have a job reception. Next trip I prefer try other Hotel Broadbeach has more to offer Check in 28/06 definitely check out on the 29/06 I hate writing. Review obviously this is one of my favorite go to Hotel in Syd."

"This is the second time we have booked a Penthouse at The Darling, and it was an extremely disappointing experience Considering the substantial cost of the room, you would expect a true Penthouse experience, including a high-floor location. Instead, this “Penthouse” was located on level 11, with very average views. The room itself felt very dated with peeling bench and table tops and also a very strong smell of cigarettes throughout What upset us most, however, was the way a noise complaint was handled…. Rather than simply calling the room and asking us to close the balcony doors or turn the music off, staff arrived at our room at 11:45pm accompanied by three, yes three security guards to escort everyone out — there were only two other guests with us who were actually staying on the same floor. The security literally marched them to their room, it was completely excessive and honestly absurd behaviour from the staff The entire situation felt completely unnecessary and the level of intimidation was unacceptable We will not be returning, and I would strongly suggest that anyone looking for a genuine Penthouse experience to book elsewhere"

"I want to firstly say: I cannot fault the staff at all, they were hospitable and friendly. Incredibly helpful and polite. However, the expectation when you pay the amount of money per night, is that you will receive a lovely, comfortable well appointed room. I was disappointed. At the time of check in I was informed that there were buttons beside the main door, one for privacy, one to make up the room and the other- well I can't remember or can I tell you, as when I arrived to the room, the buttons were so worn I could not tell which one was which. In the end I had to press them all and stand outside to see what colour lit up... I assumed red was for privacy and green was for make up the room and left it at that. There was no ability to open a window (just a smidge) to get some fresh air, but I suppose that is a safety issue if someone has lost all their money at the casino below. The mirror was starting to lift, with the tinge of brown showing separation from the backing board. Again, the buttons in the bathroom and main room were worn so you could not determine what was what, numerous times I accidentally opened the blinds instead of turning on the light. No snacks or food in the room (which was a blessing looking back) The pillows were old and needed replacing, I haven't experienced a requirement to fluff pillows in years (and I travel fortnightly), but it was required in this room. if you are looking for a quiet room to sleep and prepare for meetings, I would recommend going elsewhere. Whilst the convenience of being down the hall to the conference was great, I am unsure whether it is worth the restless night sleep due to the rooms beside me partying (mid-week), that is not the hotels fault at all. Just something I did not expect."

"I had items taken from the room by staff at the Darling. I advised reception regarding this and she told me that the manager will contact me when they arrive to work - this never happened. I then asked my VIP host to follow up the items taken and she also failed to help me in this situation. I then put in a complaint through the Star website and received a email replay - this stated that they will look into the lost items and the hotel manager will contact me. This never happened and then I follow up with a email 21 days latter and still no response from anyone! So clearly if you loose anything or have things stolen from your room staff will NOT help you get the items back. I suggest going to the police first as you cant rely on a 6 star hotel staff for help. MAKE SURE YOU USE THE SAFE IN THE ROOM WHAT EVER VALUE THE ITEMS ARE."

"Not sure where to start... we’ve stayed here a few times and it’s always been good, until this stay. Hardly any restaurants are open Monday or Tuesday. So don’t expect much. Make sure you book in everything and check the times. We had a $100 dining credit per night and could barely even use it. There is no one at the Nineteen pool to serve drinks. They have a QR code and a phone to order, so we did. They brought the food but no drinks because someone should be taking orders at the pool. Except there was no one at the pool... so after waiting forever we realised the drinks weren’t coming. We’d also well and truely finished eating and we’re getting burnt in the sun. No one is at the pool to watch other people and their bratty children bomb diving in shallow water and splashing people and all their belongings. Room service - the drinks again didn’t come. Had to call to follow up. Got told they were coming. Then got a call 10 minutes later to ask what drinks were missing. The drinks then came an hour after we finished eating. Breakfast, menu was changed the day we arrived. There aren’t any light options. Ordered essentially Nineteen breakfast but asked for it to come without the hash browns, bacon and sausage. They tried to charge me for two sides because you’re only allowed a main. Isn’t it better to not waste food?! To top of the worst stay, we finally get to Wednesday when the Nineteen Bar is meant to open. We got all dressed up to have a drink before dinner and guess what? The bar is closed for a private function. Wow great! They don’t even tell hotel guests or people coming for dinner reservations. You can’t even go out to the pool or look at the view at 4:45 - 5pm because they're also using that whole area. I feel sorry for tourists and people that have never been to the Gold Coast before. You look forward to doing something and you can’t. It’s certainly not a 5 star hotel and they certainly don’t care about guests at all. Spend your money somewhere else where they actually care about their guests and return visitors. It’s not as if it’s cheap. Previously to covid we were told Accor members and never experienced such poor service at even 4 star hotels."