Novotel Surfers Paradise – accessible hotel Gold Coast

In the middle of winter it was wonderful to escape to Queensland for warmer days, beach walks and accessible family-friendly activities. Novotel Surfers Paradise offers accessible accommodation in an ideal location to access all that the Gold Coast has to offer. We love nothing more than staying in a hotel where we can wheel out the door and have attractions close by. Ease of access is key for us and Novotel Surfers Paradise provided just that on our recent trip to Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Novotel Surfers Paradise – accessible Gold Coast accommodation

Pulling up to the hotel in our rental car, we were immediately impressed with its central location. Cavill Avenue, with its shopping, dining and entertainment, is just around the corner. The beach is a block away and the accessible tram network is practically on the doorstep.

Our family stayed in two neighbouring rooms as interconnecting accommodation is not available for the accessible room.

I am always impressed when the decor of a hotel reflects its location, so I loved the colourful surfboard prints on the walls in the rooms. Block out curtains allowed us to keep the Gold Coast’s sunshine at bay until Amelia was ready to wake up. The same cannot be said for our early bird Braeden who was up before the sun each day, ensuring we didn’t miss a walk/wheel to the beach to see sunrise.

Opening the sliding balcony door allowed us to capture the fresh sea air from the nearby beach.

The generously sized accessible room provides plenty of space on either side of the bed for transferring from a wheelchair. The room can be made up with a king size bed or this can be split into two twin beds. Request your preference at the time of booking.

We were able to cast our favourite shows to the television and the small bar fridge was perfect for storing our movie snacks. USB charging outlets beside the bed made charging our devices a breeze.

Braeden loved the ease of moving around the room in his wheelchair on the laminate flooring. It’s so much easier than carpeted rooms.

Bedroom facts – bed height 60cm and under bed clearance 9cm

Novotel Surfers Paradise accessible bathroom

A spacious accessible bathroom allows plenty of circulation space for a wheelchair user.

The bathroom is equipped with a shower bench, grab rail and height adjustable hand-held shower. The towel storage rack is located a bit high but the towels hanging from it should be reachable.

A backrest is fitted to the toilet and a hinged support railing, which can be lifted out of the way for transferring, is attached to the side of the toilet. The sink has a lever tap with space for a wheelchair user to access it.

The only thing missing from the bathroom is somewhere to put a toiletry bag or other travel essentials. A small bench would be really handy.

Bathroom facts – bathroom door clearance 89cm, toilet height to seat 47cm, toilet height to pan 45cm.

More bathroom facts – shower bench height 47cm, sink 81cm

A large wardrobe is located in the wide entry way of the accessible room. It’s wonderful to be able to store suitcases out of the way to keep the room clutter free. The hanging rail within the wardrobe is at regular height.

We stayed in rooms 602 (accessible room) and 603 (the next door standard hotel room).

Novotel Surfers Paradise – standard accommodation

While the non-accessible accommodation at Novotel Surfers Paradise isn’t quite as spacious as the accessible room, it’s still a great size.

The accessible features are the only real difference between the rooms. The bathroom in the non-accessible room is suited to someone with mobility as there’s a step up to access it.

I always like to show the contrast in rooms so anyone looking to stay has a good idea of the features in both room types.

Breakfast buffet at Novotel Surfers Paradise

We love a good hotel buffet breakfast and the Novotel Surfers Paradise did not disappoint. We stayed for three nights and it was refreshing to see that the hot foods rotated every second day.

A lovely variety of pastries, fruits and hot food is available at a good height for wheelchair users. Guests requiring gluten free options are well catered for with a separate table offering gluten free cereal, pastries, bread and a dedicated toaster.

Accessibility throughout the dining room is good with sufficient spacing between the dining tables to move through with a walking frame or wheelchair.

A heated outdoor swimming pool (step entry), barbecues and outdoor seating provide an alternative to the beach on sunny days.

Towels are provided free to guests.

A guest laundry is available with washing machines and dryers.

Accessible parking is provided in the Paradise Centre, directly below the hotel. Subject to availability, parking may also be available in the hotel driveway.

For bookings and further information about Novotel Surfers Paradise, check their website.

We were guests of Novotel Surfers Paradise, but as always we hope the photos and information will reflect the accessibility of the accommodation and whether it will suit your needs.

While staying at Novotel Gold Coast we walked/wheeled to Skypoint Observation Deck to watch sunset and have dinner. You can read our review of Skypoint Observation Deck on our website here.

If you have a need for speed and can transfer to a tandem go-kart, head to Slideways Go-Karting.

Culture more your thing? Don’t miss HOTA – Home of the Arts.

And if you hanker to be at one with nature, head out on a Sea World Whale Watch Cruise.