The Sands Apartments 40 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, Queensland 4217

"Was a little run down cosmetically but worth the money for the location."

"Let those with the highly contagious CCV (consumer complaints virus) warn those with a low immunity to stay away because it means more vacancies for we out here who "get it" that if you pay for 3.5 stars, you get 3.5stars. The Sands is a medium lustre "gem" nestled amongst gold plated 5 stars. We've stayed there twice about 2+ years ago for breaks. Ordinary but clean, lovely management, potential excellent views, playground, parking, pool, close to beach and Cavil Av. We will return, hopefully there's a vacancy after this good report (and others who "get it") promoting decency and fairness. Lucky to have such affordable acomodation. That's what makes The Sands a unique gem"

"Great place and great location. The master bedroom was massive with a balcony and beautiful view. The dining room was also beautiful with glass windows looking out over the ocean. Fully equipped kitchen and right across the road from the beach. Our family of three loved staying here. We had an allotted car park which was very convenient. It is an older apartment but still clean, in a great location and has everything you need at an affordable price. Excellent holiday spot."

"MAKE SURE to check your credit card charges after your stay. I was charged twice for one night stay. I called them up for this, and the answer I received did not assuage the experience at all (rather it seemed to make it worse). The rooms also seemed to be of sub-standard quality; while generally clean (more on this below) and modern, my room had a later large hole in one wall, and no airco. The two controllers for the fans both did not work (likely empty batteries). Cleaning of the room was not great - the areas that needed to be clean where, but other areas were dusty and grimy. The shower was blocked and overflowed. The bedroom sliding door did not want to lock. Reception (one person) was closed at a time it said it would be open when I checked out, and it seems service/friendliness could have been better. If you're a single traveler, and you are used to a few things/roughing it a bit, this place may work for you, but I strongly advice that married couples going on a romantic trip avoid this place. Not sure about families, would depend on family and what they are used to I suppose. There is a sign in the room urging people to "contact management instead of leaving an anonymous review". A question to management; why not do some effort (new or improved cleaning staff, hospitality training for existing staff, check batteries before someone comes, make rooms the day of entry and not beforehand (if so), ensure showers do not flood, ensure locks work, remove that "anonymous review" sign) and run a top-class place? The rooms in themselves are modern and great, so with a little TLC it seems this place could shine in no time. UPDATE: I did get the extra charge back, so made it 2 stars instead of 1."

"The view and location is great, but that's were it stops. Very very disappointed with the room stains on the carpet, a dirty towel was still hanging on the door when we checked in, the light and fan did not work in one of the rooms, the glass doors were that dirty the people who were previously in there had written on the glass clean me, the door lock wasn't really good so we didn't feel very secure in our room. It's not a good place to stay if you have children due to it being close to the party scene. Would I stay again no, would I recommend it to anyone else no."