u/Pusscat_catches_Koi

Just did four PAID nights (Thu-Sat) at Sofitel Gold Coast.

We were so pleased to get the early check in before 1pm (thank you Platinum status) and loved our 15th floor room that had DUAL ASPECT ocean views.

We were so surprised to see whale spray and surfacing whales from our room that day and EVERY single day until the day we checked out. That was really amazingly special for us!

Our room had a wrap around balcony too and we were able to control the temperature of the room with the aircon, curtains or opening the TWO balcony doors. SO important to me as a woman that gets hot flashes all the time.

It had a separate shower and a stand alone spa bath, nice and deep and the water pressure in the shower is good, the hot water was plentiful. Love.

There is no executive / milliesime club, but we had wonderful buffet breakfasts every single day and the options were very good and the pastries (as my husband can attest) were second to none!

The espresso coffees were perfect (not burnt like regular cafes).

THIS LOCATION IS AMAZING, we were above a shopping centre with Woolies and BWS, we were close to the beach, the casino, Draculas, Pacific Fair, SO MANY great restaurants - Maggie Choo - I'm looking at you!

They have a bar that makes lovely cocktails too.

Room Service was responsive, I got a delicious beef curry.

BEST THING ABOUT THIS STAY: Location, you are just in the heart of Broadbeach and it reminded me a little of Melbourne city. So much going on, so many options.

Would I stay here again? YES, 100%

We got there early on a 11am flight from Brissie (had asked for early checking 12-1pm).

Somehow we got the most amazing front desk staff member.

She knew EVERYTHING about everything. She offered us passes to the club until the room was ready. She told us about the local markets, restaurants and sights. Gave us a MAP!

The club was lovely and had free water, sparkling water etc. Was nice and quiet.

While the breakfast daily was moved to the main restaurant, this meant we had the full options of everything. Loved it. Especially loved the greeter, he loves his job, he is so vibrant.

We stayed 6 nights and used the club many days, the drinks were plenty, food was more than one could ask for and service was wonderful. You would never go hungry or thirsty here.

Our room service was ACE too, fast and on time.

Shout out to our room turn down staff, I take a personal hard pillow in my own cat pillow case and they arranged it in a lovely possie for us to come back to the room to.

https://preview.redd.it/9llumoua688h1.png?width=1226&format=png&auto=webp&s=2f345103039e60415dfcfb444bdd7a85f55aa67a

I highly rate this hotel.

Also, Adelaide is underrated. We did not do a hills or wine tour this trip, but did do the orchestra, art gallery and museum.

We will be back. It was wonderful.

Thank you Adelaide staff, you rock.

It seems by the Aussie website that you get to gift a gold status to a family member, sure.

But is that it?

Seems the sweet spot is Platinum?

Am I missing something, or missing the whole point?

We joined late January 2026, paid for Explorer to get Gold, somehow we bumped to Platinum after a somewhat long trip to Adelaide. Now I'm wondering if we should max this out to Diamond?

I went clothes shopping today. Because my comfy, fave, stretchy waist band pants are literally falling off me. Like I wear them and they fall down.

So I needed some pants. I went to Big W and Target. I chose sizes Large and 14. (I was previously a size 22 at least). It's been 6months, I've lost 30Kg - approx.

The size 14 were too big. I'm not saying that their sizes are correct, I'm positive they are over the normal sizing. But I had to get Medium and size 12 to fit me. My hubby was so sick of having to keep going back to get smaller sizes.

Do you know how that feels? AMAZING, incredible. I saw other people in the shopping centre and I SO wanted to say to them - ASK YOUR DOCTOR FOR MOUNJARO!

I chose better food when I started, I chose to work WITH the medication.

But I think today just really hit home for me.

It was so lovely to choose a pair of high waisted pants and be able to tuck my shirt in and say to myself - that looks good and buy them.

THANK YOU MOUNJARO - I know I did my bit, changing my food, but I could not have, and had tried to do it without you.

Just wanted to share for those that are just starting out.

It's 100% worth it.

I am what I would call a generous Viner. I look at the item, I judge it for what they are offering (if it's cheap, I accept that it's cheap). I think I'm fair. If it's junk at a high price, I rate it as such.

Recent YouTubers have encouraged Amazon Sellers to "report" reviewers because of violation of terms (fair and just) but also because of low ratings (not fair or just).

The question remains:

Does Amazon want to sell substandard items, with good reviews (from Viners that want to keep their status) and then encounter the wrath of purchasers, who by reporting us will dilute the value of Vine reviews?

Frankly, I think the majority of Viners do a good job of honest reviews. I also think that we err on the positive side. Truth.

But I do think that Amazon and the Sellers need to realise we are EXTREMELY engaged in what we are doing.

If you want to come for us, we will be brutally honest. Honest being the main word there.

I'm still a buyer, a spender, I buy on Amazon. You want to push me to direct websites? You want to push me to ebay? Okay.

TLDR: Come at me bro.

So, having read the ALL Accor+ Explorer experiences. We have not received ANY in room personalised notes or extras.

We have not received ANY in room "gifts or addons or choccies or fruit or drinks".

We have stayed at Pullman, Sofitel and Mantra. (I will excuse Mantra).

WHAT GIVES?

We have also not received any upgrade to rooms - okay - well - we normally book high rooms any way, so not expected in some cases).

It's been 6 months and I was surprised to hear there should be "SOMETHING" in the room when you arrive - I never knew this. Even a bag of peanuts would be something.

Don't get me wrong, I'm okay with the program, but I didn't know there were things that were supposed to be there that are not!

PLATINUM - we are coming for you, you better not disappoint, because I keep hearing that the other hotel programs are performing better.

OTHER REDDITERS, PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR FEEDBACK.

Do I have to BEG for a little "thank you for staying" note before I stay? Please tell me no!