Dorchester On The Beach

“Beautiful ocean views, clean well equipped apartment complex right on the beach!”

Dorchester on the Beach has some of the best ocean views I have seen. The apartments are in a relatively low rise building, with two apartments to a floor and they look straight out to the beautiful ocean. We were on Level 6 and the ocean felt so close, always ''inviting'' us back out to the sand… more

Dorchester on the Beach has some of the best ocean views I have seen. The apartments are in a relatively low rise building, with two apartments to a floor and they look straight out to the beautiful ocean. We were on Level 6 and the ocean felt so close, always ''inviting'' us back out to the sand for a swim or a walk. We also had a great view of some whales spouting water next to the whale watching boat that was anchored not far away. There is a sandy path from the Dorchester on the Beach, to the ocean front, then a five minute stroll to surf life saving patrolled areas. The coffee at the surf life club was excellent, but closes at 9am. Not a problem really as the Queensland light and nice temperatures, had us up early and ready for each day........ of relaxing. The apartment had a full kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, balcony and a well equipped laundry. We have stayed here before with our kids, who are now grown up, so it was just my husband and I as the kids were all busy with work and uni. We spent most of our time on the beach, tackling the strong ocean waves, between the surf flags, then going back to the apartment to relax, read, cook. We dipped our feet in the Dorchester pool a few times and it was a lovely temperature, but we preferred the action with the waves. The pool is very nice, but a little small and suited to young children. The walk to the shops was about 15 mins and we always went most of the way along the sandy beach. We pretty much shopped as we went, so just carried things back. The apartment was very clean and Karen the Manager in the front office was always really nice and helpful. I liked having a laundry as we didn't need to pack alot of clothes and also the full size kitchen meant we were able to cook or make up exactly the food we wanted, which was generally wraps, sweet potato with lentils, brown rice, muesli with berries., minestrone, toast. There was one negative however, the beds were not very comfortable, a bit hard and could do with a mattress topper. If we book for a long stay, I'd be tempted to BYO this if needed! It was a very easy going stay and so refreshing during a cold Melbourne snap. We've been home two days and I miss the ocean. Alas!! There are quite a few hotels and apartment complexes with similar ocean frontage, but many are high rise. We looked over the ''newish'' Langham Hotel and Residences one day as it was close by the Dorchester and we will be keen to check this out at some stage.

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