RACV Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast

RACV Royal Pines Resort is housed in a 21-floor building overlooking an expanse of golf course and gardens. The third-floor lobby is bright and modern, with tile floors and a wall of large glass windows that look out over fountains. At the center of the lobby is the hotel's main coffee shop -- Panorama Lounge -- which features plush chairs in hues of wine and deep teal, crowned by a round skylight that lets in plenty of natural light. The hotel attracts a mix of travelers, including vacationing couples seeking easy access to the on-site golf course, and families requiring larger suites and looking for extensive family-friendly amenities. It also draws wedding parties and conference goers.

RACV Royal Pines Resort is set amid lush gardens and a golf course in Benowa, about a 15-minute drive inland from Surfers Paradise, and an eight-minute drive from the Southport Racecourse. There aren't any shops or restaurants within walking distance, though travelers with a car can get to the Stockland Benowa Gardens Shopping Center in less than 10 minutes, where there's fast-food and sit-down eateries, a health clinic, a large Coles Supermarket, and a movie theatre. It's a 14-minute drive to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, while the Gold Coast Airport is a half-hour drive away, depending on traffic.

Royal Pines offers several guest room options, with decor that's consistent across the board. Contemporary spaces have neutral upholstered and dark-wood furniture, and turquoise throws and cushions on beds that add color. Standard amenities include minibars, air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, flat-screen TVs with cable, hairdryers, and bathrooms stocked with l'Occitane products. 

Entry-level Mountain View Rooms have two double beds, desks, and views of the inland hinterlands. Other popular choices include split-level Mountain and Superior Spa Suites, with whirlpool shower/tub combos, and Two-Bedroom Family Studios and Suites with kitchenettes. The opulent Toruqay Suite is a one-bedroom unit with a king bed, a kitchenette, and a lovely marble bathroom with a dual vanity, a deep soaking tub, and a separate walk-in shower. There are also Executive rooms and suites that come with free access to the hotel's business traveler-friendly Executive Lounge.

Royal Pines offers extensive facilities for leisure and business travelers alike. At the heart of the resort is a 27-hole golf course where the Australian PGA Championship is held. Another highlight is the large lagoon pool, which has a section for swimming laps, and a water slide. However, while there are plenty of lounge chairs, there aren't always enough to go around, and past guests have complained that the pool area can get crowded. Other on-site activities include five tennis courts, Segway tours, and laser clay target shooting. There's also plenty for kids, with a playground and a play area in the pool. 

Wellness amenities include an expansive, well-equipped fitness center, but it isn't open 24 hours. One Spa offers a full menu of treatments, including couples massages, and has a salon. Wi-Fi throughout and ample on-site parking are free.

While many of the facilities here are for vacationers, the resort is equally popular with business travelers, particular conference goers. There's an Executive Lounge on the 21st floor for travelers in select units, and the hotel has an array of meeting venues ranging from small boardrooms to a massive, 16,000-plus-square-foot pillarless ballroom. The property also has a chapel and hosts weddings, with numerous packages available. 

The Royal Pines offers a ton of choices for drinking and dining, from casual, family-friendly spots to more romantic, adult-focused eateries. Arakawa serves Japanese food including Teppanyaki and sushi, but it's only open Wednesday through Saturday evenings. The European-style Videre on the 21st floor keeps similar hours, but also offers afternoon tea on Saturday and Sunday afternoons (however, the adjacent Videre Bar is open every evening). Family-friendly Trattoria Amici serves pizza and pasta every night of the week, while Kalinda offers breakfast (buffet or a la carte), plus a seafood buffet on Friday and Saturday nights. There's also a coffee shop, Panorama Lounge, where light meals are served, while Tees' Clubhouse next to the golf courses is open for meals all day, every day. There's also a bar next to the reception, Hydrate, that's open select evenings, as well as a pool bar, Arika, where food and drinks are served daily from early morning until dusk.