Historical Traveler Reviews of Meridian Port Douglas
Good location but would not go back
from Roberto79
We booked a supeior studio for 6 nights at the end of July. Room was clean and a good size (nice touch to the room is the spa bath). The swimming pool is not extremely appealing and were not able to relax too much by the pool due to being next to the road (development of a new hotel nearby and noisy when cars were driving past etc..) so it was not total relaxation for us. The apartments are extremely well located and can walk into town in a couple of minutes. Our room was only cleaned once in 6 nights and you have to pay extra if you want to it cleaned daily. I thought the price was not great value for money especially as it did not include the daily cleaning service. I did not think the staff were very friendly especially the manager of the resort.
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Owner's Reponse
This particular Guest was disgruntle as they had reserved the room for 7 nights, only to arrive a day later, staying for 6 nights, so when they had to check out they were not wanting to pay for the 7 nights that we had been holding for them. (hence not liking the staff/Manager) When the booking was made the dates had been confirmed to their request, which they signed and agreed to. The booking was made from the web site and it stipulates that we DO NOT ROOM SERVICE every day. As for the noise, we can not control this due to development around us, which was right over the far side of the road. (this has now stopped).
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Basic and convenient accomodation
from Charlie4509
The Meridian Apartments are convenient, close to the village centre of Port Douglas, which was great (within walking distance). But basically you get what you pay for, and this is definately on the cheaper side in Port Douglas, and the accomodation is therefore pretty basic. We were there for four nights and the room wasn't cleaned once (you had to pay extra for this service apparently). Our studio balcony was so small they don't even give you chairs to sit outside! I would recommend upgrading to a larger room if there is availability.
Saying all this, if you are going to be out and about exploring the Daintree and the Barrier Reef, the Meridian offers basic, simple and convenient accomodation. The staff were very helpful on our arrival, providing advice about how we should spend our days.
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Owner's Reponse
We are very diligent on stating about room service, this in on our web site and also when a Guest checks in, this information is in dark bold letters on the Registration card, when they sign and it explains about daily service. We do offer daily service to Guests at a small extra charge, all they need to do is ask us.
Of course when a Guest check's in, the room is spotless, this is stated on the comments that previuos Guests have made, so if a Guest choose's to leave their rubbish in the room and not clean after them selves, that is their choice, there are bins that we provide for guests in and around the buidling. We have had comments from Guests , that they would prefer not to have housekeeping in their room, as it gives them privacy. We offer room service for stays of 6 nights or more.
As for the balconies, the developer of the building did not give this much thought and i do agree that the balconies are small, hence no chairs, generally if a guest wants to sit out on the balocny, they have done so by moving the chairs in the studio out onto the balcony. I would expect that if a Guest has certain expecations or requests that they should ask the question first and not assume.
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Reasonably priced, comfortable accomodation
from kalsop
We chose The Meridian because of its good reviews here, and because of its no children policy.
The room and facilities were very clean. The photos I had seen were representative of what we experienced at The Meridian.
We took a superior studio. It had a small fridge, a microwave and a good assortment of plates/glasses/cutlery etc. The TV has all regaular free-to-air stations plus some cable channels, and there is a DVD player. There was a spa bath (a normal bath with 5 jets) in the bathroom. We could jump right into the pool from the balcony of our studio.
Unfortunately the pool is not heated, so even though it was a reasonable temperature during the daytime, as soon as the sun went down (around 5.30pm) the pool felt really cold. There is also a jacuzzi for communal use. There is a BBQ in the general area with utensils, plates, cutlery, condiments, etc free of charge. There was a washing machine and a clothes dryer readily available at no extra cost (except detergent).
The apartments are well located in that they are about 500m from the marina, 200m from the main shopping/restauarant strip and 300m from the beach. There is no noise from the street, although there is a bit of noise from people in other rooms on their balconies.
The management were happy to book tours for us (they get a commission on all tour bookings of course!).
It is not a resort like the Sheraton or Radisson; there is no restaurant/bar. There are probably about 20 rooms, so the size is quite good.
Overall we would recommend this to people who would like a comfortable base in Port Douglas.
Wonderful property
from A TripAdvisor Member
We have stayed in Port Douglas on other occasions but have never found a place a well maintained and clean as The Meridian. All features of the property were perfect for the type of hoiday that we were looking for. It is close to the beach, restuarants and shops.
The weather was perfect and we were able to visit the reef and the rainforest with wondeful help from the staff. Nothing was ever too much trouble for them.
We would certainly recommend this property for any one who is looking for a relaxing and affordable play to stay in Port Douglas.
Clean, relaxing, getaway
from LeenaB
My husband and I stayed at the Meridian for 3 nights in April - after looking at several other hotels in the area, we are so glad we picked this place! The rooms are spotless, with all the amenities - coffee/tea and milk, tea kettle, dishes, great A/C (which is important in PD,) and best of all a private teak deck from which we could jump right into the pool! The location was perfect - there are several good restaurants within a 5-minute walk, and the staff was friendly and helpful. I would also recommend Micheal Angelo's and the Thai place on Macrossen for dinner, and Wavelength for snorkelling the reef!
Great place to stay
from sand2691
My wife and I have returned from a stay of three weeks in Australia. The highlight of the trip was a 5-night stay in Port Douglas at the Meridian Apartments. The apartment we had was on the top floor, end unit. We had a spa on the balconey, a jetted bath tub, the building is only two years old and fitted with the most modern kitchen appliances, stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, etc. All the cutlery and crockery is spotless as is the unit itself. There is a washer and dryer installed in the bathroom as well. The pool area is very well designed and inviting.
I also appreciated the help and information available to us from the managers of the complex.
Another first class excursion was on the Quicksilver to the Great Barrier Reef. It was everything we had expected. The staff on board were very well trained and a delight to be with. We also went on the Kurunda Rail/Skyrail tour organised by Down Under Tours, as well as their Cape Trib/Mossman Gorge trip. Both excellent choices.
I hope someday to return to this area for a longer stay to enjoy the wonderful beach and relaxing feel of Port Douglas.
Excellent service and facility
from A TripAdvisor Member
My boyfriend and I stayed at the Meridian in port Douglas for two weeks.
(I noticed that some of the hotels were not up to standard in the area.)
However, Meridian was perfect!!
The room was beautifuly set out and the pool was clean and divine.
The hotel was also very convenient and close to the shops and the beach.
Everyone at reception was so friendly and helpful.
I would definitely go back again.
Wonderful
from A TripAdvisor Member
Stayed here with my boyfriend over Christmas 2005. It was wonderful to say the least. First, it was very conveniently located - minutes to the main street (Port douglas is small so its best to stay in this area as opposed to further out places like the Radisson). Second, the apartment was spacious and very nice. We had one of the more expensive rooms where you have your own pool deck. This option totally made the vacation. We had the best Christmas day ever, all we did was sun ourselves, read, sleep and jump into the pool whenever we felt too hot (which was very frequent). We also had a little patio with a table and chairs that was sheltered.
We picked this place because of the fact that no children were allowed and it really added to the sophisticated atmosphere of the place. Would certainly stay here if I ever get the chance to return. BTW, if you are looking to go out to the great barrier reef make sure you book with Calypso - very freindly staff and not an overcrowded boat.
Luxury, privacy, with location.
from A TripAdvisor Member
The Meridian @ Pt Douglas is a new resort (2.5yrs) with great modern rooms, very private and quiet with excellent pool area and friendly service. Add to those a great location right near Macrossan St, 200m to the Beach and 500m to the Marina. Only potential negatives are children not allowed (positive for some!) and lack of bar/restaurant (but many are very close by). Would recommend to any couple (or group of couples) as a great place to stay in Port d.
Perfect place to stay - The Meridan at Port Douglas
from A TripAdvisor Member
The Meridian at Port Douglas was a wonderful place for a holiday. The resort has a central lagoon style pool, the apartments are self-contained and very luxurious. It was close to everything Port Douglas had to offer.
I will certainly be going back again.
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