Australia September 2013 - Translink Bus & Rail To Brisbane

***This post is part 9 of a full trip report. The index can be found here***

Utilizing the TransLink Journey Planner, I mapped out the exact itinerary from Surfers Paradise to Brisbane. The wonderful thing about the website is that it identifies specific points of interest such as hotels and landmarks, and takes into account walking time to get to the closest bus stop.

After entering all the relevant information, several routing options are calculated, each with detailed transfer information, fare price, and estimated total travel time. For the entire journey, my total cost was $10.17 AUD during off-peak hours ($12.71 AUD during peak hours). I would highly recommend using this tool if you are visiting South East Queensland and plan on taking public transportation.

After checking out of the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa, I walked two blocks south to the bus stop on Ferny Avenue (Gold Coast Highway) at Ocean Avenue. The 709 bus arrived on schedule, and in less than half an hour, we arrived at Helensvale Station, where I transferred to the VLBD rail line on Platform 2.

709 bus to Helensvale Station

Helensvale Station and train schedules

Platforms

Australia September 2013 - Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Exploring Surfers Paradise

***This post is part 8 of a full trip report. The index can be found here***

While traveling through Surfers Paradise last year, I wrote a brief post about the best hotel upgrade I'd ever received. Since I only had one night in town, I arrived at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa not expecting anything beyond a relaxing break after a busy week in Melbourne and Sydney. The hotel was just two blocks north of the TransLink bus stop at Ocean Avenue, and the walk to the entrance took less than five minutes.

Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa

Upon entering the grand lobby, one of the bellhops offered to take my backpack, but I declined. Looking around, I was quite impressed with the elegant interior design and the sheer size of the building. At the check-in counter, I was greeted by a super friendly agent who took one look at my belongings and asked if I was backpacking through the country. Traveling solo can be lonely at times, so when someone engages me in conversation, I usually welcome the opportunity with open arms.

I told her about my month-long journey through Australia and how I was absolutely loving it so far, although it was a shame that I was only visiting the Gold Coast for one night. She typed away at her computer while chatting, and finally, when handing the card key to me, she smiled and quietly said that she had upgraded me to an Ocean View Executive Suite. Initially, I had no idea what that meant, so I thanked her for her help and went on my way.

Lobby

When I opened the door to 1501 and entered the room, I was flabbergasted at what I saw. The front desk agent had upgraded me to a one bedroom, one-and-a-half bath suite with a living room, dining area, wet bar, walk-in closet, two private balconies, and to top it all off, stunning views of the lagoon and ocean. Never in my life had I ever received such an incredible upgrade. Even more amazing was the fact that I was neither Gold nor Platinum, but only a lowly Silver Elite member.

The Best Hotel Upgrade I've Ever Received

I haven't had much time to update the blog while traveling through Australia, but I simply had to write about this. Today, I arrived in Gold Coast and took the public bus up to Surfers Paradise, where I had booked a one-night stay at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa. An award night costs a hefty 30,000 points (Category 6), but since typical rates run about $200-$300 USD per night, I thought it was a passable redemption in terms of value.

I walked through the beautiful grand lobby and approached the reception with my large backpack as usual, and made some chit-chat with the friendly agent. I find that checking in at a nicer hotel while looking like a dirty backpacker typically generates one of two extreme reactions: disdain and annoyance, or genuine interest in where I've been and where I'm going. This lady definitely fell into the latter category. She asked about my month-long trek through the country, and what I thought about Australia so far.

Finally, she smiled and quietly said that she had given me a complimentary upgrade to an Ocean View Executive Suite. At first, I didn't really register what that meant, so I just said thank you and went on my way. When I arrived at my room, I was absolutely stunned. I have never received an upgrade beyond the usual "higher floor" or "better view" room. This was simply unbelievable. She upgraded me to a one bedroom suite, with one and a half baths, living room, dining area, two double beds, a walk-in closet, etc. After getting settled in, I made sure to go back downstairs and thank her profusely.

Even more amazing is the fact that I am not a Platinum or Gold Elite Member, but a lowly Silver Elite. Even without the crazy upgrade, I was already impressed with the list of benefits, including complimentary in-room WiFi, late checkout, and 15% off all dining at the resort. I almost never eat at the hotel when traveling, but I made an exception this time because I was kind of in awe of this place. Of course, I will be writing a full review in the forthcoming Australia trip report, but in the meantime, here are some pictures.

 Living room and dining area

 Bedroom

 Master bathroom

 A walk-in closet... in my hotel room. WTF.

 From the balcony

 From the other balcony

Saltwater lagoon on the lush resort grounds

Surfers Paradise beach