Malibu Apartments

We’ve been staying at Malibu for 20 years and always had a lovely experience. Last time we stayed (not this stay) we noticed the management had changed. It was a wee bit disorganised and we found the managers a little “odd” but we didn’t let it stop us rebooking. This week we’ve stayed there again, just 3 nights this time for a family birthday. Sadly I don’t think we will stay again. We believe that the managers are a lady and her Son. Neither of which have particularly great customer service, memory recall or manners. The son in particular didn’t seem to be able to have a conversation on any level; even a good morning was unachievable. He did grunt however. The rooms lack maintenance and general cleaning. The beds are old and in need of new mattresses as they are incredibly lumpy and we could feel the springs. The bathrooms are old and in need of upgrading. The balcony and roof top terrace was nice and has comfortable furniture but the spa in our apartment roof (20) didn’t have a step to get into it, was old , noisy and dated and definitely was not worth the extra $ we paid. The final nail in the coffin was the fire alarms going off. No formal process was followed, no one visited each floor to ensure everyone was out and guests were using the lift. My disabled husband was on level 10 and struggled to walk the 10 floors down to be advised that it was a false alarm as the owner had burnt her dogs dinner. It was disorderly and a really worry in the instance that a real fire should occur. A real shame that these managers have distorted the Malibu reputation to be honest.

This was our first stay at Malibu Apartments, and while January is generally an expensive time to visit Mooloolaba, we found Malibu to be reasonably priced compared to other accommodations on the same street. That said, at $400 a night, it still feels a bit steep for what’s offered. We chose Malibu for its prime location, stunning view, and spacious balcony. While there are more modern apartments just a block behind, the view was a key factor for us, and it didn’t disappoint. Each apartment is uniquely decorated, and we stayed in Unit 13. The couch was comfortable, and the apartment was clean, though it did feel a little dated in some areas. One downside that other reviews mention is the lack of air conditioning in the bedrooms. It can get quite hot at night, and while opening the windows helps with ventilation, it also brings a fair amount of street noise. We were woken up a few times by loud pedestrians and the early morning bin collection. The reception staff were lovely, and the service was friendly throughout our stay. However, we did notice the common areas, such as the elevator and hallways, had a somewhat stuffy smell. Overall, Malibu offers great value for its location and views, but it could use some updates.

The Building, the units, the appliances, everything is dated, tired looking, grubby and desperately needs updating and some love! The location is really the only thing that Malibu has going for it. We have stayed here several times over the last 25 years. It was a family favorite but we won’t be back. Tiled areas need a revamp - even replacing the missing grout and removing mold, a really detailed scrub would be a start. Furniture has rust on the legs and falling apart. All of the “yellowed” light fittings and doors add to the “oh no” factor. Check in is strictly 2pm - don’t try at 1:50. Premium rates are charged ($450 a night) but the experience of Malibu is sadly, no longer a premium one.

1. Spa in the Main bathroom is nice, you need to step into it, the edge of the soa is approx 600mm hight. There is no step to help get into the spa. Rooftop spa with no ocean view whilst in the spa (if that's why you want a rooftop spa) Stairs are spiral stairs. Main Tv needs updating. Kitchen appliances work but they need updating. The main bedroom has a tv. The rubbish shoot is in the room which makes it handy, The carpark for that room has 2 car spaces. The staff are amazing. Hopefully the owner of the apartment can spend a bit of money to modernise it just to give it a fresh look. So many cafes and restaurants around too.

We booked the 2 bdrm, 2 bthrm, roof top spa assuming this would be luxurious. Couldn’t have been further from the truth. It was a very small apartment. Not enough room for 2 people to stand side by side. Dirty marks on walls and doors, the rubbish Shute was rusted with dirty food scrap marks. The apartment had ants on the wall and in the kitchen from food scraps we found behind the lounge. Hot water wasn’t working in one of the bathrooms mould in the window of the shower. Telephone to reception wasn’t working. I was told everyone has a mobile now ( I shouldn’t have to pay to call reception), and the draws had sand. A rundown 20year old hotel that is in need of major maintenance. The only positive is the location, but plenty of other hotels in a good location that are newer and cleaner.

Our second stay in four years, will be staying again next year. Apartment had redecoration, clean, and well maintained incl lift and foyers. Basement carpark very accessible from lift. Everything worked although Wifi/internet could be strengthened. The step-in shower over bath in second bedroom is tricky for older travellers. Staff were very helpful in extending our days booked. Great location straight across the road from the safe beach, views north and south, we did daily walk on wide smooth walkways, and shopping and cafe dining all along The Esplanade out the ground floor doors. Highly recommend.