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Summary of reviewsFirst Light Mooloolaba, Ascend Hotel Collection enjoys high praise across various key categories with its prime location standing out as a key highlight. Perfectly situated in the heart of Mooloolaba, the hotel offers effortless beach access and proximity to numerous dining options, cafes, bars, supermarkets and entertainment facilities, all within walking distance. Guests appreciate the scenic ocean views from the hotel despite its non-beachfront position, as well as its central location that allows easy exploration of the bustling local precincts and the Mooloolaba Esplanade.
The rooms are consistently noted for their modern, comfortable and spacious design. The well-laid-out apartments come equipped with functional kitchen facilities, in-room laundry and generous balconies, adding convenience to the stay. Families, in particular, find the room sizes adequate, especially the two-bedroom units. However, there are occasional remarks on dated furniture and minor cleanliness issues.
Cleanliness of the property sees a mixed response. Many guests are impressed with the overall tidiness, comfort and modernity of the hotel, enjoying clean and secure surroundings. Some guests, though, reported untidy areas and the need for deeper cleaning, especially in bathrooms.
The staff’s exceptional service is a frequent highlight. Guests commend the friendly, helpful and accommodating nature of the team with individuals like Shearna and Caitlin receiving specific accolades for their excellent service. The check-in process is described as efficient and welcoming, contributing to a pleasant overall experience.
Opinions about the pool are mixed. While its warmth and evening availability are appreciated, its small size and limited seating detract from its appeal. Some guests also found the pool area to lack sufficient sunlight and noted the water was colder than expected despite being marketed as heated.
The beachside location is particularly celebrated with the hotel being just a short stroll away from Mooloolaba Beach. The close proximity to cafes, restaurants and other amenities enhances the beach experience, making it a popular choice among beach lovers.
Parking is generally viewed favorably due to its secure and convenient features, though tight space issues posed some challenges for larger vehicles. Instances of noise and cleanliness in the parking area were also mentioned.
Families find the hotel an excellent option due to its spacious accommodations, family-friendly environment and appealing location near a good swimming beach. The presence of a children’s play area and the possibility for self-catering further add to the convenience for families.
Lastly, the beds receive mixed feedback. While many guests find them comfortable, some experience dissatisfaction with the firmness or softness of the mattresses and the oversized pillows, impacting their sleep quality.
Overall, First Light Mooloolaba offers a well-located, comfortable and family-friendly stay with some room for improvement in maintaining consistent cleanliness and bed quality. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Resort near The Beach
Located on First Avenue, this resort is a short stroll from Mooloolaba Beach. The proximity allows for easy access to the beach and the Esplanade's amenities.
Resort with Swimming Pool
Offers boutique, self-contained apartments with a pool. Its central location and modern amenities make it a convenient choice for travelers.
Outdoor Pool
Resort with Gym
Includes a fitness center and an outdoor pool. The hotel is located within walking distance of Mooloolaba Beach and Mooloolaba Esplanade.
4-Star Resort
This resort offers a comfortable stay with good amenities. It provides easy access to the beach and local attractions, ensuring a pleasant experience.
Resort for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Resort
Romantic Resort
Resort with Parking
Resort with Outdoor Pool
Room Types
One-Bedroom SuiteThe air-conditioned apartment features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom with a hairdryer and a kitchen. Guests can make meals in the kitchen that comes with a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. Featuring a balcony, this apartment also provides a seating area, a dining area and a TV with cable channels. The unit offers 1 bed.
One-Bedroom Apartment with Water ViewGuests can make meals in the kitchen that features a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. Boasting a balcony, this apartment also features air conditioning, a seating area and a TV with cable channels. The unit has 1 bed.
Two-Bedroom Apartment with Water ViewFeaturing 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a hairdryer, this spacious suite offers a well-fitted kitchen and a seating area. The well-fitted kitchen features a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. Boasting a balcony with sea views, this suite also offers air conditioning and a TV with cable channels. The unit has 3 beds.
One-Bedroom ApartmentThe air-conditioned apartment features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom with a hairdryer and a kitchen. Guests can make meals in the kitchen that is equipped with a refrigerator, a dishwasher, kitchenware and an oven. This apartment comprises a dining area, a TV with cable channels a seating area and a balcony. The unit offers 1 bed.
Two-Bedroom ApartmentThis spacious suite consists of a kitchen, a seating area, 2 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a hairdryer. The fully equipped kitchen features a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. This air-conditioned suite includes a dining area, a TV with cable channels an electric kettle and a balcony. The unit offers 3 beds.
Two-Bedroom SuiteThis spacious suite includes a kitchen, a seating area, 2 separate bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a hairdryer. The well-equipped kitchen has a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. This air-conditioned suite is comprised of a dining area, a TV with cable channels an electric kettle and a balcony. The unit has 3 beds.
Three-Bedroom Penthouse - Top FloorThis spacious suite is comprised of 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a hairdryer. Meals can be prepared in the well-fitted kitchen, which comes with a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. This air-conditioned suite comes with a dining area, a TV with cable channels a seating area and a balcony. The unit offers 5 beds.
Two-Bedroom Apartment - Upper FloorThis spacious apartment comprises a kitchen, a seating area, 2 separate bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a hairdryer. Guests can make meals in the kitchen that comes with a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. This air-conditioned apartment consists of a dining area, a TV with cable channels an electric kettle and a balcony. The unit offers 3 beds.
One-Bedroom Apartment - Upper FloorThe air-conditioned apartment has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom with a hairdryer and a kitchen. Guests can make meals in the kitchen that is fitted with a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. This apartment features a seating area, a dining area, a TV with cable channels and a balcony. The unit has 1 bed.
2 Bedroom Apartment - No Air ConditioningThe well-equipped kitchen features a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The spacious family room offers a dining area, an electric kettle and a balcony. The unit offers 3 beds.
Efficiency Queen Suite - Non-Smoking
Efficiency Suite with One King Bed and Two Queen Beds - Non-Smoking
Guest Reviews
8.0
Very Good
Location
When staying at First Light Mooloolaba, Ascend Hotel Collection, guests consistently praise its unbeatable location. Perfectly situated in the heart of Mooloolaba, the hotel provides easy access to a host of amenities. It's mere steps away from the beach, making it convenient for both relaxation by the shore and beachside strolls. The proximity to a wide array of restaurants, cafes and bars allows visitors to enjoy diverse dining options without needing a car. Additionally, the hotel is close to shopping areas, supermarkets and various entertainment facilities, ensuring that everything you need is within walking distance.
The views, although not directly beachfront, still impress with scenic ocean vistas. Guests also appreciate the functional and stylish rooms, noting their cleanliness and comfort, alongside the ease of check-in and check-out procedures. Beyond the practical advantages, the hotel's central location means guests can easily explore the vibrant Mooloolaba Esplanade and the bustling local precincts.
Whether it's a family vacation, a couple's getaway or a solo trip, the First Light Mooloolaba provides a convenient and comfortable base with fantastic access to the best of what Mooloolaba has to offer. Secure parking, although noted to be a bit tight, adds an extra layer of convenience for those traveling by car. Overall, the hotel's location garners high praise for its strategic position, making it a popular choice among visitors looking to enjoy the coastal delights of Mooloolaba.
Rooms
At 'First Light Mooloolaba, Ascend Hotel Collection,' guests frequently appreciate the modern, comfortable and well-laid-out rooms, which are noted for being spacious and well proportioned. Many guests highlighted the good room sizes, particularly those with two bedrooms and praised the overall styling and amenities of the apartments. The apartments come with good kitchen facilities and adequate utensils, combined with the added convenience of in-room laundry facilities. A favorite feature among guests is the nice big balcony and comfortable beds.
The location is another strong point, being very central and just a short walk to the main street, making it easy for guests to explore the surroundings. Many reviews noted the cleanliness and comfort of the apartments with some guests enjoying beautiful views from their rooms.
Despite the generally positive feedback, there were some criticisms. Issues such as insufficient crockery and cutlery, dated and tired-looking furniture and musty smells in the rooms were mentioned. Some guests found their rooms to be smaller than expected and noted cleanliness issues, including dirty apartments and unclean floors. Other complaints included the noisy double bed, lack of towel hooks in the bathrooms and the need for better overall cleaning.
Overall, the spacious and comfortable accommodations, well-equipped kitchens and excellent location make 'First Light Mooloolaba' a solid choice, albeit with room for improvement in maintenance and cleanliness.
Beds
The beds at First Light Mooloolaba, Ascend Hotel Collection, receive mixed feedback from guests. While many guests found the beds to be comfortable, providing a good night's sleep, some highlighted the need for improvement. Several reviewers described the beds as extremely comfortable and enjoyed a restful sleep. Phrases like comfy beds and comfortable beds frequently appeared, suggesting a generally satisfactory experience for many visitors.
However, there were notable criticisms as well. A number of guests found the beds to be either too soft or too firm with some specifically mentioning that the mattresses were hard and the pillows oversized and uncomfortable. For some, the bed quality was poor enough to impact their sleep significantly. Additionally, a few reviews noted that the bed size was only double, which might not be spacious enough for some guests.
Overall, while many guests appreciated the comfort of the beds, there are evidently inconsistencies in bed quality that could affect the stay experience.
Cleanliness
First Light Mooloolaba, Ascend Hotel Collection has received mixed reviews regarding cleanliness. On the positive side, many guests found the property to be clean, tidy and modern. Rooms were frequently mentioned as spacious and well-appointed with the property itself being described as very clean, secure and well-maintained. Guests appreciated the cleanliness on arrival, noting that the apartments were very clean and well-furnished with comfy beds and plenty of space. The hotel's central location and friendly staff were other highlights that contributed to a comfortable and convenient stay.
However, there were several instances where the cleanliness did not meet guests' expectations. Some reported issues with dirty couches, soiled toilets and unclean surfaces. Specific complaints included unclean showers, dirty carpets and general dissatisfaction with the level of cleanliness. There were also mentions of the need for deep cleaning, particularly in the bathrooms, which had grime and limescale issues.
Overall, while many guests had a positive experience with the cleanliness at First Light Mooloolaba, there is a noticeable need for consistency in maintaining high standards of hygiene throughout the property.
Staff
First Light Mooloolaba, Ascend Hotel Collection, has garnered a reputation for its exceptional staff, who consistently go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome. The reviews highlight the team’s friendliness, helpfulness and accommodating nature. Whether it’s the warm, informative reception upon arrival or the willingness to assist with any questions or issues, the team’s dedication to guest satisfaction is evident.
Particular praise is directed towards individuals like Shearna and Caitlin, recognized for their superb service and willingness to go the extra mile. Guests frequently describe the check-in process as efficient and appreciate the overall excellent service provided. Friendly interactions with the staff, marked by consistent politeness and a readiness to help, contribute to a pleasant stay.
In addition to offering great value, a comfortable and clean environment, the hotel stands out for ensuring that every experience at the reception is accompanied by smiles and efficient assistance. The welcoming and cooperative team at First Light Mooloolaba ensures that visitors feel genuinely cared for throughout their stay, reflecting the high standard of hospitality that the hotel prides itself on.
Pool
Guests have mixed opinions about the pool at First Light Mooloolaba, Ascend Hotel Collection. Positively, the pool is warm and remains open until 9 pm, which can be a convenient feature for late evening swims. It is also described as nice and visually impressive. However, the pool's small size is a recurring issue, making it less conducive to relaxation and sunbathing. The limited seating with only two chairs available, further detracts from the pool area's functionality. Additionally, some guests found that the pool area lacked sunlight and seemed rather dark. While the pool is marketed as heated, multiple reviews mention that the water was, in reality, quite cold. The beach's proximity somewhat compensates for these drawbacks, providing an alternative for guests seeking a better swimming and relaxation experience.
Beach
First Light Mooloolaba, Ascend Hotel Collection, boasts an enviable location near Mooloolaba Beach. Guests appreciate its proximity to the beach with many noting it is just a short stroll or a few meters away. The convenience of nearby cafes, restaurants, a supermarket and entertainment options further enhance the appeal. The beach itself is praised as a great spot for swimming, adding to the attraction. Overall, easy access to the beach and surrounding amenities make this hotel a popular choice for visitors.
Parking
Guests of the First Light Mooloolaba, Ascend Hotel Collection generally found the parking situation satisfactory with particular praise for the secure, onsite parking and its convenience. The presence of secure parking and easy access for hire cars were mentioned positively. The parking facilities, including allocated spaces and a secured gate, were appreciated.
However, several guests noted that the parking spaces were very tight, describing them as incredibly tight and tiny, creating some challenges for maneuvering and fitting larger vehicles. There were also a few concerns about the cleanliness and noise in the car parking area, particularly mentioning visible beer bottles and a noisy car park roller shutter. Despite these issues, the overall sentiment leaned towards the parking being a helpful and secure addition to their stay.
Family
First Light Mooloolaba, Ascend Hotel Collection, appears to be an excellent choice for families looking for a comfortable and convenient stay. It offers a great location close to a very good swimming beach, which is perfect for children to enjoy the sun and sand. Families can enjoy a spacious and family-friendly environment, making it an ideal spot for those traveling with kids. The apartments are well-sized with some guests mentioning how the space was perfect for their little family of four.
Additionally, the hotel boasts a play area for children, which adds to its appeal for families seeking recreational activities for their young ones. Guests appreciate the quiet surroundings while still being close enough to all the action in the area, making it a balanced choice for both relaxation and excitement.
The fully equipped apartments allow for self-catering, providing families with the convenience of home-cooked meals. For larger groups, the sky-homes were noted as having excellent size, ensuring ample space for everyone. All in all, First Light Mooloolaba offers a family-friendly atmosphere with great convenience and amenities to ensure a pleasant stay for both kids and adults alike.
Yes, First Light Mooloolaba, Ascend Hotel Collection has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at First Light Mooloolaba, Ascend Hotel Collection.
No, First Light Mooloolaba, Ascend Hotel Collection doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at First Light Mooloolaba, Ascend Hotel Collection.
Yes, First Light Mooloolaba, Ascend Hotel Collection has a gym.