We stayed at the Rydges in November and were extremely disappointed! The standard of the accommodation was appalling! We were initially given a standard room, which was in great need of refurbishment - the furniture was damaged and dated, the bed was so uncomfortable, as all you could feel were the springs and there was a horrible musty smell in the room! We then requested to see another room, but it was even worse!The staff on Reception informed us that they only managed the hotel and that the owners did not see the need for a refurbishment! We paid nearly $200 a night and really expected to get more for our money! This is definitely a hotel that everyone should go out of their way to avoid!

We stayed at the Rydges resort for one night. We booked through Sunlover holidays, and were charged an extra $75 for a sofa bed to be made up as they said that the room had a queen bed and 1 single bed, and we required a queen and 2 singles for our two kids. When we checked in we discovered the room had only a double bed and 2 singles! What a rip-off! On check-out the manager explained we should take this up with Sunlover holidays, but he did say we had received an ocean view upgrade. The room had quite a musty stench that keeping the balcony sliding door open could not get rid of. The furnishings were old, and like something out of the 70's. There was a double bed, which had creaky springs. We had a bad nights sleep on it. The kids had their single beds in a bedroom at the back of the suite, and they were ok. The bathroom had a shower over the bath and was clean, with hot water. There was a big stain next to the mini fridge, perhaps that's where the smell came from. The Resort has a fantastic big swimming pool, but in May I would have thought it could be heated, even just a few degrees. It was really cold. The kids of course swam and didn't mind the cold. There were lots of lounge chairs around. Also lots of activities, but we were too late for most of them. The gardens are beautifully manicured and lush. We had dinner at the Billabong restaurant, and if you join the Rydges priority club you get 20% off. We went the whole hog with rib steaks which were delicious! There's kids meals for main course, ice cream and softdrink for $8. We also had the buffet breakfast (you don't get the discount) and it was very good also. The surf beach is a short walk from the resort, and is quite lovely with views of Great Keppel group islands. I would probably stay again as the activities at the resort are worthwhile, but I would want a refurbished room. I think the 1 bedroom apartments are the go, with reasonable furnishings. The staff were all really friendly and courteous, it's just a real shame the rooms couldn't be better, as it could be a really fantastic resort.

The rydges resort is a beautiful resort in a beautiful location. pool is spectacular.Beach is out of this world. As for the room, we were not impressed they were in bad need of a once over. they are dated as wel as needing a lick of paint badly. Bars and restaurant are not bad. Overall would go back if the rooms were upgraded a touch.

We had the pleasure of staying at Rydges Capricorn for a week. We were a little concerned after booking about some of the reviews we had read regarding the state of the rooms. However we were very happy on arrival to find the one bedroom apartment clean and well laid out. We had other family members staying in one bedroom apartments beside us and their rooms were of the same standard. Admittedly the rooms are a little tired but however they are clean and the views of the sea (2nd floor) and garden are awesome. The Rydges website does justice to its many and varied activites. There is certainly a lot to do for all ages and the staff are very welcoming and friendly. However if you are travelling from overseas we recommend that if you want to hire the scooters you take an International Drivers Licence. A highlight for us was the canoe trip into the rainforest. Our guide Graham was excellent. Highly recommended.

Don't be too put off by previous reviews. We went with some apprehension given some of the criticisms but had a great weekend at this resort. I had joined the Rydges Priority Guest progam (free) and spoken to reception before going and were delighted to receive a complimentary upgrade to a junior suite and a welcome bottle of champagne in the room. Remember this resort was built in the 1970's and at that time was 'well ahead of its time', so refurbishment which is occurring rapidly and ongoing has to deal with 40 yr old rooms. Our room was spacious with a balcony with views overlooking the spectacular pool and Keppel Bay. We did note a cleaning smell when entering the room but this was hospital grade Domestos and quickly dissipated on airing. At least it guaranteed the room was sanitised and spotlessly clean. The bed had a new mattress, crisp sheets and modern coverings. The bathroom with bath. separate shower and separate toilet was huge and had new fittings and a good supply of towels and toiletries. There is a range of activities offered at the resort and coupled with the fantastic beach makes this ideal for family fun. Exploring the resort and surrounding forest tracks on bikes is a great way of spending an hour or so and helps get your bearings and appreciate the vastness of the property. Don't miss the three hour 'Wetlands Tour' especially if there has been recent rain. The birdlife is unbelievable. We found the service throughout was warm friendly and professional. The food in the Billabong Restaurant was of a high quality - especially the barramundi. Perhaps a little highly priced - especially 15% extra on public holidays - but the 20% discount for being a Priority Guest makes it quite reasonable and the servings are very generous. The breakfast -particularly the continental offerings and coffee service - could be improved a little in quality and value. Having gone to Rydges Capricorn Resort with some concerns we came away feeling the stay there had exceeded our expectations and would happily return.