We can't decide if the venerable old Phoenician has indeed seen better days or if perhaps weathered, faux-Mediterranean architecture and design just isn't our thing. But regardless, if you're looking for a lot of space and don't mind a bit of faded elegance and dated furnishing, then the Phoenician provides decent value, and if you're visiting the Gold Coast to attend an event at the Conference and Exhibition Centre you can't get much closer than the Phoenician without sleeping in a text, which we're pretty sure wouldn't be legal anyway. It does tick all the typical resort amenities including a couple pools, sauna, spa and fitness facilities, and a barbecue area, as well as free parking (but paid internet).