Hotel review: The surprising pleasure of rekindling a forgotten flame

Where: Pine Tree Lane, Terrigal, NSW

How much: Ocean-view suites from $600 a night; rooms from $289 a night

Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific has been dominating its prestigious beachfront corner sport since Bob Hawke was in power and fluffy ducks and pigs in blankets were the epitome of a good time. There's been a few facelifts in the 36 ensuing years but the bones remain, and they're quality.

With the suites upgraded last year and some new innovations in the food and drinks space, we decided to take another look. And were pleasantly surprised.

Now part of the IHG group, the sprawling accommodation is all about its big, bright, beachfront locale. It's not on any glamour holiday-spot lists - they're reserved by the likes of Noosa and the Mornington Peninsula - so I'd forgotten how easy and fun this Central Coast hotspot is.

It's perfect for a romantic mini-break or family holiday, with loads of boutiques and eateries in strolling distance and a host of tourism ventures just a short drive away.

Think old-school beach holiday. You're not coming here to be inspired by the chic modern design elements - there's only so much you can do with a big brick behemoth - but that original clever W-shape ensures every one of the 199 rooms has a view, and a balcony. There's also a sense of spaciousness and light that you don't see much anymore.

They've just launched a new suite program, with valet parking and personalised concierge service and most of the 15 spacious suites have been refurbed with a Coco Republic collaboration and a designer fashion feel. Our suite has a deep wraparound balcony peering over the sea - how nice to fall asleep to those waves - and above the bar; great for people watching, not so good if you love your peace and quiet on a Saturday night.

There are pre-made cocktails in the mini bar and, in the bathroom, rejuvenating treatments from onsite spa Endota - foot, eye and face serum, adding to the never-want-to-leave factor. Also in that category: a deep circular bath and lots of little suite nooks in which to reset and relax.

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The recently renovated Meribella lounge bar space used to be a library and still has that refined feel but it's cooler now, with cosy lounges and elegant curved windows. We order a couple of good wines from Barossa's Ciel Wines - the side hustle for Meribella head chef Joshua Mason, also of Quoi Dining fame.

The restaurant isn't open Mondays or Tuesdays (which turns out to be a theme in Terrigal) so we order delicious Sydney rock oysters from the bar menu, followed by a prawn roll, juicy hamburger and crisp chips to share. We don't miss the fine dining - this is perfect beachside fare.

Aside from dashing across the road for a body surf, you don't need to leave the premises.

Forget the 100-mile rule, there is so much to be found less than 100 metres from your hotel: the big flower shaped pool and party-ready jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, huge conference area, bar, restaurant, Kidszone creche, gym with fitness classes, plus lots of boutiques and restaurants in the ground-level complex.

Our favourite hangout is in a private cabana at the Terrigal Beach House at ground level, where for a bargain $69 each we can have our own private party with bottomless mulled Aperols and the biggest charcuterie board I've seen. But not a pig in blanket in sight, more's the pity.

Explore more: terrigalpacific.crowneplaza.com

The writer was a guest of Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific