Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences – Hotel Review

Can a hotel successfully cater to couples and families? Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences, a skyscraper in the heart of the Gold Coast, pulls it off, due to a genius outdoor area of pools, gardens, deck bar and shaded lounge chairs with plenty of space to spread out. Read on for the full review.  

In the sprawling rooftop space, cocktail sippers happily coexist with energetic kids and rooms, which feature pillow menus, Crabtree & Evelyn amenities and, in some cases, kitchenettes. There’s space for every kind of holiday at this centrally located Hilton.

Where is Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences?

Sandwiched between the two main strips of Surfers Paradise, the glass high-rise presides over Orchid Avenue, overlooking both the beach and the faint outline of far-off hinterland. It takes about 35 minutes by car to reach the hotel from Gold Coast airport and a little over an hour from Brisbane airport.

What’s near Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences?

Thanks to its central position in Surfers Paradise, you’re never far from a local attraction. The shore of the suburb’s namesake beach is a “down there, turn right” kind of close, while the family-friendly Ripley’s BelieveIt or Not! and the air-conditioned reprieve of Paradise Centre, a gigantic shopping mall, are within easy reach. For more grown-up entertainment, Broadbeach’s The Star complex, with its fine-diners and glittery casino, is just a 10-minute drive down the road.

Room types

Expect floor-to-ceiling windows that lead to breezy balconies, comfy “Serenity” beds and crisp white kitchens in each of the simple suites. South-facing rooms have the best beach views, while others have glimpses between fellow high-rises, or far-off hinterland vistas. Family stays are easily streamlined with residences, which have full kitchens, washing facilities and sofa beds. 

Restaurants and bars 

All four on-site eateries exude the same beach feel, with cool blues, rattan furnishings and views onto gardens of palm fronds. Catch Restaurant hosts the hotel’s buffet breakfast, with bolthole windows onto sunny surrounds, while Ms Margot’s offers a café-style brekkie with à la carte goodies (brekkie tacos and pancakes) and a tapas, share-style lunch and dinner menu. Relieve the most peckish of the pack at The Deck Bar, where fresh pork belly salads and Karaage chicken bao buns make for delicious pairings with fruity cocktails infused with passionfruit or watermelon.

Travel for work 

Each guest room has a dedicated work space with desk and comfy chair and, for Hilton Members (a loyalty program that is free to join), free in-room wi-fi. Catered conferences can also host eight to 500 people on-site; the Meet With Purpose approach, which focuses on healthier catering, environmentally-friendly services and wellness-based activities is a good option for companies hoping to do big events a little differently.

Sustainability

There are both big and small sustainability initiatives at Hilton. In addition to grand 2030 goals (including a hefty reduction in carbon emissions and a 50% slice off water usage), there are everyday efforts, including a blanket single-use plastic ban, soap recycling and food scrap composting across the hotel to reduce unnecessary waste.

Gym, pool and spa

The Deck, a sprawling section on level two that stretches 1500 square metres of gardens, pools and play areas, is a breath of fresh air amid the bustle of Surfers. Families and couples alike bounce from bar to pool (and kids around the splash pool), reclining under shaded cabanas or sun-drenched day beds. The area also encompasses eforea spa, which specialises in active facials, harnessing organic products, as well as massages incorporating ancient Chinese, Egyptian and Swedish techniques. The fitness centre, also on level two, overlooks a similarly sunny scene, with a range of equipment and ringed in large windows.

What you need to know

Families of little ones can pack light: bottle sterilisers, prams and high chairs can be provided on request (as can a babysitter).

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