Sleeping around - Hilton Surfers Paradise

The Gold Coast was bathed in the warm glow of a setting sun as I drove in to stay at the newly opened Hilton located right in the middle of Surfers Paradise's throbbing centre.



I wound down the car windows to soak up the warmth and heard a strange strangled cry that sounded like a Bush stone-curlew, a bird I last encountered on Daydream Island in North Queensland, an unlikely inhabitant for the concrete jungle of Surfers Paradise. Realisation dawned as I looked sideways and saw where the cry actually came from - the overexcited body of a tourist being shot into the air an 'adrenaline' ride.

There's often an air of excitement in the air at Surfers, whether it's the giggles of the girls as they walk down the streets, the wide smile of a surfer emerging from the blue ocean or, now, the pleasure of discovering the unfolding delights of new hotel.

If you want to be smack in the middle of the action you couldn't find a better position than this new Hilton Surfers Paradise, but I would be sorely tempted to stay put and never leave the grounds.

Between the ground floor deli, the first floor Salt grill restaurant, the expansive pool areas and the spacious room balcony there's more than enough to keep me occupied for a few days.

I'm also sure that Gold Coast residents will be equally excited when the discover the delectable food offerings in the deli which boasts an extensive range of cured meats (sliced to order); Australian and imported cheeses; herbs, spices and condiments; Luke Mangan branded products; cakes and coffee and also a reasonable choice of wines.


First floor delights include Luke Mangan's Salt grill (read my blog for the full story) and FIX a retro-styled cocktail lounge which takes its name from the common term for a cocktail in prohibition America circa 1920’s. The  cocktail menu reflects the hotel’s famous Surfers Paradise location with some cheeky twists on styled classics, circa 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s, which are served in vintage glassware.

My room on the 18th floor is really a one bedroom self-contained apartment with everything a holiday maker needs. There's a separate living room with a dining area and compact but fully kitted out kitchen with a fridge, stove top, microwave and oven.

I also like that there is a wide range of hampers for breakfast, lunch, dinner or something else, that can be delivered to your door or you can stock up yourself with freshly cut meats from the charcuterie and your personal selection of cheeses.  Foodie's heaven.

If you can be tempted out of your room, breakfast is served in Salt grill with a choice of buffet and full breakfast options.  I ordered two poached eggs on sour dough and they arrived just to my liking.

Although there was no time for swimming on this visit, I checked out the pool area and was impressed by the spacious lounging areas, the pool bar and the swimming areas.  

Rates at the new Hilton Surfers Paradise start from $259 for a one bedroom residence and from $279 for a hotel room.


Hilton Surfers Paradise, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise. 1300 445 866