Hilton Surfers Paradise

Like so many of the hotels in Surfer's Paradise, this Hilton occupies a steel-and-glass high-rise that offers nice views of the Pacific Ocean and beach. The long lobby is a bit dark, which is slightly disappointing given the beachy setting, and a wavy, floral-patterned bench-style couch weaves its way through the center of the high-ceilinged space back towards reception. Dark granite floors, black-paneled walls, and contemporary couches and chairs are arranged in nooks, and there is a cafe, grab-and-go, and lounge area off to the side. A few bright canvasses brighten up the space. The Salt Grill attracts a large crowd and gets great reviews. It features a renowned wine list and the space is a sober, upscale dining room with white tablecloths as well as leather and plush banquettes and chairs. There are several bars and pools throughout the hotel, all of which are more casual, though overall the hotel does have a slightly corporate vibe and it draws a huge swath of guests, from families and couples to business travelers.

The clean, wide beaches of Surfers Paradise, the shops and restaurants along the Esplanade, and the Cavill Avenue pedestrian mall are all within striking distance of this hotel and can be reached in less then five minutes on foot. The area is packed with high-rises and hotels and can be very busy throughout the day and night. There are several amusement options in the area, including the Timezone Arcade and Adrenalin Park, which has an aptly named ride called the Vomatron -- the former is just around the corner while the latter is about 10 minutes away on foot. McIntosh Island, a park that's home to exotic birds, is a six-minute drive up the coast, and the hotel is three blocks from the 700 bus, which runs directly to the Gold Coast Airport in 50 minutes (a 30 minute journey by car).

Contemporary rooms are simple but pleasant, with dark taupe accent walls, sand-colored carpets, and no wall art.  All rooms are spacious and Hilton's own excellent Serenity beds have light wood veneer headboards run through with an elegant wave pattern, flanked by simple nightstands with lamps. All rooms have ample built-in storage, contemporary gray armchairs, a built-in desk, refrigerators, electric kettles, iPod docks, safes, and minibars on request. Massive white bathrooms have walk in showers with glass doors, white sinks and large vanities, high-end Peter Thomas Roth bath products, and recessed lighting. While guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and many have views of the beach, the windows have an unfortunate blue tint that diminishes some of the brilliant natural light available in Surfer's Paradise. Multi-room apartments in the Residence, a separate wing, have large living areas and full kitchens with electric ranges, island counters, stainless steel appliances fixtures and washer/dryers. These come in configurations that include up to four bedrooms and there is even a Sub-Penthouse Suite. Residence bathrooms may also include combination shower/tub combos in the bathrooms. Higher category bookings are also available in the hotel wing. The Relaxation Room we visited was huge, though much of the space felt unused, and besides an espresso maker the room didn't seem markedly different from the Hilton Guest Room (or Basic Room). However, Relaxation Rooms and Executive Rooms are entitled to a host of additional on-site features and perks, like access to the Executive Lounge. 

One of the standout features here is the vast amount of pools on the grounds, both indoor and outdoor. The indoor pool has an adjacent hot tub, and the larger outdoor pool is surrounded by a wide terrace with plenty of seating as well as a poolside bar, while the smaller outdoor swimming option is a stylish, blue-tiled overflow pool. The attractive and bright Eforea Spa offers a complete line of spa services, though it closes on odd days during the week, and the hotel also has a clean fitness center with modern equipment that gets a good amount of natural light. The Salt Grill, the hotel's main on-site restaurant, serves an excellent menu of seafood and meats with Australian twists and also has a renowned wine list and wine tasting room. Cocktails, wine, and beer are also available in the bright and stylish The Fix bar. Though the lobby isn't the most inviting place to relax, there is a convenience mart selling foodstuffs and wine, as well as a cafe area. Executive Floor guests and other higher-level bookings have access to the handsome Executive Lounge, with great ocean views, and receive a complimentary buffet breakfast newspapers, coffees, teas, and snacks throughout the afternoon as well as cocktails in the evening. Wi-Fi is available in the hotel but is not free for most guests, and breakfast is not included with most bookings. The hotel has several meeting rooms with great views and attractive decor, and catering and audiovisual services are also available. Babysitting is available and laundry services can be arranged for a fee, and though the hotel offers parking, it is not free.