Q1 Resort and Spa

The Q1 is housed in the tallest residential building in Australia and the distinctive tower certainly makes a mark on the skyline over high-rise mad Surfers Paradise. The glass-and-steel exterior has eye-catching design elements that are maritime, sleek, and modern at the same time, and the towering main atrium lobby has a minimalistic, futuristic aesthetic. Black tile floors abut stylish decorative pools and there are bright red molded vinyl couches set sparingly throughout. Attractive sculptures -- light globes arranged on the floor and shimmering strands hanging from the ceiling -- give the massive space some character, and there are a few other seating areas throughout. The vibe here is upscale condo, and all of the on-site dining is through the connected Q1 retail complex. There are plenty of places to relax throughout, from the poolside bar, to the handsome spa, and multiple pools. The hotel draws a large amount of families, as well as couples on holiday, and the public areas can be busy throughout much of the day. 

A nine-minute walk from Surfer’s Paradise Beachfront Markets, the property is surrounded by other apartment buildings and hotels, and is within easy walking distance of plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. Cavill Avenue, the main pedestrian strip in Surfers Paradise, is a seven-minute walk north, and the beach is just one block away. A tram stop, just around the corner of Surfers Paradise Boulevard, provides access to any destination within Surfers Paradise with relative ease, and can be used to access the Gold Coast airport by transferring to a bus. The trip will take about 45 minutes, and can be done by car in 30 minutes.

While the rooms that we visited had a uniform contemporary style, some apartments here are individually owned and quality and upkeep can vary from room to room. The rooms that we saw all had handsome gray carpets, white walls, lots of light from floor-to-ceiling windows, gray couches, and red accents with Scandinavian minimalist furniture. All rooms have full kitchens with dishwashers as well as washers and dryers, and all accommodations have separate bedrooms. Wall art is abstract and provides additional bursts of color, while beds have white linens with padded headboards and striped bed runners and throw pillows. Impressive, glass-enclosed balconies are adjacent to the living rooms and let in tons of light, though the windows don’t open to let in any ocean breezes. Each room also has an electric kettle, flat-screen TV, safe, and air-conditioning. The bathrooms in the units we visited were simple and stylish, with aqua glass backsplashes, jetted soaking tubs, separate glass walk-in showers, large vanities, and clean tan tiles throughout. Larger apartments have multiple bathrooms. Views from many rooms of Surfers Paradise and the Pacific Ocean are spectacular, but lower floors won't see much beyond the neighboring high rises.

There is a large outdoor pool, mainly for recreational rather than exercise purposes, with plenty of lounge chairs and an adjacent pool bar, plus an indoor pool with a concrete, industrial-chic style that has a few lounge chairs adjacent. The large, window-lined fitness center has modern weight-training and cardio machines and gets plenty of natural light, a major step up from many fitness centers in apartment-style hotels.The Q1 Spa offers a wide variety of body services in a handsomely appointed setting plus a hot tub and sauna, though reviews are uneven. There are several dining options attached to the hotel in the Q1 retail complex. Options include Japanese and Italian restaurants, and while a breakfast buffet is available, no meals are included with room rates. The SkyPoint Observation Deck, which has stunning views over the Gold Coast, is on the top floor. Guests are not given free access, but discounts are available in combination with buffet breakfast purchases. There is a game room filled with arcade games for kids. Parking is free, but Wi-Fi is not. The hotel can arrange car services and babysitting, and there is a BBQ area that is free for guest use.