Returning to Hilton Surfers Paradise after a few weekend stays over the years, this was my first visit back since the pandemic, and stepping inside immediately brought a rush of nostalgia. I’d always associated the hotel with relaxed escapes, easy beach access, and a sense of familiar comfort that made short getaways feel effortless. Walking through the entrance this time, I felt that same warmth but also a quiet curiosity about what had changed. What remained the same? What had shifted during the time away? It felt like a rediscovery, a chance to reconnect with a place that had once been a favourite for quick coastal breaks.
The hotel still carries that unmistakable Hilton polish—calm lighting, friendly greetings, and a layout that feels both spacious and welcoming. The most noticeable change, though, was the executive lounge. As a Hilton Diamond member, I remembered it perched high among the upper floors, a peaceful retreat with sweeping skyline views and a comfortable spot to enjoy evening drinks. Now it has moved to a lower level, trading those lofty panoramas for something more grounded but with the pleasant surprise of an outdoor terrace. At first the change felt unexpected, almost like finding a familiar room relocated without warning, but the new space grew on me quickly. The terrace brings in fresh coastal air and a relaxed atmosphere as guests settle in. While the view is now closer to street level, there’s a refreshing sense of connection to the neighbourhood—the palm trees, the foot traffic, and the soft breeze drifting through.
For this stay, I chose one of the three-bedroom residences, and stepping inside reminded me immediately why these larger spaces remain so popular. They are definitely showing their age—gentle wear on corners, décor that hints at an earlier style, and a few fixtures that don’t feel entirely modern—but everything is impressively well maintained. The residence still exudes quiet comfort, with a generous layout, warm furnishings, and expansive windows that frame the coastline and city skyline. It’s the sort of space where you naturally slow down, spreading out in the living room with a coffee or watching the afternoon light play across the buildings.
The views remain one of Hilton Surfers Paradise’s strongest features. From the residence balcony, the Gold Coast stretches out in every direction: the curve of the beach, the glittering high-rises, and the waves rolling in a steady, rhythmic pattern. After dark, the city glows with reflections and colour, turning the scene into something cinematic. Even though the lounge no longer sits atop the tower, the residences still offer those sweeping perspectives that make a stay here feel just a little elevated.
Breakfast each morning brought its own lively rhythm. The restaurant was busy—sometimes very busy—with tables filling quickly and a steady flow of guests navigating the buffet. Despite the crowds, the staff kept everything moving smoothly. The selection remained strong, offering fresh fruit, pastries, hot dishes, and plenty of variety for different tastes. While patience was sometimes required, especially at peak times, the overall experience was satisfying and energetic, a bright start to each day.
What stood out most during this stay was how Hilton Surfers Paradise has balanced familiar comfort with subtle changes. Some parts of the property have evolved, others show their age gracefully, and many of the hotel’s best qualities remain unchanged. Service continues to be warm and consistent, and the location—right in the heart of Surfers Paradise, just a short walk from the beach—still makes the hotel incredibly convenient for both relaxed and activity-filled stays.
Being back after several years felt like a blend of nostalgia and renewal. The relocated lounge, despite losing its high-floor views, offers a refreshing outdoor space. The residence, with its touches of age, still provides an excellent combination of space, comfort, and those beautiful views. Breakfast, busy as it was, remains generous and enjoyable.
There’s something meaningful about returning to a place connected to past weekend escapes. You notice what’s new, appreciate what’s still the same, and find yourself forming fresh impressions that sit comfortably beside the old ones. This stay reminded me why Hilton Surfers Paradise had been a favourite before: it’s welcoming, well positioned, and full of small moments that make a trip feel effortless.
On my final evening, standing on the balcony and watching the coastline glow under the fading light, that familiar sense of calm returned—the same feeling that made previous weekend trips so memorable. Hilton Surfers Paradise may have aged in places, but it has aged with charm, and my first return stay has already made me think about when I’ll be back again.
