Surfers Aquarius in Gold Coast

We loved the location of this hotel. Close enough to the main strip to enjoy everything Surfers Paradise has to offer, but far enough away to avoid the constant noise, crowds, and parking chaos. The main area was extremely busy, so we quickly discovered that e-bikes were the best way to get around. Surfers Paradise itself was great: lively atmosphere, plenty of activity, shops open late, great food options, and lots of buskers.

We booked a two-bedroom apartment with a sea view, and it absolutely delivered in terms of view and location. The hotel facilities were excellent — indoor and outdoor pools, spa, sauna, steam room, gym, and tennis courts. Our teenagers especially enjoyed making the most of all these amenities.

However, there were some significant issues that impacted our stay. We were in apartment 26B and had no air-conditioning for the entire six-day stay, which was very difficult given it was summer. We also didn’t realise that reception is only staffed for limited hours. When we called early in the day and again around 4pm, no one was available. We eventually managed to speak to someone on day two or three, and the hotel manager came to assist, but unfortunately there was little he could do. We were told the compressor was likely failing, meaning the air-conditioning could not be used at all. It was frustrating to be sold a five-night stay knowing the apartment was not in full working order.

Cleanliness was another concern. The floors throughout the apartment were sticky and grimy, with the kitchen floor feeling particularly oily and unclean. One of our sons found the couch sticky to the touch, and there was hair present in the bathroom which was disappointing.

While we genuinely loved the hotel, its grounds, and its facilities, there is clear room for improvement in both cleanliness standards and customer service.

Additionally, we encountered an unpleasant interaction with a long-term resident who complained about our children playing in the pool with a small rubber ball, claiming it was against the rules, despite other children—including her own—jumping into the pool. Given it was the school holidays and many families were using the facilities appropriately, the complaint felt unreasonable. It was also mentioned to us that lower-floor residents occasionally complain about noise from pool users, which may be an ongoing issue when short-term stays are accommodated.

Overall, the property has great potential, but improvements in maintenance, cleanliness, and guest communication would significantly enhance the experience.

We've stayed here 3 times now and had 2 amazing rooms and 1 not so nice.
Each time we've stayed we always enjoy ourselves with so much to do at Aquarius and only a short walk to Cavil Avenue.
The room was very clean, comfortable and modern this stay and beautiful views everytime even from the 11th floor. We love this place and will be coming back for years to come.

Good. Location
Flexible check in and check out

View was AMAZING, basically on the beach, pools/spa where great. Room very clean, great location close enough to city but far enough to be quiet.
Highly reccomend

Beautiful view, apartment very dated, needs an upgrade.

Modern spacious rooms, fantastic views and only a short walk to the city centre. Has great facilities, hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, gym, tennis courts, squash courts and kids play park.
Everything you need an amazing holiday