31 Hamilton Ave., Surfers Paradise, Australia | (251) 219-4428
Beside a G:link station and five-minute walk to the beach
Short walk to Cavill Mall and all of its offerings
Contemporary rooms have desks, hairdryers, and kettles
Suites add jetted tubs, living spaces, and enclosed porches
Small east- and west-facing pools for all-day sun
Popular grill and buffet restaurants, plus an afternoon tea spot
Cafe and bar with jackpot gaming area
Day spa offering variety of treatments and adjacent gym
Meeting and event spaces available
Parking available for a fee
Some evident wear and tear
Fees for Wi-Fi and parking
Pools are on the small side
The 20-story Watermark Hotel & Spa Gold Coast is an upscale property that draws both families and couples with its great location. Situated on Surfers Paradise Boulevard adjacent to the Q1 tower, guests have easy access to the beach, as well as numerous eateries and shops. On-site features are extensive, consisting of buffet and sophisticated eateries, two small outdoor pools, and a bar with a gambling zone, plus a spa and sufficiently equipped gym. The 388 rooms are largely attractive and contemporary, though the bathrooms -- most with shower/tub combos -- could use a refresh. All come with air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs, but Wi-Fi requires a fee. Travelers wanting an apartment-style property should consider the similarly priced Wyndham Surfers Paradise just across the street.
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Scene
Comfortable, convenient choice for variety of vacationers
Opened in 1996 and refurbished several times since, the Watermark is a contemporary property with ample amenities to appeal to all types of travelers. The design throughout is contemporary and pleasant, with patterned rugs and fabrics, modern seating, and fun accents throughout. Black-and-white geometric-patterned bar tiling, retro wall hangings, and industrial-style decor add cool touches in the various dining outlets. Although the on-site pools are on the small side, they allow for all-day sun, though many guests spend their days outside the property at all the nearby attractions. Despite its quick access to bars, eateries, a casinos, and the beach, the hotel remains mostly quiet.
Location
Quick walk from the beach and main attractions
The sunny Gold Coast is packed with all manner of entertainment, and the Watermark's position near the Gold Coast Highway (a major north-south thoroughfare) puts vacationers within easy access of them. The impressive SkyPoint Observation Deck is two minutes away on foot, the beach is about four minutes away, and Cavill Mall's array of dining outlets and shops are about a seven minutes' walk. A G:link station outside the hotel provides an efficient alternative for those that don't feel like walking. Sea World, Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, and Wet 'n' Wild can all be reached by car in 25 minutes or less. It's about a 25-minute drive to the Gold Coast Airport, or 53 minutes by public transportation.- One-minute walk to Surfers Paradise G:link Station (Gold Coast Light Rail)
Rooms
Contemporary, if generic, rooms with kettles, hairdryers, and desks
Rooms are outfitted in a contemporary, if a bit generic, style that consists of patterned carpeting, textured headboards, a mix of wood and metal furniture, and pops of color in floral throw pillows. They're largely well-maintained, though some past guests have reported visible wear and tear, particularly in the bathrooms. On the plus side, adequate amenities consist of flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, tea- and coffee-making facilities, ironing equipment, electronic safes, and work desks. However, Wi-Fi requires a fee. Straightforward bathrooms mostly come with shower/tub combos, though upgraded suites have walk-in showers and separate jetted tubs. Suites also have porch-like spaces and sitting rooms. Some units have obstructed ocean views. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided.
Features
Perks include two pools, multiple eateries, a gym, and day spa
Although the pounding waves which gave Surfers Paradise its name are only a few minutes' walk away, the hotel houses swimming options of its own. Two pools -- one on the east side of the property and one on the west -- are on the small side, but they allow for guests to choose between sun or shade depending on the time of day. Loungers and umbrellas are available on each deck. For further relaxation, the L’Aqua Day Spa offers the expected menu of massages and treatments, plus there's a hair salon. A sufficiently equipped gym has cardio and strength-training machines, and free weights. The Watermark boasts two full-service restaurants: Clifford’s Grill & Lounge, a sophisticated, industrial-looking option aimed at carnivores (a large T-bone steak is a signature dish); and Waves Buffet, which lays out both a comprehensive breakfast spread and an eclectic dinner version complete with a local seafood station and dessert bar anchored by a chocolate fountain. The Walrus Cafe & Social House, meanwhile, serves light bites and beverages, plus it contains a gambling room. For more formal gatherings, whether social or business-oriented, the hotel has seven event spaces, ranging from a boardroom for 10 people to a ballroom that can accommodate as many as 300. Other amenities include a business center, communal coin-operated laundry machines, and room service. Parking and Wi-Fi are both available for a fee.
