Elite treatment at Hilton Surfers Paradise

[Deleted member 29185]

After the third time, the property is used to it

Third time? I think you left a zero off!

 

[Sprucegoose]

I still see there is a lot of dissatisfaction with this property. Pity, with a few tweaks could improve leaps and bounds.

Right in the. Middle of lower bogan territory will always be its nadir unfortunately.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Right in the. Middle of lower bogan territory will always be its nadir unfortunately.

Not quite, but close. Surfers Paradise has had a major transformation over the last year or so. Cavill Ave now bustles and I reluctantly add, it is fun to be there. A walk along the beachfront shows over ten highrise getting renovations done. The light rail is still a schmozzle but when that's done, I'm thinking seriously that Surfers will have rubbed a heck of a lot of tarnish off that old tourism crown.

Yes, it is without doubt still a party town, but the grog-fueled violence that's been evident in past years is diminished (thanks somewhat to the now axed Drink Safe program) and the whole place is bulging with families and family entertainment as well. The Sufers beachfront zone and walk/bike path is an absolute hit and very busy any fine morning, day and evening. Previously vacant shops are slowly being tenanted (although a heap are still vacant) and important drawcards like well priced meals in classy surrounds are now abundant.

One thing I do notice, is the large number of arabic looking visitors and I'm thinking that influx would be playing no small part in the vitality that I'm noticing. Overall, I have renewed hopes for Surfers that I haven't held since I was a kid in the 60's. Back then it was a wonderful vibrant fun town and I'm seeing that happening again. Perhaps the lessons have been learnt about too many tacky T-shirt shop hovels, intimidating spruikers and drunk and bawdy idiots allowed to run rampant (and yes......I include my '80s self in that lot). Hilton does have the abilty to be one of the best accommodation choices in Surfers, but I think they need to work a bloody lot harder at it than they currently are. They certainly aren't bogan, but they certainly aren't Hilton yet either (IMHO).

 

[markis10]

One thing I do notice, is the large number of arabic looking visitors and I'm thinking that influx would be playing no small part in the vitality that I'm noticing..

Nothing to do with anything local, Middle Eastern tourism peaked at 18000 on the coast in 2008, since then Ramadan has impacted their holidays making overseas travel difficult for most, from next year it no longer affects their annual holiday season.

The Gold Coast has long been a popular destination for the middle eastern wealthy, after all the last ruler of Dubai passed away on the coast while on a break in 2006.

 

[boomy]

Yes, it is without doubt still a party town, but the grog-fueled violence that's been evident in past years is diminished (thanks somewhat to the now axed Drink Safe program) and the whole place is bulging with families and family entertainment as well. The Sufers beachfront zone and walk/bike path is an absolute hit and very busy any fine morning, day and evening. Previously vacant shops are slowly being tenanted (although a heap are still vacant) and important drawcards like well priced meals in classy surrounds are now abundant.

Hilton does have the abilty to be one of the best accommodation choices in Surfers, but I think they need to work a bloody lot harder at it than they currently are. They certainly aren't bogan, but they certainly aren't Hilton yet either (IMHO).

Agree with everything you said. I would like to see more high quality dining options in Surfers to match the nice shops and hotels.

The Hilton is perfectly located, very well priced and being a big brand hotel, it will always be popular with tourists. I hope they will change their attitude and fix the problems they still have.

 

[ronnie66]

Stayed at Hllton Surfers Paradise. Book Executive, received King Relaxation Room. Fruit basket, 2 bottles of mineral water (sparkling, non-sparkling), chocolates and 2 bottles water per day. Enjoyed the lounge. Tea was mediocre, but appreciated the Sun Set Drinks. Agree that HSW or HOP Melbourne deliver a better lounge experience, but all in all enjoyed it. Breakfast in the lounge was good. We had breakfast at Salt too (was offered - Diamond member) - was a bit disappointed with their offerings and presentation. Take the HSW Melbourne breakfast downstairs any time above Salt. Actually enjoyed the hotel, friendly service and lots of amenities.
Would like an eyemask (curtains don't block out the light sufficiently so I woke up really early) and the noise (even at level 14) of Surfers Paradise is not good for light sleepers. So maybe they can provide ear plugs as an amenity too, for the light sleepers.
Enjoyed the pool and the locaction. Complimentary wifi was provided too (Diamond). No problem. All good. HSW and HOP score better - but we liked HSP too.

 

[boomy]

Stayed 2 nights, booked king guest, received king executive.
Check in was a bad start, they could not find my reservation but I will not blame the staff for that. I made a last minute booking under a special rate and it didn't go through by the time I checked in. The guy at front desk was very nice and patient and It was all sorted out in less then 30 minutes. Got an upgrade and 2pm late checkout.
The room was ok, I liked the balcony and the ocean view.
The pool area is very nice but the shade and the wind there makes the stay not very comfortable. Also, the water is very cold, they should warm it a bit IMO.
We went to the exec lounge at 6pm and it was almost empty. Lena told us there is a night market at the Esplanade and probably everyone went there. After we checked the food and drinks on offer, we decided to give the lounge a miss and went check to out the market.
The first night we had dinner at Salt. The service was ok and the food was not bad. One issue that made the dining a big uncomfortable was the table. It was too small and the staff could barely place the water, the wine and the food on it.
The second night we had dinner at Seaduction which is located at Soul hotel. This is a fantastic restaurant. If you are looking for a special dining experience, this is the place to go in Surfers.
The breakfast was average so the next morning we decided to sleep in and eat brunch at Delikatessen. It's a Danish caffe located not far from the Hilton (next to LV, towards the Esplanade). If you are looking for good breakfast / brunch, I highly recommend this place.

All in all, nice short holiday in Surfers. I learned that a stay at HSP can be very pleasant if you know what to expect and most important, what to avoid (exec lounge). This hotel has great location, nice rooms and good ocean views.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I learned that a stay at HSP can be very pleasant if you know what to expect and most important, what to avoid (exec lounge). This hotel has great location, nice rooms and good ocean views.

Now of course you must be in the wrong, as you had been forewarned!

Nice spot......cough hotel! (and it does pain me to say that).

Hilton SP......potentally good.........realistically, well below par.

 

[coolumbla]

well im off to the residences with the family in a 3br for a weekend followed by moving into the hotel for a week on my own at the end of october
Be interesting to see what happens!

C

 

[boomy]

Now of course you must be in the wrong, as you had been forewarned!

Nice spot......cough hotel! (and it does pain me to say that).

Hilton SP......potentally good.........realistically, well below par.

I totally agree with you that it's not a great hotel.
Compared to Hilton Brisbane, it's like staying in totally different brands, one is close to 3* and the other is close to 5*.

What I'm saying is, if you can get a good rate and you come with low expectations, you can enjoy your stay there. Mostly because the location and the views, not for what the hotel has or, in this case, doesn't have to offer.

 

[jetlagger]

Now of course you must be in the wrong, as you had been forewarned!

Nice spot......cough hotel! (and it does pain me to say that).

Hilton SP......potentally good.........realistically, well below par.

Gosh..
Though I know you are being truthful & realistic..
Was just reading through the reviews on TA & was rather shocked at the number of Poor & Terrible comments made about the HSP.
It obviously needs some tuning from the ground up & in evidently more ways than just a temporary 'Band Aid" approach rectifying the existing inconsistent qualities of the hard & soft products.
How disappointing for a relatively new property.
Really hope the owners, management, staff & perspective clientele are reading this constructive criticism.

 

[trblvb]

Now of course you must be in the wrong, as you had been forewarned!

Nice spot......cough hotel! (and it does pain me to say that).

Hilton SP......potentally good.........realistically, well below par.

Have to say, also regrettably, I agree based on plenty of stays/experience at HSP.

Got a friend’s fiftieth Birthday celebration coming up in October and staying two nights (not booked by me).

Hope we see some improvement in this mediocre Hilton.

 

[name-being-reviewed]

Just checked-out after a fantastic long weekend at this Hilton

*** Note from Admin: I have temporarily changed this users handle from hhonours. As I explained to the user in a PM, that name has a specific meaning and context on AFF. The user will need to either prove association with hhonors or select another handle. ****

 

[Princess Fiona]

Just checked-out after a fantastic long weekend at this Hilton

Welcome to AFF "hhonours"
What did you particularly like about your stay and what if any status benefits did you receive?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Just checked-out after a fantastic long weekend at this Hilton

Great to hear. Hopefully your enjoyable stay signals a closure of many of the recurrent issues of woe mentioned over and over by many guests! Welcome to the forum!

(PS - like Princess Fiona, I too would appreciate comment as to how HSP impressed you if you have the time)

 

[Deleted member 29185]

HSP has impressed us tonight!

Upgrade to relaxation suite and ........ wait for it.......

the EL has a change in canapé offering ......a trial of curry puffs and homemade sausage rolls! (In addition to all the HSP EL staples ..... Including the jelly beans)

We've already let them not to give up on trialling new offerings. Hope has returned to this near jaded stayer ;-)

 

[jetlagger]

HSP has impressed us tonight!

Upgrade to relaxation suite and ........ wait for it.......

the EL has a change in canapé offering ......a trial of curry puffs and homemade sausage rolls! (In addition to all the HSP EL staples ..... Including the jelly beans)

We've already let them not to give up on trialling new offerings. Hope has returned to this near jaded stayer ;-)

So there is hope.. It appears.. :idea:

 

[jetlagger]

So there is hope.. It appears.. :idea:

Look forward to some more positive feedback.. I'll be optimistic...

Enjoy your stay..

 

[anat0l]

HSP has impressed us tonight!

Upgrade to relaxation suite and ........ wait for it.......

the EL has a change in canapé offering ......a trial of curry puffs and homemade sausage rolls! (In addition to all the HSP EL staples ..... Including the jelly beans)

We've already let them not to give up on trialling new offerings. Hope has returned to this near jaded stayer ;-)

How do you know they're homemade?

Still, as they say, I'm not complaining Reminds me of the time the ADL QP was the first lounge in the domestic system to regularly offer hot food. Only thing is then you could only get some by sniping. Hope HSP isn't the same.

 

[boomy]

HSP has impressed us tonight!

Upgrade to relaxation suite and ........ wait for it.......

the EL has a change in canapé offering ......a trial of curry puffs and homemade sausage rolls! (In addition to all the HSP EL staples ..... Including the jelly beans)

We've already let them not to give up on trialling new offerings. Hope has returned to this near jaded stayer ;-)

Very glad to hear some positive feedback. I'm there next week and will make sure to check the EL this time