Hotel Review: The Island Gold Coast

When you think about the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise with its skyscrapers and famous glitter strip inevitably comes to mind. Parties and entertainment until the morning and plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Yep, that's the Gold Coast and I love living here for many different reasons.

I got to spend some nights at The Island Hotel located right at the heart of Surfers Paradise. Here's what it was like.

The Island: Boutique Hotel in the Heart of Surfers Paradise

For my little weekend getaway, I stayed at The Island Gold Coast, a hotel that has been sitting on the corner of Surfers Paradise Boulevard for years and after a makeover a few years ago, it's now one of the best boutique hotels in Surfers Paradise.

There are 98 luxurious boutique rooms and suites which all have expansive views of Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast Hinterland.

I stayed in a King Suite which was surprisingly huge, had a King Bed, a big private balcony overlooking The Island rooftop bar and hotel pool as well as views of the ocean and down the Boulevard towards the Hard Rock Cafe.

The suite also had a kitchenette with everything I could possibly need, including a fridge which is handy during those early autumn days that still feel like summer. And of course, the room has a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. The little dining area and the comfy couch was a plus too.

The Island Rooftop Bar

I stayed on Friday and Saturday nights when The Island rooftop bar located on the second floor above the hotel's bistro was the busiest. I watched people flock up the stairs ordering cocktails and nibbles, giving the terrace a buzzing sound which I watched from my balcony on the 8th floor for a while.

As it got later, I checked out The Island Bistro, which serves Italian-inspired dishes and so I ordered a wood oven pizza. Their Potato Gnocchietti with broad beans, broccolini and fetta was also an interestingly different dish I enjoyed during my stay.

And what better way to kick off a night out in Surfers Paradise when one of the best bars in town is only a staircase away?

The open-air The Island Rooftop has a beautiful atmosphere, together with its cozy Acapulco chairs, fairy lights and the DJ playing in the background, it's the perfect venue for sunset drinks.

There usually are a few good events, live bands or DJs lined up every week, make sure you check out what's on on their website.

As I found my way to bed later on, the noises from the rooftop accompanied me to sleep, which were rather dull and quiet through the double-glazed windows though. It's a weekend after all and I didn't come here to sleep early!

Waking up the next morning, I was greeted with lorikeets singing from the balcony and the sun shining. Another beautiful day on the Gold Coast, which I started with a savoury breakfast downstairs at The Island Bistro.

Surfers Paradise Neighbourhood Orientation

Surfers Paradise is definitely the center of the nightlife and party action on the Gold Coast and a great place to stay and explore if you to party and seek entertainment but also don't want the beach to be too far away.

It's a fun place and there are many things to do. Some may say Surfers Paradise can be a bit seedy too which is still true for parts of it, but that kinda adds to its charm.

After a morning spent by the pool, throw some clothes on and walk down any street from The Island and you will hit some of the many attractions that Surfers has to offer.

The main street of Surfers Paradise where all the shops are and which is partly pedestrianised is Cavill Avenue. Shop up a storm, from surfing gear to souvenirs, it's all to be found here!

Don't miss the vending machine outside of Cotton On which stocks thongs. An Aussie invention for sure! I hear they regularly run out of stock at the machine. Sore feet after the party, lost shoes, thong blowout? Cotton On has you covered 24/7!

When you walk along Cavill Ave towards the beach, you will soon hit the famous Surfers Paradise sign which is a popular meeting point before accessing the beach which is patrolled along many parts and safe to swim at.

Best Places for Coffee in Surfers Paradise

I like getting my morning coffee close by at the little hole-in-the-wall café called ESPL Coffee.

For a nice Acai Bowl with a view of the ocean, I come to Montmartre Cafe which is just a few more minutes stroll along the boardwalk.

Other Gold Coast cafes to check out in the area:

• Lot 1, great coffee, try the Healthy Start breakfast.
• Bumbles, on the river side of Surfers Paradise, bit of a walk but worth it!
• Paradox Coffee Roasters, nice breakfast atmosphere in a modern industrial building.
• Starwell Coffee, small and hidden in an alley, but wow!
• Sandbar, love the views from here, also has nice Acai bowls.
• Elston, great interior, get a takeaway coffee and sit by the beach.

Things to Do in Surfers Paradise

There are a lot of things you can do in Surfers Paradise. 

Here are my suggestions for things to do in Surfers Paradise:

• Hang out at the main beach.
• Visit SkyPoint Observation Deck for incredible views.
• Stroll the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 4 pm.
• Get on an Aquaduck Tour to see the sights of Surfers Paradise in a unique way.
• Go on a whale-watching tour (in season between June and November only).
• Visit the Crazy Cat Cafe for some purrs.
• Go hot air ballooning over the Gold Coast hinterland.
• Learn how to surf, it's called Surfers Paradise for a reason.

And when you think you have seen it all, just head to another part of the Gold Coast, such as Broadbeach with all its fine dining restaurants, The Star casino and Pacific Fair Shopping Center. Or Burleigh Heads to catch some waves, walk around the Burleigh National Park or have a picnic on Burleigh Hill. I also love exploring Currumbin Beach and go for a paddle in the creek.

There are a lot of day trips and things you can explore when driving into the Gold Coast hinterland too. You will find untouched hikes, national parks, lookouts and beautiful waterfalls to swim in and small villages where you can browse around unusual shops or relax over a cup of hot coffee chatting to the locals.

From the Gold Coast, it's only an hour's drive into Queensland's capital Brisbane, which is also worth exploring.

Getting Around Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is compact and very walkable for most parts as it's flat and the next cafe or bench is never too far.

And if you want to explore the nearby areas of Surfers, you can easily get on the light rail which is called the G:Link and connects many suburbs on the northern end such as Helensvale to Surfers Paradise and to Broadbeach.

If you feel more like biking, there are electric bikes you can pick up via the app on all corners.

And if biking is not your thing, there is always good old Uber too!

Related Article: The 25 Best Day Trips Outside Of Brisbane

Nightlife in Surfers Paradise

Surely, if you are coming to Surfers Paradise, you won't want to miss exploring the buzzing nightlife.

Kick off your night at The Island Rooftop bar or some of my other favourite bars around here:

• House of Brews, one of my favs, great cocktail creations to be found here as well as a huge variety of craft beer on tap.
• Steampunk, good cocktails, wine and pizza.
• Stingray Lounge, the QT hotel bar.
• White Rhino
• Hyde Paradiso
• Sandbar, one of my favs on the esplanade with rotation beer taps

And if you are ready to head out and dance the night away, head to Bedroom Nightclub, where DJs from all around the world spin the tunes or socialise at Surfers Pavilion or Elsewhere.

The Island Gold Coast – Final Words

There are plenty of awesome places to stay on the Gold Coast, including many fantastic Airbnbs across different suburbs, but The Island Gold Coast definitely offers charm and convenience making it one of the best boutique hotels right in the heart of Surfers Paradise.

I think The Island Gold Coast strikes the perfect balance of luxury and affordability, making it a compelling choice for those looking to enjoy a comfortable stay while enjoying Surfers Paradise's lively nightlife.