Anne Gibson luxuriates on the 12th floor of this stylish Gold Coast hotel.
Check-in experience? "This is mimicking a Melbourne lane," I'm told on entering the funky, stylish corridor-like internal boulevard complete with coffee house on one side and knowledgeable concierge on the other.
Room? I was in room 11201, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom deluxe residence on level 12 in the 32-level Boulevard Tower, one block from the beach, with lounge, dining area, full kitchen and laundry in-room. This stands alongside the 55-level Orchid Tower. A family could live in this room, easily.
Price? A$439($482)/room a night.
Who owns it? Hilton Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's biggest hotel chains.
What's so good about this place? Towering new twin-tower block, second only to the skyscraper Q1 apartment tower and a large balcony with a four-seater table gives spectacular views of the sunrise.
And the bad? A nightclub opposite kept some guests awake. Not me, I got the requisite 10pm-6am shut-eye.
Claim to fame? Well, it's Surfers, isn't it? Kiwis love that. Combined with Hilton luxury: a powerful double whammy.
The bed? Serta commercial with Hilton Suite Dreams King Mattress on twin base, by Wonderest, Queensland. Australian made (with jumping kangaroo symbol).
The grounds? In a tight urban environment but level two has the gym, day spa, indoor pools, extensive outdoor seating and landscaped areas.
The bathroom? En suite to master bedroom has separate shower and large vanity. Second bathroom has shower over bath, fully enclosed with glass shower screens. A toilet right alongside the glass curtain wall caused some surprise on Facebook. Blinds right beside that toilet create a private area.
Toiletries? By Peter Thomas Roth.
Noise? Why, the motion of the ocean, of course. But quite a bit of nightlife in the streets below.
Exercise facilities? Full gym on level two, overlooking gardens in a peaceful setting, near indoor pool.
Food and drink? Salt Grill by celebratory chef Luke Mangan is offering a five-course degustation menu for A$160, complete with matching wines, starting with his signature hiramasa kingfish and finishing with a mini dessert tasting plate.
Perfect for? Couples, families who want a stunning room in one of New Zealander's most popular holiday destination, singles, groups (many from the Middle East in August) and corporates (PwC was staying and dining then too).
Would I return? The signature Hilton level of of style, elegance and luxury adds considerably to the magical Gold Coast experience.
Hilton Surfers Paradise is at 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Australia.
Phone: +61 7 5680 8000.