Review: Novotel Surfers Paradise Hotel on the Gold Coast

Planning your next getaway to the Gold Coast and wondering if Novotel Surfers Paradise is worth booking? My complete review aims to answer your key questions, covering everything from room amenities to location and overall guest experience.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of accommodation choices on the Gold Coast, especially if you’re after something that ticks all the boxes. Plus, many holidaymakers worry about value for money, outdated rooms, or noisy surroundings, and it can be tough to tell from glossy hotel websites what you’re really in for.

As a local to Southeast Queensland, and drawing from my recent stay. I’ll provide insights into the Novotel’s strengths and potential shortcomings, and help you decide if this hotel suits your needs. Whether you’re a local planning a quick staycay like me, or visiting from interstate or overseas, you’ll find all the info you need here.

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Overall Review: Is it Worth staying at the Novotel?

Staying a couple of nights at the Novotel Surfers Paradise gave me a real feel for what this hotel has to offer. The standout for me was definitely the location and convenience and I would definitely stay here again. It’s just a few metres walk from Cavill Avenue meant I had easy access:

• to a huge range of shops,
• places to eat
• and fun entertainment.

Whether I fancied a quick early morning stroll to the beach or grabbed a quick bite to eat, everything was right at my doorstep.

➡  Book The Novotel accommodation HERE with Booking.com

The area is always buzzing with activity and street performers, making it great for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the heart of Surfers Paradise (even if you only had one day in the area)

Overall, I see that Novotel in Surfers Paradise receives a lot of positive reviews, and I would stay here again. While it has a four-star rating, there were a couple of features that were a little disappointing, and I will explain that more below.

In the meantime, I have a list of Pros and Cons features here to help you get a brief understanding of this hotel.

✅ Pros

• Excellent central location – within walking distance to Cavill Avenue, the beach, shops, and restaurants.
• Comfortable, modern rooms, many offering stunning ocean or city views.
• A good range of facilities, including a pool, spa, gym, tennis court, and onsite dining options.
• Close to public transport, making it easy to explore the Gold Coast without driving.
• Spacious Rooms with a Balcony.
• Room varieties can be great value for money compared to some of the luxury hotels located directly on the beach.

➡  Book The Novotel accommodation HERE with Booking.com

❌ Cons

• Being in the heart of Surfers Paradise means it can get noisy, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Some rooms feel a little dated compared to newer Gold Coast hotels.
• Parking is limited and expensive, which can be frustrating for guests with cars.
• The hotel can feel busy and crowded during peak holiday seasons.
• Service can be slow, and you can read my experience below from check-in.
• Not located directly on the beachfront, and you’ll need to walk a few hundred metres to reach the sand.

Who Should Stay Here?

I think this Novotel Hotel is well-suited to a wide range of guests.

• Families will appreciate the proximity to beaches and theme parks.
• Couples can take advantage of the romantic coastal setting and dining.
• Solo travellers are perfectly placed to explore, with plenty of attractions and shopping.
• Business travellers will benefit from the central location, close to the convention centre and public transport.

However, those travelling on a tight budget might find better value elsewhere, though it could be worth splurging for a night to enjoy the prime location and amenities.

Note: Novotel is part of the Accor group, a leading French hospitality company with a wide portfolio of hotel brands spanning various market segments

Do you need help planning your trip to Queensland? Book a one-on-one consultation call with me, to get your questions answered & personalised help!

Where is it located?

The Novotel hotel in Surfers Paradise is situated at the corner of Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Hanlan Street, right in the vibrant heart of Surfers Paradise.

Although the hotel isn’t directly on Cavill Avenue, it’s only a short couple of minutes’ walk via the Paradise Centre, making it incredibly easy to access all the action.

You’ll find yourself just steps away from the iconic Surfers Paradise Beach, and well-connected by public transport, with the Glink light rail (Tram) and bus stops nearby.

How much does it cost?

Room rates at the Novotel four-star Hotel typically range from around $150 to $350 per night for standard rooms, depending on:

• the season,
• room type,
• nights your staying,
• and how far in advance you book.

➡  Book The Novotel accommodation HERE with Booking.com

I see prices can climb higher for premium options like the Executive Spa Rooms and Penthouses, which may set you back upwards of $500 per night during peak periods.

With this in mind, If you’re planning a three day itinerary in Surfers, this cost can definitely eat into your activities budget. While I personally found it a tad pricey compared to some of my previous stays, it’s fair to say that the quality of the rooms and facilities does outshine a number of older hotels in the area.

Many accommodation options nearby look great in photos but haven’t been updated in years, so if newer amenities and a fresh feel are important to you, Novotel is definitely a safer bet.

However, know the property was built in 1985, and while it’s undergone several refurbishments, I do see it showing signs of aging.

Room Amenities & Comfort

The Novotel Hotel has a total of 408 rooms spread across multiple categories. These include:

• Penthouses: These top-floor suites are for those wanting a truly indulgent stay.
• Accessible Rooms: Designed for guests with mobility needs, featuring step-free access, wider doorways, and accessible bathroom facilities
• Dog-friendly rooms, if you’re travelling with your furry mate.
• Executive & Spa Rooms: Enjoy added luxury with higher floors, a spacious layout and sometimes, an in-room spa bath.
• Family Rooms: offers additional bedding and space.
• Superior Rooms: The standard option with modern comforts and are available in ocean or city views.

➡  Search Gold Coast Tours HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator

Bed

We chose a Superior King Room with an Ocean View on this trip.

The bed was exceptionally comfy, so plush it felt like I was sinking into it, but I still managed to get a solid night’s sleep. The sheets were crisp and clean, adding to the overall sense of comfort and relaxation in the room.

Before booking, I did read reviews about excess noise impacting sleep. This could be people wandering the corridor, adjacent rooms, or the lively streets below.

While I didn’t experience any of this on my visit to the Novotel, if it’s a concern for you, I recommend taking earplugs (especially on weekends). Ultimately, you are in the peak tourist hub for the Gold Coast, and after many stays in Surfers Paradise, noise can happen at a lot of hotels.

Bathroom

The bathroom is conveniently positioned near the front door, making it easily accessible as you enter the room. As you walk in, you’ll pass the kitchenette on one side and the bathroom basin on the other, creating a functional entryway layout.

➡  Book The Novotel accommodation HERE with Booking.com

Proceeding further, you enter a single, private room that contains a combined bath and shower unit with a glass water barrier, along with a toilet.

Kitchenette

The kitchenette offers essential conveniences:

• like a compact bar fridge ideal for storing snacks and drinks,
• an electric kettle,
• and a selection of tea and coffee supplies to get your morning started right.

There’s also a practical benchtop space suitable for preparing simple meals or enjoying a quick bite. While the kitchen setup is basic, it provides everything you need for light self-catering or sorting takeaway dishes, if you prefer to dine in.

Views and balconies

For our specific Ocean View room, the outlook was positioned to the side of the building rather than offering a direct, uninterrupted ocean vista. (There were other rooms directly facing the ocean).

However, the angled aspect still provided a glimpse of the beach, allowing you to watch the sunrise over the horizon in the morning.

Our balcony also overlooked Cavill Avenue, giving us a front-row seat to the vibrant activity below, from street performers to the busy nightlife, so you can soak up the lively atmosphere of Surfers Paradise without leaving your room.

TV

The in-room television was impressively large, providing crisp visuals and a modern touch to the space.

While we didn’t spend much time actually watching TV during our stay, it was convenient to have it on in the background for a bit of ambience or to catch up on the news.

Wifi

Wi-Fi is available for FREE throughout the hotel and works reliably in the rooms, making it easy to stay connected when you’re relaxing inside.

Although I did read some reviews where, at busy times, it can become spotty or slow. This means performance could vary depending on the room location and time of day.

However, since I tend to spend most of my time out exploring rather than in the resort, I often rely on mobile data instead. If you need to stay connected while out and about, it might be worth considering an eSIM or local SIM card for your phone for added convenience and flexibility during your stay.

Hotel Facilities & Amenities

Check-in process

I felt the check-in process left a bit to be desired and could definitely use some improvement. I arrived early (around 12pm), fully aware that my room might not yet be ready.

➡  Book The Novotel accommodation HERE with Booking.com

Still, I was surprised to find myself the only one in the queue for a solid 25 minutes, waiting while another guest was being assisted. What made the situation more frustrating was that, during this time, another staff member came out from the back not once, but twice, saw me still waiting, but didn’t offer any assistance or even acknowledge my presence before heading off again.

By the time it was finally my turn to be served, the queue had grown, with two other parties now lined up behind me. It felt like a bit of a shambles, and didn’t set the best first impression.

Parking

Additionally, the parking situation left a bit to be desired. The cost of parking isn’t included, and spaces are limited, which would make things a bit tricky, especially during peak times.

Parking at the hotel comes at a cost of $25 per day, and can add up over a longer stay.

The car park itself is part of the Paradise Centre complex, but is still connected to the hotel. There are lifts available from the car park that take you straight up to the reception area, so you don’t need to worry about lugging your bags a long distance or navigating stairs.

If secure or complimentary parking is high on your list, you might want to weigh up your options. When we previously stayed at Surfers International Apartments, just a block away, we appreciated the free parking that was on offer.

It’s a small but important detail that can make or break your stay, especially if you’re planning to hire a car or drive up from elsewhere.

Lifts and Stairs

Due to the hotel’s popularity, particularly during peak periods, the lifts can become congested, resulting in long wait times.

I was there during the week and even waited longer than 5 minutes.

We also had trouble with the Keycards, but I think that had more to do with me accessing other floors (my friend’s room) and my card only accessing my floor.

➡  Search Gold Coast Tours HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator

Swimming Pool

The swimming pool is generously sized and features an adjoining spa, offering guests the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a busy day.

Both of these are heated year-round, so no matter the season, you’ll usually find people making the most of them. Unfortunately, during my visit, the pool and spa were temporarily closed for maintenance, which was a bit of a let-down.

Fitness centre

The fitness centre, while compact, was well-equipped for a holiday stay. It featured a treadmill, a selection of free weights, a rowing machine, and a couple of exercise bikes, covering the essentials for a solid workout.

Despite its modest size, the space was clean and well-maintained, with modern equipment that made it easy to stick to your fitness routine while away from home.

Onsite Café

We had lunch at the on-site café on the first day while we were waiting to check in. Although the menu offered a fairly limited selection, the staff more than made up for it with their genuinely friendly service.

➡  Book The Novotel accommodation HERE with Booking.com

Admittedly, the prices were on the steeper side (especially for the cocktails), but the quality of the meal and the relaxed vibe in the café made it a pleasant spot to settle in after our travels.

What really stood out, though, was the exceptional service from the barman. After overhearing that it was my friend’s birthday, he went above and beyond to make her feel special.

Later that day, a decorated “Happy Birthday” plate, complete with a cupcake and a bottle of wine, was delivered to her room. It was so cute and thoughtful and added a personal touch to our stay.

Just one of those little surprises that make a hotel experience memorable.

Public Transport

If you’re looking to get around without the hassle or cost of parking, the Novotel in Surfers Paradise puts you in a prime spot for public transport.

The Surfers Paradise Tram Station is less than a five-minute stroll from the hotel, making it incredibly convenient to hop on the Glink tram and travel south to Broadbeach, north towards Brisbane, or use the Bus network anywhere along the Gold Coast corridor.

With Queensland fares currently sitting at just 50 cents for one-way travel, catching public transport is not only easy but also a bargain.

Because of this, we choose to train from Brisbane instead of driving. This was a “no-brainer” decision to save money when weighing up $75 for car parking against $2 for the Train.

Breakfast Buffet

The breakfast buffet at Novotel was a real highlight, and the selection was easily the largest I’ve come across in a long while, catering to all sorts of tastes and preferences.

There were plenty of hot Bacon, Eggs & toast, plus cold choices with fresh pastries, fruit, cereals and even Chia Seed Pudding. The barista-style coffee made mornings a treat, but it took a bit to work out how to use the machines.

My biggest tip is to book a Room package that includes breakfast, as paying for it separately ($42 per Adult) is way overpriced and would add up over the days.

Things to Do Nearby

If you’re not aware of the Gold Coast, the surrounding area around Cavill Avenue and Surfers Paradise is packed with attractions. This includes the shopping precincts, including Paradise Centre and Chevron Renaissance, plus a huge range of restaurants, cafés, and nightlife options.

➡  Search Gold Coast Tours HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator

Novotel is a great base for exploring all that Surfers Paradise has to offer. Some of my favourites include:

• Relax on Surfers Paradise Beach: Enjoy the iconic golden sands and rolling surf right at your doorstep.
• Visit the SkyPoint Observation Deck or Climb experience, which is located atop the Q1 building, with panoramic views of the Gold Coast coastline and hinterland.
• Take a Surf Lesson: Whether you’re a beginner or looking to brush up on your skills.
• Enjoy Whale Watching Tours (in season): From May to November, several operators run whale watching tours departing from Surfers Paradise and nearby marinas.

• Stroll Cavill Avenue: This bustling pedestrian mall is the heart of Surfers Paradise, lined with shops, arcades, bars, cafés, and street performers creating a lively atmosphere day and night.
• Explore a Theme Park that suits your group, from Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild, and Dreamworld.
• Night Markets: Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, the beachfront hosts vibrant markets with local arts, crafts, fashion, and street food.
• Gold Coast Hinterland is where you can hike through rainforests, waterfalls, like Natural Bridge, or find glow worms in the National Parks.

• Ripley’s Believe It or Not! You can check out the quirky exhibits, interactive displays, and mind-bending illusions.
• Water Adventures: Jet Ski rides, jet boating, parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding,
• Find your favourite animals at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, like Koalas, Kangaroos, and Dingos.

Wrap up!

I think you should definitely weigh up your options when considering a stay here, balancing both the price and the convenience that Novotel Surfers Paradise offers.

While it might not be the cheapest option on the Coast, its central location, comfortable amenities, and easy access to everything make it one of the better choices in Surfers Paradise.

However, if you’re still researching your holiday plans, feel free to check out my other Gold Coast articles for more inspiration, tips, and guidance to help you make the most of your visit.