voco Gold Coast – Hotel Review

You’re in the heart of splashy Surfers Paradise at voco Gold Coast, the since renovated, 20-storey hotel formerly known as the Watermark. One block back from the beach, a short walk to Cavill Avenue and opposite the Q1 skyscraper, you’ll never be short of things to do and see but there are plenty of on-site facilities for your downtime, including three restaurants, two pools and a day spa. Read on for the full review.

The hotel’s rooms are a respite from all the excitement below. They’re bright and light, gussied up with tasteful navy blue walls and pops of sunshine yellow, with a large bed piled with pillows and a chaise for reclining beneath the window. 

Where is voco Gold Coast?

Sandwiched between Surfers Paradise Boulevard and the Gold Coast Highway, voco Gold Coast is right in the heart of the Gold Coast, about 40 minutes by car from the airport. 

What’s near voco Gold Coast?

The SkyPoint Observation Deck & Climb, also known as the Q1 skyscraper, is just two minutes walk from your front door and it's only an eight-minute walk to Cavill Avenue. There’s also a6 light rail stop in front of the hotel, which whizzes guests down to Pacific Fair. 

Room types

Room sizes range from the 27-square-metre Superior Room, with a tall picture window framing city or ocean views, to the four-person Entertainer’s Suite, which features a spa on the terrace and separate living area. Each has a desk, wall-mounted TV and a well-stocked mini bar with large, daffodil-hued coffee cups. Simply appointed bathrooms will inspire you to renovate your own: taupe tiles, a large rainfall shower and a good selection of toiletries from natural beauty brand Aveda.

Restaurants and bars

Buffet breakfast, with all the usual hot and cold options plus an omelette station, is served at Waves Buffet Restaurant, also open for lunch and dinner. Opposite is the upbeat Clifford’s Grill and Lounge, where you can watch your steak or snapper get skilfully charred on the grill in the open kitchen. Desserts here are seriously indulgent – think sticky toffee and date pudding with a sphere of vanilla ice-cream and a pot of pourable caramel sauce. Coffee and light meals are served in the lobby café, Social House, which turns into a bar and lounge offering cocktails, tapas, platters and pizzas from lunch until late.

Travel for work

There are several meeting and conference rooms of different sizes on the first floor of the hotel, each named after a different bird.

Spa, pool and gym

L’Aqua Day Spa has a full complement of massages, facials and mani-pedis in a warren of rooms on the second floor. Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment to ease into a relaxed state of mind with a steam in the sauna. There are also two rooftop pools, one each on the north and south sides of the hotel to take advantage of the sun. The gym, stocked with free weights, cardio machines and yoga mats, is open 24 hours but take advantage of the promenade 400 metres from Voco for your afternoon walk.

What you need to know

Each room is soundproofed to hush the hum of activity from the busy streets.

SEE ALSO: 12 Luxury Gold Coast Hotels for a Five-Star Stay