The hype
The views are world-class and the location is unbeatable, but the building is showing its age and the elevators are a daily frustration.
Q1 Resort And Spa
$180-350/ night
Book this if You want the bragging rights of sleeping in Australia's tallest building and don't mind sacrificing some polish for the view.
Why People Love It
- Insane 360-degree views from the Skypoint deck and high-floor rooms
- Three swimming pools including a heated indoor lap pool for winter dips
- Apartment-style living with full kitchens and laundry is a lifesaver for families
Quick Take: A former icon that's currently an elevator-waiting simulator with spectacular views and tired furniture.
Reviewed by @fouraroundtheworld: I compared the famous Q1 deck with my room at Meriton Level 75. Honestly, waking up to that endless blue horizon from my own balcony was the highlight of my trip. It feels like you're floating above the world.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Many 'Queen' beds are just two singles pushed together with a sheet over them—expect a gap in the middle.
- You need a full kitchen and laundry for a family beach trip
- You plan to spend most of your time at the pool or beach, not inspecting baseboards
- You are obsessed with high-rise ocean views and sunrises
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7
- Housekeeping: Non-existent for short stays. You are expected to be self-sufficient.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean surfaces, but watch out for mold in the grout and hair in the spa jets.
- Maintenance: Aging building issues: peeling paint on balconies, scuffed skirting boards, and flickering lights.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality, but often worn. You only get one set, so reuse them carefully.
- Odors & scents: Hallways can smell musty or like refuse due to the garbage chutes.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Wind whistling through the building structure on stormy days
- Elevator shaft noise in rooms near the core
- Construction noise from the lobby renovation (until April 2026)
Before you book
Good to know
- Check-in is at 3:00 PM, but the queue starts earlier; arrive late to skip the rush
- Parking is free for one car (2.2m height limit), but spaces are tight
- A credit card security bond of $300-$2000 is required upon check-in depending on room type
What to pack
- Dishwashing liquid and laundry powder (starter pack is tiny)
- Extra pool towels (room towels are not refreshed daily)
- Eye mask (sunrise hits the east-facing rooms hard and early)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Ocean View Spa Apartments on floors 30-60 (clears neighboring buildings)
- South-facing rooms for views all the way to Coolangatta
Rooms to avoid
- Low floors (under level 20) – you get street noise and stare at other buildings
- Rooms near the elevator core – noisy and high foot traffic
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a high-floor apartment (Level 40+) with a South-facing ocean view. Please ensure the room is NOT near the elevator shaft. If possible, I would prefer a unit that has been recently refurbished.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the indoor lap pool is heated and great for winter. The two outdoor lagoon pools can be chilly in the cooler months.
Do I get daily housekeeping?
No. For stays under 7 nights, rooms are 'unserviced'. You get a starter pack of amenities and that's it.
Is there a resort fee?
No explicit resort fee, but there is a credit card surcharge (approx 1.3-2.75%) and a hefty security bond.
Can I walk to the beach?
Yes, Surfers Paradise Beach is a 5-minute walk (approx 400m) from the lobby.
Are the rooms renovated?
It varies wildly. Some are privately owned and dated; others are refurbished. It's a gamble unless you book a specific 'renovated' category.
Is there parking for tall vehicles?
The underground car park has a strict 2.2m height clearance. If you have a roof box or lifted 4WD, you'll need to find street parking.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Q1 Designer Rooms' are private rentals within the building—they often have better furniture but NO access to hotel luggage trolleys.
- ✨
Use the 'Residents' entrance if you have your key fob to bypass the main lobby crowds.
- ✨
The garbage chute is located in the hallway cupboard near the lifts—use it daily to avoid ant issues.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Queen' bed is often two singles zipped together, creating an uncomfortable ridge in the middle.
💡The AC is frequently locked to a minimum of 22°C, which can be suffocating if you like a cold room.
💡The dishwasher in some units has been reported as 'putrid' with mold in the seals—check it before loading.
💡You have to take two separate elevators to get from your room to the ground floor during the renovation period.
💡The 'Spa' bath in the room is often just a deep tub with weak jets, not a jacuzzi experience.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Q1 Resort And Spa is located and what's nearby.