Hotel Review: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

Relax and unwind in the 5-star JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, located at the northern end of the Gold Coast at Surfers Paradise.

Just steps away from the famous Gold Coast Beaches, a short drive to the theme parks, shopping and dining precincts on the doorstep and a short drive to the Gold Coast Hinterland, the hotel is in a prime location to explore the best that the Gold Coast has to offer.

The recently rebranded hotel underwent a $35 million conversion to debut the JW Marriott brand in Australia. Designed around a theme of ‘nature’ by Australian firm DBI, JW Marriott Gold Coast has taken its inspiration from a hybrid of the surrounding coastal and natural hinterland in alignment with guest comfort, mindfulness and connection.

Hotel

The overall feeling you get as you step into this hotel is localised. There is a sense of the Gold Coast hinterland and rainforest, drawing on floating elements and canopies to simulate a natural entrance. Features include stone artwork and timber screening with high levels of greenery.

Welcoming you to the hotel is friendly staff, a couple of famous teddy bears, and a cool and refreshing lavender-infused drink delivered with entertaining theatrics. From there, the service continues to shine throughout the stay, from room service and staff down to the food and beverage service.

Stroll around the hotel grounds, and you will find there is more to this hotel than meets the eye. First of all, the pool. It looks like a stunning resort pool from the surface, but dive under, and you will find a magical world of corals and fish. The enormous sandy lagoon filled with tropical fish, waterfall, a separate freshwater pool (no fish here fish) comes complete with a whirlpool. These caves connect the pool to the grotto spa to the waterslide, cabanas and even a special silica sand formulated to stick to itself rather than you. Needless to say, it is a very unique pool.

For those who don’t want to get wet, there are cabanas around the pool to laze the day away, sip on a cocktail or have a snack from the Pavilion. Book in a special package for the cabana and make a day of it with all-inclusive drinks and food.

If you must drag yourself away from the pool, there are many activities to occupy your time, such as tennis, bike rentals, gym and fitness classes and local tours bookable at the concierge.

Rooms

Boasting an array of elegant guest rooms and suites, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa rooms are spacious and bathed in natural light, featuring private balconies (with an ocean or hinterland view), marble bathrooms and deluxe bedding. The blues and turquoise décor gives a beach vibe mixed with luxurious comfort and sophistication.

Room types vary from Guest Rooms to Suites with separate living area. For ultimate luxury, there is the Presidential Suite with private access. All rooms come with locally sourced amenities, and environmentally conscious contains, with no plastic in sight.

Room service is available with a nightly turndown and even a chocolate on the pillow. You will have all the modern comforts of home with a coffee machine, robes and slippers, adding the extra touch of comfort.

Dining

The resort boasts five restaurants and bars, including the Pool Bar, Citrique Seafood Buffet, Misono Japanese Steakhouse, Misono Sake Bar, and Chapter & Verse Bar and Lounge. Both the Pool Bar and Chapter & Verse offer light meals and are great when you are out and about on the water or to grab a coffee before heading off on a Surfers Paradise adventure.

Chapter & Verse Lounge and Bar features a half indoor half alfresco dining area allowing guests to enjoy the surrounding tropical gardens, water features and the refreshing sea breeze. For those who love fine dining, you have your choice of the award-winning Citrique and Misono. One glance at the buffet and you will see why! This is where you will have breakfast and the buffet breakfast offering is a destination experience in itself.

Misono, formerly Benihana, has a reputation throughout the Gold Coast as the best teppanyaki restaurant and Sake Bar in town. It is also known for keeping the children entertained and engaged by the charming and personable chefs and mouth-watering cuisine. Be entertained while enjoying a mouth-watering dinner. It will not disappoint.

If you don’t want to leave their rooms, there is 24-hour room service. Savor by JW In-Room Dining is available to all hotel guests throughout the day, featuring a breakfast, day-long dining and kids menu. Featuring local fresh produce, the in-room dining offerings are based on the Citrique and Chapter & Verse menus.

Hotel Rewards

Discover more places to earn and redeem your points with Marriott Bonvoy™ Benefits. Redeem for free nights, unexpected delights, access to major events and more. There is even an APP to record all your stays and track your points accrual. For more, check out the Marriott Bonvoy™ Benefits website.

Hot Tip

Book a room that is ocean facing and as high up as possible. The views across Surfers Paradise are stunning. Make sure you try the signature cocktail, the Lyrebird, as it comes in a beautiful glass and tastes amazing. Don’t forget to pack your snorkel and mask so you can swim with the fish in the lagoon.