The Island Gold Coast
by the TopOfHotel team
The Island is a modern 4-star boutique that opened in 2016, with a rooftop sky bar and a heated saltwater pool, sitting right on Cavill Avenue near the Q1 tower. Score 8.8.
The Island is a modern 4-star boutique that opened in 2016, with a rooftop sky bar and a heated saltwater pool, sitting right on Cavill Avenue near the Q1 tower. Score 8.8.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
The Island Gold Coast opened in 2016 on Surfers Paradise Boulevard, right next to the Cavill Avenue pedestrian street, and runs about 78 rooms. Reviewers praise the design as sharp and full of character — this isn't a chain hotel that looks the same everywhere. It feels more like a boutique stay built for a younger crowd. Rooms run from classic twins to deluxe kings, and every one comes with a private balcony, a fridge, and a flat-screen TV. The rooms read clean and modern.
Food and amenities
The features guests remember are the rooftop sky bar, where you can sit with a drink and watch the sun go down over the city, and the outdoor heated saltwater pool that's gentle on the skin. There are two bars and lounges — a poolside bar and a lobby bar — plus an on-site casino and nightclub for anyone who wants to keep the night going. There's also a restaurant and café, with room service on limited hours and continental breakfast for a fee.
Location and getting there
The Island sits right beside the Cavill Avenue pedestrian street, so you step out and you're straight into the shops and food. Surfers Paradise beach is about a 5-minute walk, and the SkyPoint observation deck on the Q1 tower is roughly 6–7 minutes away on foot. The real-guest score lands at a strong 8.8.
Things to know before booking
The on-site casino and nightclub are a draw, but rooms near those areas can pick up noise at night — ask for one further away if that matters to you. Both breakfast (continental) and parking come at an extra cost, and parking has to be booked ahead. Room service runs on limited hours, not 24-hour, so don't count on a late-night order. Private parking is on site but paid.
Our take
The Island Gold Coast fits couples and travelers who want a modern boutique hotel in the heart of the area. If you like a stay with sharp design, a sky bar, and a spot right on the Cavill Avenue pedestrian street, this is the pick that's both good value and full of style. Real-guest score is 8.8/10 from 156 reviews, with rooms from roughly $107 a night.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- A modern-styled 4-star boutique hotel that opened in 2016, sitting right on Surfers Paradise Boulevard next to the Cavill Avenue pedestrian street.
- The standout features are a rooftop sky bar and an outdoor heated saltwater pool that's easy on the skin.
- Every room has a private balcony, a fridge, and a flat-screen TV, with classic twins through deluxe kings on offer.
- Two bars and lounges, including a poolside bar and a lobby bar, plus an on-site casino and nightclub for anyone who wants to keep the night going.
- Right beside Cavill Avenue, with the beach about a 5-minute walk and the SkyPoint deck on the Q1 tower about 6-7 minutes away.
- There's a casino and a nightclub on site, so rooms near the entertainment areas can pick up noise at night.
- Breakfast (continental) and parking both come at an extra cost, and parking needs to be booked ahead.
- Room service runs on limited hours rather than around the clock, so late-night ordering isn't guaranteed.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Gold Coast
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Insider Tips
- Head up to the rooftop sky bar around sunset for the view over the city.
- Ask for a room away from the casino and nightclub if you're worried about noise.
- Walk over to the SkyPoint observation deck on the Q1 tower, which is close by.