GOLD COAST, Australia - The landmark AUD $700 million Hilton Surfers Paradise complex on Queensland's Gold Coast today officially opened its doors, making it the newest leisure property for Hilton Hotels & Resorts in Australia, and the first Hilton property in the country to offer a combination of guest rooms and holiday residences.

Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide, said, "Hilton Surfers Paradise is our eighth Hilton-branded property in Australia, and is a significant milestone for the tourism industry in the Gold Coast being the first new upscale, global hotel to be built in the Gold Coast in over 10 years. We are delighted to continue to grow the footprint of Hilton Worldwide in this important market."

David Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, said, "Hilton Surfers Paradise presents a range of unique accommodation, dining and meeting options. Apart from appealing to the leisure traveller, we believe that the hotel will also contribute to the growth of the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry in the area."

Featuring an unprecedented range of accommodation options to suit the needs of all guests, the hotel offers a total of 169 guest rooms and 250 modern one-, two- and three-bedroom residences. David Kelly, general manager, Hilton Surfers Paradise commented that the complex was specifically designed in response to the demand for more flexible and spacious holiday options in the area.

"The facilities at Hilton Surfers Paradise are so diverse that you can enjoy time with your family in the comfort of a spacious residence one weekend, and return another time as a couple for a romantic break and enjoy the serenity of a guest room.

"Our self-contained residences include full kitchens, laundry facilities, as well as separate living and dining spaces, and are ideal for families, groups or anyone looking beyond the traditional hotel for superb accommodation.

"Guests at our residences also have access to all the services of the hotel including in-room dining, mini bar, daily housekeeping, valet parking, 24-hour reception and concierge," he said.

Hilton Surfers Paradise has also tailored its food and beverage, and recreational facilities to specifically cater for the sophisticated traveller and local guest.  These include:

Salt grill by Luke Mangan: Celebrity chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan is the culinary visionary behind Hilton Surfers Paradise's signature restaurant, Salt grill. Luke brings a whole new level of dining to the area as the first celebrity chef to establish a restaurant on the Gold Coast. With a relaxed, stylish atmosphere, and a large open-plan kitchen offering direct interaction with the chefs, guests of Salt grill enjoy quality and innovation in all aspects of food, wine and service.

FIX: Renowned international and Sydney-based mixologist, Grant Collins, has taken the lead role with the opening of FIX, an ultra stylish lounge bar.  Having served the likes of Madonna, Kate Moss, Elton John, Russell Crowe and the Beckhams, Grant says the bar is unlike anything the Gold Coast bar scene has experienced before and offers beverages that are not readily available anywhere else in Australia, including a 'Fix Breeze' and 'Surfers Sling' served in vintage glassware.

The Food Store: A concept unique to Hilton Surfers Paradise, The Food Store is a gourmet marketplace and European-style delicatessen. With an exclusive range of cheeses, charcuterie and small goods that are not readily available anywhere else on the Gold Coast, The Food Store also serves Artesian breads baked on site, organic yoghurts, natural ice creams and provides a delicious retail offering, including a range of wines, olive oils and hand-made pastas.

eforea: spa at Hilton: Hilton Surfers Paradise is home to the first brand new, purpose-built eforea: spa at Hilton in Australia. The global spa experience from Hilton Hotels & Resorts combines three distinct ranges of treatments for men and women alike. Hilton pulled the best elements and practices from Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and the Americas to create a unique spa experience for today's global travellers.

The Deck: A spectacular focal point at the centre of the hotel, The Deck is a vast 1500-square metre space with four stylish pools, a spa, sauna, private day beds, shaded picnic areas, an outdoor terrace, and BBQ pavilions. Serviced by a team of 'Poolside Valets', The Deck is a stunning backdrop for everything from a relaxing poolside afternoon to a chic cocktail evening.

Events: The hotel's boutique ballroom is equipped with the latest audio-visual technology and has a maximum capacity of 350 guests, cocktail style. It is also complemented by a range of spectacular outdoor event spaces, a business centre, theatre, a number of smaller boardroom- style breakout rooms, and a Hilton Executive Lounge that offers 270-degree views of the Gold Coast. Extending his culinary flair and creativity to the entire complex, Luke Mangan has also created the menus for conference and events, in-room dining, Fix and The Food Store.

"At Hilton Surfers Paradise we are combining the energy of Surfers with the style of Hilton, and we look forward welcoming guests to experience our unique offering," said Mr Kelly.

Rates at the new Hilton Surfers Paradise start from $259 for a one-bedroom residence and from $279 for a hotel room. For bookings visit www.hiltonsurfersparadise.com.au or phone 1300 445 866. Download images and access more information at www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com/surfersparadise.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
One of the most recognized name in the industry, Hilton Hotels & Resorts stands as the stylish, forward thinking global leader in hospitality. From inaugural balls and Hollywood award galas to business events and days to remember, Hilton is where the world makes history, closes the deal, toasts special occasions and gets away from it all. The flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide continues to build upon its legacy of innovation by developing products and services to meet the needs of tomorrow's savvy global travelers while more than 144,000 Team Members shape experiences in which every guest feels cared for, valued and respected. Today, the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio includes more than 540 hotels in 78 countries and the brand remains synonymous with "hotel." Access the latest Hilton news at www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com or begin your journey at www.hilton.com. Social media users can engage with Hilton at www.twitter.com/hiltononline, www.facebook.com/hilton and www.youtube.com/hilton. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide's ten market-leading brands.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,750 hotels and timeshare properties, with 615,000 rooms in 85 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. For more information about the company, visit www.HiltonWorldwide.com or connect with Hilton Worldwide www.HiltonWorldwideGlobalMediaCenter.com.