Local Escapes

10 Of The Gold Coast’s Best Airbnb Rooms That Cost Less Than A Night Out

By Isabel Croker – who loves morning run clubs as equally as she loves negronis and tiny snack plates

surfers paradise airbnb room

Being able to easily find budget-friendly accommodation is a huge part of what makes travel possible for a lot of us, especially in a post-covid, cost-of-living-crisis landscape where so many of us are looking to travel without breaking the bank.

Airbnb’s freshly-launched "Rooms" category will make it easier to find private and low-cost rooms, with more than 80% of listings falling under $150 AUD a night. This personalised approach is all about getting back to the core of the share economy concept Airbnb was founded on; bringing people together and having awesome and authentic local experiences. Read the full scoop on Airbnb Rooms here

We’ve hunted down some of the Gold Coast’s best Airbnb Rooms, so you can explore the Gold Coast for a price cheaper than a night out. 

European-Style Getaway 

Carrara | Sleeps 2
european style house

Carrara isn’t the first place we’d expect to find a European-style home but hosts Ben and Jennifer have proved us wrong. Their two-storey European-inspired house will see you staying on the private ground floor with a queen bedroom, private bathroom, open kitchen, lounge room, office space and spacious backyard. With its central location, office space and Wi-Fi, this is one of our top picks for a Gold Coast workation. Rooms from $167 per night. Book here.

Mermaid Beach Villa

Mermaid Beach | Sleeps 2

mermaid beach villa

Wake up to gentle sea breezes at this Mermaid Beach villa located just a two-minute walk from the beach. High ceilings and sliding glass doors embrace the beachfront location, while soft beach tones and timber accents create a peaceful space inside. At Prue’s house you’ll have access to a queen bedroom, private bathroom, lounge room, yoga room and outdoor pavilion space. Rooms from $158 per night. Book here.

Waterfront Luxury Stay

Runaway Bay | Sleeps 3

waterfront villa

If we could book this sprawling waterfront villa all to ourselves, we would. The next best thing is booking a room here. You’ll sleep in a huge room with a king bed and single bed and have access to the kitchen, living room, swimming pool and laundry. Oh, and you can also go fishing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding off the pier. Ashley and her family of three also live in the house and are passionate kite surfers. Rooms from $185 per night. Book here.

Ocean View Room

Surfers Paradise | Sleeps 2

surfers paradise ocean airbnb

Ocean views from a 16th floor apartment in Surfers Paradise? Tempting. Throw in a lagoon pool with spa, gym, indoor-outdoor pool and sauna and we’re officially sold. Hosted by Sue, this ocean view room in Surfers Paradise has a king bed, private bathroom, free car park and is just a few minutes’ walk to Surfers Paradise beach. Rooms from $137 per night. Book here.

Beachside Zen Airbnb

Broadbeach | Sleeps 2

broadbeach airbnb room

If you're all about getting your Zen on when you're on holiday (or on a staycay), we have found just the spot for you. This yoga-themed beachside Broadbeach unit is hosted by Macy, a yoga instructor, and Massimo, an Italian chef so you can wake up with yoga and end your day with an Italian feast. You'll have your own bedroom with a double bed, private bathroom, and access to the shared kitchen, living room and balcony. Rooms from $132 per night. Book here.

Wattle Cottage

Tamborine Mountain | Sleeps 2

a tamborine mountain airbnb

Whisk yourself away to high atop the mountain clouds of Tamborine Mountain and here you will find the stunning Wattle Cottage. A beautifully restored Queenslander cottage, you’ll find everything you need—and more—for the ultimate tranquil getaway at Wattle Cottage. Soothe your stresses away in the winter hot tub or cool off in the plunge pool, come summer. Soft linen, bubble bathes and a wood-burning fireplace await you inside. Your host, Heidi lives in a separate dwelling on the property and you’ll feel totally secluded at this rustic getaway. Private cabin from $330 per night. Book here.

Surfers Paradise Apartment

Surfers Paradise | Sleeps 2

surfers paradise apartment

Fancy a seachange with beachfront views? Book in a stay at this beachfront apartment and we promise you’ll be raving about the views for weeks to come. Overlooking Surfers Paradise beach, you’ll have your own bedroom with a queen bed and bathroom, full use of kitchen facilities and access to a pool, spa, gym, sauna and BBQ areas. Aaron and Sonia are your friendly hosts who pride themselves on giving great local recommendations. Rooms from $189 per night. Book here.

Coombabah Airbnb 

Coombabah | Sleeps 4

coombabah airbnb

The location doesn’t get much more central than at this squeaky-clean Coombabah Airbnb, with easy access to nearby beaches, theme parks and shopping districts. Hosted by retired couple, Jan and Ron, you’ll have access to two bedrooms, a spacious bathroom and separate toilet, lounge room, office space and even a nine-hole golf course. Jan and Ron will even provide you with a continental breakfast every morning. Rooms from $127 per night. Book here.

Gold Coast Townhouse Apartment

Robina | Sleeps 2

robina airbnb room

Located close to all the Gold Coast has to offer, this budget-friendly stay has you within walking distance to Robina Town Centre, with a host of great restaurants and shopping on offer. The private room features a king-size bed with enough space for both couples and solo travellers and you can also make use of the complimentary pool, steam room and gym during your stay. Rooms from $55/night. Book here. 

Looking for more cheap Gold Coast accommodation? Check out these spots under $150 per night.

Image Credit: Airbnb

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