We think the Gold Coast sets a new standard when it comes to hotel accommodation—there are numerous beachside digs with more than your fair share of ocean views, stylish and soulful dwellings enabling a whole lot of rest and relaxation, hinterland humble abodes and luxury-style retreats.
The Gold Coast is the ultimate weekender destination, so whether you're travelling from near or far, we've got the perfect hotels for you to bliss out at. Here are 17 of the best hotels on the Gold Coast to rest your head at in 2023.
Best Luxury Gold Coast Hotels
The Langham
Surfers Paradise
The Langham is Australia's newest luxury resort and towers high like a shining spire as the tallest of the three eye-catching Jewel Towers in Surfers Paradise. Boasting 17 different types of elegant rooms and suites, direct beachfront access, panoramic ocean views and stunning Hinterland views, The Langham, Gold Coast and Jewel Residences offers an unprecedented level of five-star accommodation on the Gold Coast.
The grand 339-room luxury destination is also the first hotel with direct beachfront access to be built on the Gold Coast in more than 30 years. The Langham is home to grandeur facilities including one of the hotel’s star attractions; a huge lagoon-style beachfront pool with a swim-up pool bar and spa, Chuan Spa, a 5,300-square-foot holistic wellness retreat set with indoor and outdoor pools, and a world-class lineup of six dining and bar venues, including T’ang Court, a the Michelin-starred restaurant. Book here.
The Darling
Broadbeach
A pretty special place worth saving your pennies for and treating a darling in your life, this hotel is luxury at its finest, boasting six fanciful stars. The Darling is located at the front of The Star Gold Coast, 17 stories high in the sky, right in the heart of Broadbeach. Get this—the deluxe suites have the choice of billiard rooms, a karaoke room or a private gym plus a butler. As if you wouldn’t already be feeling pretty lucky to be staying here, there is a bridge adjoining the hotel to the casino.
The infinity pool is also worth a special mention because it juts out five metres from the side of the building and is 67 metres above the ground with spectacular views of the coastline. You won’t have to leave your perch in the sky with Nineteen at The Star proving a delight to your senses, and most importantly, those taste buds. A stay here should be added to your Christmas wish list. Dreams are free right?
Sheraton Grand Mirage
Main Beach
Would you really expect a roundup of the Gold Coast’s best hotels not to include the Sheraton? The Gold Coast's only five-star beachfront resort, the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort is a distinctive tropical oasis set amongst six hectares of sparkling lagoons and lush gardens. The hotel oozes luxury—from the modern design to the opulent furnishings to the compelling art pieces, everything has been carefully selected to set the grandiose tone. Home to four award-winning restaurants and bars, you’ll struggle to choose where you want to dine (it must just be the hardest decision you make during your stay). Pro tip: don’t check out until you’ve treated yourself to a cocktail in the Oasis Pool’s swim-up bar. Book here
Dorsett Gold Coast
Broadbeach
Dorsett Gold Coast is Australia’s first Dorsett hotel, so when it opened its doors in December 2021, it’s safe to say it made a splash. Located within The Star, the stylish Dorsett boasts 313 chic hotel rooms all decked out with top-of-the-range appliances, sweeping coastline, ocean and Hinterland views and king beds in every room. If you don’t get excited about a king bed, you need to rethink your priorities. While the rooms are certainly impressive, it’s Dorsett’s hotel features and location that secures it as one of the Gold Coast’s best hotels.
You’ll have exclusive access to Isoletto Pool Club, a heated 12-metre rooftop infinity pool, direct connection to The Star and all its venues and the hotel’s Level 19 Executive VIP Lounge. We love that all of the hotel’s impressive artworks are designed by Gold Coast locals. Book in at one of the Gold Coast’s newest hotels and we promise you’ll be back again…and again.
Palazzo Versace
Main Beach
There’s something about fancy hotels we love—whether it’s the prime locations, stunning rooms or just those fluffy bathrobes, there’s something special about them. And when a hotel ticks all of those boxes, you know you’re onto one of the Gold Coast’s best hotels. Palazzo Versace is just that—an exclusive waterfront setting, spectacular architecture, opulent accommodation, extraordinary service and an ambience of pure glamour.
Stay in the lap of luxury in one of their 200 light-filled, artfully designed rooms before you feast at their award-winning restaurants—from refined fine dining to a Gold Coast high tea, each restaurant and bar serves as a tribute to the Versace brand’s luxury aesthetic. Palazzo Versace is ticking all the boxes as one of the Gold Coast’s best luxury hotels.
qtQT Cabins
Surfers Paradise
The Gold Coast's newest accommodation experience has just been unveiled and to say it's unique is an understatement. qtQT is a one-of-a-kind stay experience; an open-air, rooftop urban oasis hidden in the heart of Surfers Paradise with six luxury cabins which will make you feel like you've been whisked away to a tropical sanctuary. Sounds mysterious? It is.
The intimate qtQT cabins each feature a private balcony, ultra-luxe amenities and can accommodate two guests, all set within a lush green oasis. qtQT sets itself leagues apart from other Gold Coast accommodation with its curated experiences—you're not just staying in a hotel, you're designing your dream stay. Your personal 'Curator of Sunshine' will help you design your perfect retreat, with bespoke activities including the likes of rooftop yoga, sushi making and whisky tasting at Yamagen, and an exclusive SpaQ package.
The Island
Surfers Paradise
The Island is what you wished your home looked like—all the fresh and fancy feels that bring the outdoors within their lush white walls. The iconic venue has a vibrant, spacious and modern style that radiates luxury and relaxation while ensuring you feel like you made your way to paradise. Immerse yourself in The Island experience and stay in one of the 98 luxurious boutique rooms and suites, each with stunning views across either the Surfers Paradise CBD or the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Home to the Gold Coast’s biggest rooftop bar and sprawling alfresco patio, The Island Rooftop is bringing the cool back to the tourist precinct’s after-dark scene with DJs, a retro-styled cocktail bar, ample seating, nooks and one of the best Sunday sessions on the Coast. Stop looking for one of the Gold Coast’s best hotels in 2023, ‘cause you’ve found it here.
Gwinganna
Tallebudgeera
If you’ve been answering ‘busy’ every time someone asks how you are, it might be time to book into Gwinganna Retreat for some R&R. Although technically not a hotel, this luxury getaway is soothing for the soul and is completely custom to whatever your needs. Your stay will incorporate all the wonderful wellness ways of living that you can absorb into your own life, including delicious organic produce, tips on how to reduce stress, movement, relaxation and how to enhance healthier ageing.
In a society of speed and instant gratification, we reckon nothing could be more invigorating and rejuvenating than going slow. Activities range from yoga and Pilates, to creative dance, hikes and boxing so you can join in on whatever you are feeling up to on the day. When it comes time to rest your head, there are endless options including luxurious villas, meditation suites and quaint houses.
Best Gold Coast Resorts
JW Marriott
Surfers Paradise
JW Marriott in Surfers Paradise undertook massive renovations in 2020—$35 million dollars' worth to be exact. So what does a $35 million-dollars refurbishment look like? Well, we’re talking a total refresh of the 223 rooms and suites, as well as the Marriott’s two original restaurants, the lobby lounge and bar and pool bar.
JW Marriott's signature teppanyaki restaurant, Misono, showcases Japanese-inspired dining experiences, including an intimate izakaya, tearoom, sushi bar and a Japanese whisky bar with a stunning new outdoor terrace—we’ll happily confirm that sipping Japanese whiskey while staring out into a Surfers Paradise sunset never gets old. Citrique, the Marriott's main restaurant, now features a new interactive show kitchen, placing locally sourced produce and seafood at the heart of its sublime daily menu. Stop the search for one of the Gold Coast's best hotels, 'cause you've found it.
Q1 Resort & Spa
Surfers Paradise
If you’re going to holiday in Surfers, you might as well go big, and it doesn’t get much bigger than the iconic—and 230 metre high—Q1 Resort & Spa. Australia’s tallest residential tower boasts state-of-the-art, self-contained apartments, capturing breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the sparkling lights of the city and the lush green of the hinterland.
Level up the luxury and unwind at one of their three swimming pools, or indulge at the award-winning day spa. Hungry? They’ve got you covered there too with Osaka Kaiten for high-end Japanese cuisine or the Seventy7 Cafe for memorable sky-high dining. If you’re feeling adventurous, conquer the Skypoint Observation Deck Climb, which is Australia’s highest external building climb and boasts 360-degree panoramic views from a staggering 270 metres above sea level.
QT Gold Coast
Surfers Paradise
This quirky hotel smack bang in the middle of Surfers, is the perfect place to rest your head in the party playground. QT kind of has everything you could possibly want so you may not even step a foot outside. For starters it has some of the best dining on the Coast. The Bazaar dining area features cuisines from all over the world, from freshly shucked oysters and king prawns to a pizza station and the most epic dessert bar—you’ll want to wear elasticated pants for this one.
There’s also modern Japanese eatery Yamagen, cocktail haven Stingray Lounge, and a cute café for your morning coffee fix. They’ve got a stunning pool and spa, as well as complimentary use of the retro cruiser bike so you can explore Surfers Paradise. This is one hotel you won’t want a one-night stand with.
Mercure Resort
Carrara
'Where beach meets the hinterland' is the Mercure's mantra and it couldn't be more accurate. Nestled among a picturesque green-belt of golf courses in Carrara, the Mercure definitely takes things at a slower pace, while still only being a 10 minute drive from most Gold Coast hotspots. Mercure Resort is ideal for conferences and events, as it has several sprawling outdoor spaces, plenty of parking and a dedicated event planning team. Book here.
Best Gold Coast Motels
Blue Water Motel
Kingscliff
Just steps from Kingscliff Beach, Blue Water Motel is a stunning new-look boutique motel which we've already fallen in love with. Inspired by the laid-back, relaxed vibe of Kingscliff and with just a touch of retro cool, this 60's style boutique motel is a like luxury stay, without the premium price tag. Home to 17 uniquely designed rooms, Blue Water Motel also boasts a saltwater swimming pool, bike hire and it's dog friendly, so no one has to miss out. This re-imagined nostaglic motel is casual, cool, and is the exactly where you want to be for your next family getaway, romantic trip, or honestly, any holiday. Once you venture inside, you'll feel the relaxing vibes wash over you, and you might just never want to leave. Book here.
La Costa Motel
Bilinga
Okay, okay this is technically a motel, not a hotel but La Costa Motel this is one of our favourite spots to spend a night (or a few) on the Gold Coast. La Costa Motel has a retro, nostalgic feel complete with a white picket fence and colourful deck chairs in the courtyard, while the rooms are beautifully simple and have everything you need for a comfortable vacay (and yes they include a minibar if you forget to grab something for a nightcap). A short stroll to watch the sunrise over the sea, followed by a mid-morning acai bowl (from our favourites at Niche and Co) will make you never want to leave. Honestly, we might stay forever.
The Pink Hotel
Coolangatta
If the 'gram-worthy factor rates highly on your list of pros when looking for accomodation, then we've found the ultimate digs for you. Located on uber-cool Cooly beach, you can't miss this candy-pink hue hotel. The Pink Hotel boasts 17 stunning rooms, six of which are luxury suites each with its own identity. They're a mix of rockstar and retro-chic with a subtle touch of Scandi. Expect bright pops of colour mixed with dusty jewel tones.
There’s fur throws, velvet rugs, custom neon-lit poetry by Coco Loberg and Smeg fridges stocked with Young Henry’s beers. When you’re ready to catch some of those gorgeous GC rays, head on upstairs to the rooftop where cabana beds await you, oh and some of the most incredible views of the coastline. Thirsty? Their rooftop bar Santeria will keep you refreshed with cocktails aplenty. Our top pick for the Gold Coast’s most Instagrammable hotel.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels
Mantra Circle On Cavill
Surfers Paradise
Location, location, location is what Mantra Circle on Cavill is all about. Centrally located on Ferny Avenue in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Mantra Circle on Cavill should be your go-to accommodation on the Gold Coast if you want to easily commute to all of the Gold Coast's top tourist attractions. The hotel itself is 69 storeys high and boasts a 12-seat theatrette, two lagoon-style pools, an indoor heated pool, a full gym and onsite parking. Mantra also gets our vote as one of the best family-friendly accommodation spots on the Gold Coast. Book here
Iconic Kirra
Kirra
You couldn’t get any closer to the world class surf break, Kirra Point if you tried, making Iconic Kirra the perfect escape when you want to enjoy the serenity minus the Surfers Paradise crowds. Featuring ocean views from all apartment balconies, minimal yet spacious rooms, a heated pool with mini lap pool, on-site gym, and surrounded by cute cafes and ridiculously good restaurants, it’s the perfect place to book your next stay.
Kirra is the under-stated little sister of Coolangatta, but we think both are worth exploring especially due to the wide variety of eating options in the Southern seaside burbs of the Gold Coast. View the sunrise from your bed and soak up that salty sea breeze at one of the Gold Coast's best hotels. You can thank us later. Book here.
Now that you've found the Gold Coast's best hotels, it's time to take it slow at the Gold Coast's best massage spots.
Image Credit: Dorsett, Langham, qtQT, JW Marriot, QT Hotels, Brooke Darling Photography, Hayley Williamson Photography & Gwinganna