The Gold Coast punches well above its weight when it comes to dishing up top-tier places to stay. But don’t just take my word for it—it’s time you spent a weekend in some of the best accommodation Gold Coast swings open its door to. Whether you’re here for a vacay or just a relaxing staycay, you’ll need a place to rest your head.
Speaking of, what makes a place to rest your head one of the best? For me, it must deliver on comfort, home impressive facilities and either a fully-equipped kitchen or nearby eateries to make the stay one for the taste bank.
The Urban List team and I have done the hard work and slept around, to guarantee the best Gold Coast/Kombumerri accommodation that'll have you whipping out your credit card ASAP and stocking up on the essentials. And by essentials, I mean wine, lots of wine. Here's just a snapshot of 12 of the Gold Coast's best accommodation in 2025—check out the full accommodation lists below.
Best Accommodation Gold Coast Offers At A Glance
Best Hotels & Motels On The Gold Coast
qtQT Cabins
7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: qtQT | Supplied
To call one of the Gold Coast's newer accommodation experience 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 in my opinion. Why? Its curated experiences are seriously something else. 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 Cheshire Cat Motel
1005 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4221
Image Credit: Cheshire Cat Motel | Andy Macpherson
Nostalgic charm meets modern luxe at the Gold Coast’s newly revamped boutique motel, The Cheshire Cat Motel. The freshly renovated motel nestled in Palm Beach has a new lease on life, while paying homage to its roots as one of the Gold Coast’s original motels built in the 1960’s.
The Palm Springs-inspired beachfront property is an ode to the bygone era of quintessential motel culture, but it’s certainly not like any motel you’ve been to before. Boasting seven rooms—each uniquely designed—and one two-bedroom bungalow, a plunge pool, a pool deck lined with lush greenery and cacti and a communal co-working terrace space, the Cheshire Cat Motel has ‘lush beachside holiday’ written all over it. Not to mention the hair salon down stairs, ocean shores on your doorstep and The Collective's eating precint mere streets away.
Blue Water Motel
129 Kingscliff St, Kingscliff NSW 2487
Image Credit: Blue Water Motel | Supplied
Just steps from Kingscliff Beach, Blue Water Motel is a stunning new-look boutique motel which I'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 I personally want to be for my next family getaway, romantic trip, and honestly, any holiday. Once you venture inside, you'll feel the relaxing vibes wash over you, and you might just never want to leave.
The Pink Hotel
171 Griffith St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Image Credit: The Pink Hotel | Supplied
If the 'gram-worthy factor rates highly on your list of pros when looking for Gold Coast accomodation, then I'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 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.
"I could've mistaken my visit to the Pink Hotel's hidden bar as a fever dream," reveals Urban List Gold Coast Contributor Danielle Read. "The Janitor's Closet is an intimate and hidden piano bar for hotel guests only. Sipping mulled wines incognito was a real perk to our stay at this beaut Gold Coast accommodation." Was that your next staycay calling? This is my top pick for the best accommodation Gold Coast eclectic aesthetic-lovers will adore.
JW Marriott Resort
158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: JW Marriott | Supplied
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, it's 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. I am seriously impressed with the fitout for a place that's pigeon-holed as traditional in style.
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—I’ll happily confirm that sipping Japanese whiskey while staring out into a Surfers Paradise sunset never gets old. Citrique, the Marriott's main restaurant, features an 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 top hotels, 'cause you've found it.
Book here.
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Q1 Resort & Spa
9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: Q1 Resort & Spa | Booking.com
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.
I've been known to 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. Yes, it's equal parts terrifying and glorious.
Best Luxury Hotels On The Gold Coast
The Modrian
Arguably the Gold Coast's most luxurious accommodation options, The Modrian is a 208-room beachfront precinct with jaw-dropping rooms and panoramic oceanfront and hinterland views. Designed by leading Australian architect firm, Fraser & Partners, its smackbang in the middle of Burleigh Heads and a site to behold.
This luxe hotel houses multiple restaurants, like all-day dining Italian eatery LiTO, and the pool club meets sunset bar ft. cabanas of Haven. It'll costa pretty penny to stay at this Gold Coast accommodation, though if you're ready to splurge, this is where to do it.
The Langham Gold Coast
38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Image Credit: The Langham | Supplied
The Langham 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 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 a lagoon-style beachfront pool with a swim-up pool bar and spa, a holistic Chinese medicine-inspired wellness spa, a state-of-the-art health club and six dining and bar venues.
If you're after a top-tier seafood buffet dinner featuring freshly shucked oysters, grilled and smoked meats and a smattering of fragrant curries, The Langham's restaurant Akoya delivers the goods.
Dorsett Gold Coast
5 The Darling Ave, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Image Credit: The Dorsett | Supplied
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. In my opinion, if you don’t get excited about a king bed, you need to rethink your priorities.
While the rooms are certainly impressive, for me, it’s Dorsett’s hotel features and location that makes it one of the best accommodation options on the Gold Coast. You’ll have 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. I also love that all of the hotel’s impressive artworks are designed by Gold Coast locals.
The Darling
1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Image Credit: The Darling | Brooke Darling Photography
A pretty special place worth saving your pennies for, this hotel is luxury at its finest, boasting six fanciful stars. Yes, six. 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. I literally can't choose a fave.
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 5 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 wish list. Dreams are free, right?
Best Glamping Accommodation On The Gold Coast
Nightfall
3009 Christmas Creek Rd, Lamington QLD 4285
Image Credit: Tourism & Events QLD | Supplied
The thing I've found about the best accommodation Gold Coast offers is, it's varied. In location and vibe. In decor and, well, wall thickness. So if you're looking for a truly luxurious glamping experience close to home, Nightfall Glamping is my top pick. Sure, the walls may be thinner than other places, but when it's beautifully wild scenery as your only neighbour, whose complaining? It's the perfect combination of secluded wilderness and wholesome luxuries. In summer, you can open your canvas walls (don’t worry, there’s still mesh for the bugs) to relish in the surrounding rainforests.
While in winter you can keep it intimately closed, spending your eves relaxing in the free-standing bath or curling up around the fireplace. Hand-carved stone basins, smooth wire-brushed timber floors, and lush organic bedding elevate luxury to new and lofty heights. If you want to go next-level luxury glamping, you can opt for organic catering which basically means more time to enjoy the private natural spa pools, lazy hammocks, explorations into the tangled forest, or—wait for it—an outdoor massage by the creek. 100% recommended.
Acute Abode
Currumbin Valley
Giving a glamping vibe for its lush surroundings, but elite accommodation for its facilities, the Acute Abode is an adorable a-frame property nestled in the heart of Currumbin Valley. It's cute, cosy and perched right next to a tranquil creek, complete with a kayak available for your use during your stay. I recommend a dip in the rockpools, gazing into the fire with a glass of wine or reading a good book in the loft bed.
While this hidden Gold Coast accommodation is surprisingly only 15 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you won’t need to leave your tranquil bubble for anything if you pack right—the cabin comes complete with a barbecue, a coffee maker, a kitchen with a stove, oven and SMEG appliances, pantry essentials (including milk) and firewood, not to mention a television, books and luxe linen on the queen bed.
Looking for more accommodation inspiration? Check out:
- Best Gold Coast Hinterland Accommodation
- Best Family-Friendly Accommodation
- Best Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Main image credit: The Langham Gold Coast | Supplied
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