13 of the best hotels on the Gold Coast

Level up the luxe on your Gold Coast stay at one of these top hotels.

From the northerly Surfers Paradise down to Coolangatta, the Gold Coast isn’t short of places to drop and flop. Whether you’re in town to party, play or just soak up the sunshine, there’s a luxe high-rise or a hip low-rise ready to welcome you. Pick your vibe and get packing with our round-up of the best hotels on the Gold Coast.

1. The Langham Gold Coast

Like a shimmering crystal obelisk set in the sand, The Langham Gold Coast is unobstructed beachfront luxury. With nothing but a public beachside path between you and the dazzling sea, you can’t get any more toes-in-sand than at this new-build, five-star gem.

An Insta-worthy pool, destination Cantonese restaurant, T’Ang Court and serenity-inducing Chuan Spa are all listed among the many refined amenities here, leaving precious few reasons to venture further than the few steps forward to the shore. Oh, and that signature Langham scent as you enter the lobby – heavenly.

Address: 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise

2. Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

Main Beach-adjacent, this Gold Coast jewel unleashes holiday feelings the minute you flop onto a poolside sunbed and gaze up at the swaying palms. There are plenty of sunbeds to choose from in the sprawling Sheraton grounds lavished with six hectares of lagoon pools.

Shopping and dining precinct, the yachty-chic Marina Mirage is just across the way providing easy access to whatever vacation supplies you may need, while guests also enjoy direct beach access. Two restaurants and two bars, including a swim-up bar, give way to days spent in a perpetual state of relaxation.

Address: 71 Sea World Drive, Main Beach

3. The Cheshire Cat Motel

A Gold Coast classic gets reimagined for modern times at this revision of a retro favourite. The Cheshire Cat Motel has kept its cool while leaning into its original surf motel energy.

With six queen rooms and a two-bedroom bungalow, it’s a great spot for a takeover with a bunch of friends, perhaps for a special event.

Otherwise, come as a couple and plunge into the cooling terracotta-tiled pool, chill in the terrace area or explore the delights of Palm Beach – the GC’s quickest gentrifying suburb.

Address: 1005 Gold Coast Highway, Main Beach

4. The Pink Motel

It’s definitely pink. You won’t miss this flamingo-hued corner Cooli hotel (that’s local-speak for Coolangatta). An icon then as it is now, this retro-hip stay is right across from the beach and short steps to shops and restaurants, not to mention a very short skip to the airport. While amenities are minimal at the Pink Motel, you will find the grungy dive bar-esque Eddie’s Grub House onsite downstairs and a rooftop space where you can BYO food and drink to enjoy the rays. Breakfast in bed can be ordered through a QR code in your room from nearby local Ground Coolangatta.

Address: 171 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

5. Q1 Resort and Spa

For elevated apartment stays, the sky-piercing Q1 is your go-to. This is Australia’s highest residential tower and home to the shiny Q1 Resort and Spa. When you decide to come down to earth from your lofty digs, you’ll find the beach a 50-metre stroll away and the centre of Surfer’s Paradise within easy reach. But while inside the Gold Coast landmark, embark on a little self-care at Stephanies Wellness Spa or in the sauna and steam room. You might also ascend 230 metres to enjoy the 360-degree views and enjoy a drink at the SkyPoint bistro and bar, or slip into your choice of two lagoon pools. With one- to four-bedroom apartments and a presidential suite bookable, it’s a good option if you’re travelling with the brood.

Address: 9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise

6. JW Marriot

The only Australian outpost of the luxe JW Marriot brand can be found in Surfers Paradise. While this five-star, sleek and subtly designed hotel is all muted tones and luxe touches, it knows where it is.

It’s in one of the country’s most family-friendly destinations and so it welcomes them with a saltwater lagoon and freshwater pool with a slide, as well as actually interesting kids’ activities, such as a sushi-making class, family yoga, and herb-planting.

For the adults, there’s the lavish Spa by JW, two restaurants and a bar, a fitness centre and a lounge.

Address: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

7. Dorsett Gold Coast

Folded into the leisure precinct of The Star Gold Coast, Dorsett is definitively all Gold Coast in style. It’s twinkling lights and city nights here with entertainment right on your doorstep at The Star’s casino, restaurants and bars.

In the daylight hours, Kurrawa Beach is 500-metres away and shopping precinct Pacific Fair is across the road (albeit a big road). But you may find motivation lacking when it comes to shifting from your submerged sun lounge at the Isoletto Pool Club.

Address: 5 The Darling Avenue, Broadbeach

8. The Darling

Also part of The Star precinct, The Darling may be set inside the glitzy, neon-lit adult’s playground but it has elevated boutique vibes.

Luxe and indulgent with echoes of Art Deco style, The Darling is just 56 suites and penthouses all finessed with a considered aesthetic. When you’re not frocking up and flitting out, there’s a pool to chill by and the Azure Spa to zen at.

Address: 1 The Darling Ave, Broadbeach

9. Hilton Surfers Paradise

A box-ticker and reliable all-rounder from vacay to work stay, the Hilton Surfers Paradise places you in the middle of it all. Just a two-minute trot to the beach and right where the dining and nightlife action happens, you can be fairly confident all needs will be amply met in step with the hotel chain’s usual style.

Onsite drinks take place at Ms Margot’s or the poolside Deck Bar, while Catch Restaurant starts your day right with a bountiful buffet breakfast. There are also four pools to divide your time between, as well as the eforea spa and a fitness centre.

Address: 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

10. The Star Grand

Muted hues and classic hotel elegance set the tone for a refined stay when you check into the 592-room The Star Grand. Guests have The Star’s plentiful diversions at their fingertips from the casino to an array of restaurants, as well as the Azure Spa and hotel pool.

Address: 1 The Darling Ave, Broadbeach

11.  Sofitel Gold Coast

The French hotel chain brings a little Parisian chic to sun-bleached Broadbeach with its signature style. The digs are an easy reach to the beach, as well as the nightlife of Surfers Paradise and shopping at Pacific Fair.

Inside, it’s French Champagne on the pour at the two onsite bars, and in the family-friendly Bistro On3, located unsurprisingly on level 3. Occupying the same level is the rooftop pool deck, where many hours can be happily whittled away on a cocoon-shaped sun lounge.

Address: 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

12. InterContinental Sanctuary Cove

Is golf is your game? Then drive yourself toward this luxe hotel set amid the green at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove. When you’re not swinging it on the course, you might choose to soak up the rays at either the lagoon-like beach pool or the terrace pool and spa, or hit the Country Club to discuss golf-related topics.

Other activities for non-golfers might include a high tea experience, shopping at nearby Marine Village, or meeting the resident kangaroos. The resort is family-friendly and well-equipped to keep you within the grounds thanks to five restaurants ranging from casual to finer dining.

Address: Manor Circuit, Sanctuary Cove

13. Imperial Hotel

Yes, it looks familiar and that’s because this lavishly styled five-star hotel was once the Versace Hotel. It has new owners, but the gilt edges and opulence remain.

You can lean all the way into a White Lotus-esque fantasy here with the Imperial’s elaborate Italian architecture and waterfront location.

There are 200 rooms and suites, and 72 condominiums for longer stays or larger groups. Unwind at the two restaurants or strap into your stilettos and click-clack to a poolside cabana at the Water Salon.

Address: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Discover the best resorts on the Gold Coast.

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