The Best Luxury Hotels in Gold Coast, Australia

The 12 Best Luxury Hotels in Gold Coast

The skyscrapers and high-rise apartment blocks of the Gold Coast stretch endlessly along the white sands of Queensland’s southern shores. This is Australia’s number one beachside city, and there are some beautiful boutique properties and luxury hotels perfect for your trip.

Although it’s located just a short journey south of Brisbane, Queensland’s second-largest city couldn’t be more different from the state capital. The Gold Coast is a vacation city, and as soon as you arrive, you’ll be drenched in sunshine and sucked in by the laid-back beach vibes. 

The Gold Coast grew in a short space of time from a small surfing town by the beach into a metropolis that now spans tens of kilometers of coastline. Despite its expansion, you’ll love how the Gold Coast has never lost its surfing roots, and at Surfers Paradise, you can watch the surfers tackling Pacific Ocean waves from dawn until dusk. 

Join them in the water if you know how to handle a board, or otherwise enjoy the golden sands, the beachfront clubs and bars, and the laid-back coastal lifestyle that the Gold Coast has to offer.

This is Australia’s playground. It’s a destination of theme parks and beaches, and coastal developments ensure that the city is home to some of Queensland’s most exciting, unique, and quirky boutique and resort accommodation options. So keep reading as we explain exactly where to stay in Gold Coast!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 12 Best Luxury Hotels in Gold Coast

Where to stay in Gold Coast

Where to Stay in Gold Coast: Best Luxury Hotels

The Gold Coast sprawls for some 40 kilometers along the Queensland coast, encompassing beautiful stretches of white sand from the border with New South Wales north to Stradbroke Island. The center of Gold Coast, though, has always been Surfers Paradise.

This is the “original” Gold Coast destination, but the rustic surf shacks and beachside bungalows were long ago replaced with modern high-rise apart-hotels and luxurious five-star resorts. If you love a central location that’s close to the beach, the bars, the restaurants, and the best Gold Coast tourist attractions, then Surfers Paradise is the place for you.

To the south of Surfers Paradise, you’ll find the equally busy commercial hub of Broadbeach. Like everywhere on the Gold Coast, the hotels here are not only luxurious, but they are only meters away from the beach. Broadbeach has some beautiful boutique properties, as well as an enticing and chic cafe and dining scene that’s a little more sophisticated than Surfers Paradise.

And if you want to escape the crowds, then just head south. Resorts and hotels line the coast all the way down to New South Wales, including a charming boutique hotel overlooking Bilinga Beach. If you’re planning a trip to the east coast of Australia, then here are the best places to stay in Gold Coast!


The 12 Best Luxury Hotels in Gold Coast

1. JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

Cool Hotels Gold Coast Queensland: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Photos: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

One of the best hotels in Gold Coast is the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. You’ll quickly realize that this luxurious, five-star retreat is more than just a place to stay because this Gold Coast resort offers a world of entertainment and amenities within its boundaries. 

The JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is located just a short stroll away from Main Beach in Surfers Paradise. On-site, though, you’ll find that the resort provides access to a private and peaceful saltwater lagoon that’s bounded by a sandy beach and home to an artificial reef that’s perfect for snorkeling.

If you prefer freshwater to saltwater, head to the outdoor swimming pool where you can cool off in the water before ordering cocktails and Asian-style street food right to your sun lounger. You can relax and unwind in the hot tubs, enjoy a therapeutic massage at the Ruby Spa, or sweat it out in the gym or on the tennis courts. 

Rooms at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa exceed their five-star rating. The decor is minimalist, but the amenities are many, the bedding is plush, and the carpet and floors are soft underfoot. From your private balcony, you’ll have views over Surfers Paradise, the Pacific Ocean, the Nerang River, or the Gold Coast Hinterland – depending on your location in the resort.

The culinary opportunities at this resort are just as abundant and unique as the facilities. You can join the resort’s chefs for a gourmet cooking class, for example, or you can enjoy guided tours through the tropical gardens, learning about the herbs and spices that go into the restaurant’s dishes. 

At Citrique Restaurant, you can enjoy a buffet breakfast, a seafood buffet on weekends, and a lunch and dinner menu that focuses on freshly sourced, local produce (including herbs from the resort garden!). At Misono Japanese, you can dine on teppanyaki classics, spend all evening at the Sushi Bar, and finish with a tipple at the Whisky Bar. 


2. Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

Gold Coast Boutique Hotels: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
Photos: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

Gold Coast hotels are for beach lovers because no matter where you stay, you’re always going to be just a short walk away from the beach. Despite the coastal vibes, though, there’s only one five-star resort in Gold Coast that can actually boast a Pacific Ocean beachfront, and that’s the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. 

This five-star favorite is located on SeaWorld Drive, the road heading north along the beachfront from Surfers Paradise. The resort is built right up to the beach, where six hectares of private tropical gardens open up directly onto the white sands of the Gold Coast. 

From your luxury hotel room, you’ll have beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean or the tropical gardens, and you’ll love how the panoramic windows let the Queensland sunshine flood inside as you lay back on your plush Sheraton Sleep Experience Bed. 

Surrounded by palm trees and tropical vegetation, if you need to cool off, then the resort’s outdoor pool and the lagoon are perfect for a refreshing dip. Take the plunge, then swim up to the poolside bar to order a fresh margarita or a cold schooner of lager. You can swim laps if you love to stay active, head to the fitness center to work out, or walk down to the beach for a yoga or surf session. 

You can enjoy views over the gardens and the lagoon as you dine on fresh seafood at the Oyster Bar & Grill, or you can dress up (smart casual is the Aussie style!) for a fine dining experience at Terraces Restaurant.

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3. Palazzo Versace

Cool Hotels Gold Coast Queensland: Palazzo Versace
Photos: Palazzo Versace

The Palazzo Versace is one of the most unique hotels in Gold Coast. This luxury Gold Coast classic is one of only two hotels in the world inspired and run by Italian fashion brand Versace, the other being in Dubai. 

In fact, the Palazzo Versace claims to be the world’s first “fashion branded” hotel chain, and we know you’re going to love how the famous Italian fashion designers have brought Italian chic to the Gold Coast. 

As you might expect, all of the decor at the Palazzo Versace is Versace-branded or inspired by the suave sophistication of Milan, Rome, and Venice. Vaulted ceilings, neoclassical columns, and antique chandeliers bring a sense of old-world Europe to Australia, while marble and mosaic patterns only add to the luxurious air.

There are 200 bedrooms and 72 condos at the Palazzo Versace, all featuring Italian-style Juliet balconies and offering views of the Pacific Ocean or the Nerang River from the hotel’s supreme waterfront location. Rooms are decorated with bespoke Versace “Home Furnishings,” while bathrooms feature elegant spa tubs and luxurious toiletries. 

You’ll find a private marina, outdoor swimming pools and lagoons, and a fully equipped gym and spa center at the Palazzo Versace. At Le Jardin, you can enjoy a Couture High Tea service in the afternoon and martinis in the evening. Il Barocco Restaurant serves a buffet breakfast in the mornings and a seafood buffet in the evenings, while the a la carte menu at Vanitas is inspired by the best Italian culinary traditions.


4. voco Gold Coast

Best Gold Coast Hotels: voco Gold Coast
Photos: voco Gold Coast

The voco Gold Coast is a swanky designer boutique stay that we know you’ll quickly fall in love with. This is one of the most unique hotels in Gold Coast, but despite the undeniable luxury, the rooms manage to be both comfortable and homey. 

Soak up the bright blue and yellow furnishings, and be dazzled by the bright white Mediterranean vibes of your boutique hotel room. Enjoy the view of Surfers Paradise as you sit back on your plush bed in super-fluffy bathrobes after freshening up with Aveda toiletries under the walk-in rain shower.

The luxury experience continues in L’Aqua Day Spa, where you can relax with a simple massage, or upgrade to the bumper Pamper Package. There are two outdoor swimming pools, two hot tubs, and a fully-equipped fitness center. 

After swimming a few laps or hitting the treadmill, you can refuel with coffee and pastries or cocktails and tapas at the Social House. Save space for dinner, though, because you’ll want to enjoy every bite of sumptuous steak and grilled lobster at Clifford’s Grill & Lounge. 


5. Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach

Cool Hotels Gold Coast Queensland: Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
Photos: Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach

Book a stay at the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, and you’ll have the pleasure of staying at one of the best boutique hotels in Gold Coast. The Sofitel brings French style and European flair to the Gold Coast, but don’t worry, because the hotel loses none of the laid-back Aussie vibes you’ll be expecting.

Your suave room at the Sofitel provides either a panoramic view of the Gold Coast Hinterland or sweeping vistas over the Pacific Ocean. You’re just a five-minute walk from the beach, but you’re also in the heart of Broadbeach, where classy cafes and boutique shopping malls reign supreme. 

Luxury rooms are designed with a combo of French decor and Aussie minimalism, with spacious surrounds that are complemented by marbled bathrooms and the signature Sofitel “MyBeds” sleep system and pillow menus. Work up a sweat on the tennis court or in the gym, then cool off in Sofitel’s swimming pools (of which there are two pools to choose from!).

The French theme continues in the Sofitel’s excellent Room81, where French classics are prepared using local Aussie ingredients. A more diverse and laidback international menu awaits you at Bistro On3, while TC’s Bar & Gaming Lounge is the place for a late-night beer.

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6. Peppers Broadbeach

Best Gold Coast Hotels: Peppers Broadbeach
Photos: Peppers Broadbeach

Situated in the heart of bustling Broadbeach, but just minutes away from the Pacific Ocean, you can enjoy both the sophistication of the Gold Coast and the laid-back beach vibes when you stay at Peppers Broadbeach.

Peppers Broadbeach provides guests with panoramic views from sky-high suites. Boutique one or two-bedroom suites have ocean or Hinterland views from the balconies, while the two or three-bedroom Sky Homes offer elevated vistas of the Broadbeach surrounds.

This boutique hotel is new and high-tech. All suites feature full kitchen facilities, including a fully stocked minibar and modern kitchen appliances. You’ll have an excellent night’s sleep with the help of the excellent pillow menu, especially if you visited the day spa for a massage earlier. 

The high-rise apartment building also features some quirky facilities that guests can enjoy. You can find your inner self in the Zen Gardens, unwind on the Tai Chi Lawn, swim in the lap pool, soak up the sun in the resort pool, or sweat it out in the sauna and steam rooms!


7. Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise

Cool Hotels Gold Coast Queensland: Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise
Photos: Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise

If you’d love a luxury apartment stay just meters away from the beach, then Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise might just be the best hotel in Gold Coast!

This unique hotel provides fully equipped and fully-functional apartment suites spread over 77 floors in an iconic high-rise complex in Surfers Paradise. You’re so close to the sands that from your balcony, you’ll be able to watch the surfers tackling waves in the Pacific Ocean below.

Five-star apartments at Peppers Soul have everything you need for a terrific and self-contained stay in Gold Coast, including spacious living areas, modern kitchens, and the all-important spa bath. Upgrade to a penthouse, and you’ll even have a private outdoor plunge pool. 

If the upgrade isn’t available, don’t worry, because you can make use of the hotel’s communal swimming pool, the outdoor sun terrace, and the sauna. And if you fancy a break from the kitchen, then why not cook up a storm in the outdoor barbecue areas?


8. QT Gold Coast

Gold Coast Boutique Hotels: QT Gold Coast
Photos: QT Gold Coast

The QT Gold Coast is one of the best boutique hotels you could book in the city. This quirky hotel glimmers with creative color, and we know you’re going to love spending your downtime at this designer boutique retreat while you explore Surfers Paradise!

You’ll find the QT Gold Coast just one block behind the Esplanade, making this the perfect place for beach lovers and surfers who want to add a little chic and sophistication to their vacation. From the private balcony of your luxury hotel room, you’ll have wonderful views over the Pacific Ocean or the Hinterland. Head inside the room, and you’ll be surrounded by designer furnishings and bright, colorful decor. 

The hotel’s swimming pool is every inch as boutique as the rest of the QT Gold Coast. The outdoor pool is decorated in a quirky Art Deco style, and you can eat fresh sushi and drink Mexican beers on designer Balinese-style beds. 

Dining options at QT Gold Coast are endless. The Bazaar offers an incredible buffet of world flavors, with dishes inspired by destinations as wide-ranging as South America and the Middle East. The Yamagen serves up a delectable selection of sushi and sashimi inspired by old-world Japan, the Stingray serves no less than 50 tequilas alongside Baja California favorites like fish tacos, and FIXX Cafe provides a sophisticated afternoon tea complete with scones, cream, and jam.

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9. The Star Grand at The Star

Cool Hotels Gold Coast Queensland: The Star Grand at The Star
Photos: The Star Grand at The Star

The Star Grand is one of the Gold Coast’s most luxurious hotels. Located within The Star (Gold Coast’s famous casino and entertainment complex), this is one of the coolest places to stay in Gold Coast for nightlife lovers. 

If you’re visiting the Gold Coast for an entertainment-packed vacation, then you couldn’t be closer to the action than The Star Grand. On your doorstep, you’ll find a 24-hour casino and no less than nine bars, restaurants, and cafes serving up everything from gourmet dim sum to Italian pasta and pizza. 

There are live music shows, comedy nights, sports evenings, and much more, making it safe to say that The Star is Gold Coast’s answer to the resorts of Las Vegas. The Star Grand also features an exclusive swimming pool for guests, or you could go all out and hire a private outdoor cabana for a day session at the Azure Spa & Fitness.

Rooms at The Star Grand are all recently refurbished, offering sleek modern decor and high-tech in-room amenities. Using the integrated control system, you can keep temperatures optimized and the lights dimmed as you sink back into the plush bedding and signature “Star Pillows.” Bathrooms are just as sleek as the spacious bedrooms, and you’ll love the luxury toiletries provided by Appellees as well as the dual rain showerheads. 


10. The Darling at The Star

Unique Gold Coast Hotels: The Darling at The Star
Photos: The Darling at The Star

The Darling is one of several hotels located within The Star, the decadent entertainment complex in Broadbeach. The Darling is without a doubt the most boutique of the hotels you can book at The Star, with just 56 luxury suites available.

Even the most basic suite at The Darling is the height of Gold Coast luxury. The spacious Stellar Suite features up to 81 square meters of space, as well as a private balcony and king-size beds. Watch movies on the 65-inch televisions, play your favorite songs on the Bose sound system, or sink back into the freestanding bathtub before drying off in your luxury bathrobe. 

Upgrade to a Penthouse at The Darling, and you’ll be living the luxury dream. The basic Penthouse Suite provides 180-degree views of the Gold Coast from panoramic windows, as well as an open-plan living and kitchen area, and even a dedicated Wine Fridge!

Upgrade again, and you can choose a Penthouse Suite specialized to your lifestyle. There’s the Penthouse Deluxe Exercise Suite, which features an in-suite gym. The Penthouse Deluxe Billiard Suite has an in-suite billiards table, the Penthouse Deluxe Media Suite provides in-house entertainment and a karaoke system, while the Penthouse Spa Suite offers an in-bathroom jacuzzi. 

Stay at the Darling, and you’ll have access to all of the entertainment facilities at The Star, including an outdoor swimming pool, the Azure Spa & Fitness, nine restaurants, cafes, and bars, and of course, the casino. 

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11. Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

Cool Hotels Gold Coast Queensland: Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
Photos: Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

The Gold Coast skyline is iconic. Tall apartment blocks glimmer above golden sands, and if you book a luxury room at the Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences, you’ll be staying in one of the most iconic high-rise buildings on the Gold Coast!

The Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences is located within Orchid Tower, a stunning work of modern architecture that towers above the beach. From your window, you’ll have sweeping views over Surfers Paradise, with panoramas of the Hinterland, the city, the coastline, and the Pacific Ocean. 

As you take in the views, enjoy plush in-room comforts like your spacious king-size Hilton Serenity Bed, personal bathrobes and slippers, and luxury branded Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries. Upgrade to a Hilton Residence, and you’ll have all the same luxury comforts, plus a private balcony, living and dining areas, and a fully equipped kitchen.

In your downtime, there are a total of four swimming pools for you to enjoy. Throw in two fitness centers, a cinema, a sauna, and a day spa, and you’ll have no end of things to do!


12. Tessa’s on the Beach

Best Gold Coast Hotels: Tessa’s on the Beach
Photos: Tessa’s on the Beach

You can escape the busy beaches, shopping streets, and tourist attractions of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach with a stay down south at Tessa’s on the Beach. This beautiful boutique property is located in Balinga, just a few steps away from the golden sands of this quieter section of the Gold Coast coastline. 

Tessa’s on the Beach is truly boutique, and with just 15 rooms available, we know you’re going to love the peace and the personal service. Rooms at Tessa’s on the Beach are delightfully floral in decor, with Mediterranean vibes that wouldn’t be out of place in Greece or Italy. 

This is one for the couples and the romantics, and you can start your day with a coffee and end it with cocktails, both at Tony’s Cafe & Bar. This boutique retreat features a unique Magnesium Mineral Pool that does wonders for your well-being, while it’s all too easy to spend hours on the deck chairs overlooking the beach. 

If you’re feeling active, though, then take a paddleboard down to the sea or borrow a bicycle for a ride north to Surfers Paradise. 

Check Prices & Availability on Booking.com

That completes our list of the 12 best Gold Coast hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Gold Coast? Comment below so we can add them to the list!


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Frequently Asked Questions

What hotel in Gold Coast has the best amenities?

One of the best hotels in Gold Coast is the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. You’ll quickly realize that this luxurious, five-star retreat is more than just a place to stay because this Gold Coast resort offers a world of entertainment and amenities within its boundaries. Head to the outdoor swimming pool where you can cool off in the water before ordering cocktails and Asian-style street food right to your sun lounger. You can relax and unwind in the hot tubs, enjoy a therapeutic massage at the Ruby Spa, or sweat it out in the gym or on the tennis courts. The culinary opportunities at this resort are just as abundant and unique as the facilities.

What is the most unique hotel in Gold Coast?

The Palazzo Versace is one of the most unique hotels in Gold Coast. This luxury Gold Coast classic is one of only two hotels in the world inspired and run by Italian fashion brand Versace, the other being in Dubai. In fact, the Palazzo Versace claims to be the world’s first “fashion branded” hotel chain, and we know you’re going to love how the famous Italian fashion designers have brought Italian chic to the Gold Coast.

What hotel in Gold Coast is best for foodies?

Dining options at QT Gold Coast are endless. The Bazaar offers an incredible buffet of world flavors, with dishes inspired by destinations as wide-ranging as South America and the Middle East. The Yamagen serves up a delectable selection of sushi and sashimi inspired by old-world Japan, the Stingray serves no less than 50 tequilas alongside Baja California favorites like fish tacos, and FIXX Cafe provides a sophisticated afternoon tea complete with scones, cream, and jam.

What is the most luxurious hotel in Gold Coast?

The Star Grand is one of the Gold Coast’s most luxurious hotels. Located within The Star (Gold Coast’s famous casino and entertainment complex), this is one of the coolest places to stay in Gold Coast for nightlife lovers. There are live music shows, comedy nights, sports evenings, and much more, making it safe to say that The Star is Gold Coast’s answer to the resorts of Las Vegas. The Star Grand also features an exclusive swimming pool for guests, or you could go all out and hire a private outdoor cabana for a day session at the Azure Spa & Fitness.

What hotel in Gold Coast offers the best views?

The Gold Coast skyline is iconic. Tall apartment blocks glimmer above golden sands, and if you book a luxury room at the Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences, you’ll be staying in one of the most iconic high-rise buildings on the Gold Coast! From your window, you’ll have sweeping views over Surfers Paradise, with panoramas of the Hinterland, the city, the coastline, and the Pacific Ocean.


About the Author:

  • Richard Collett

    Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities.

    Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot).

    When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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