Are you looking for places to stay on the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia and Surfers Paradise recently made TrpAdvisor’s destinations on the rise list for 2016. We’ve visited the Goldy many times and now currently live on the Gold Coast .
I found Surfers Paradise’s inclusion on the list surprising as I thought it had already risen. Personally, we’d like to replace Surfers with Burleigh Heads as a destination on the rise, as it’s waaaaayyy better than Surfers Paradise.
Truly, take it from us, frequent visitors to the Gold Coast, and now locals – from Burleigh south to the border at Coolangatta, and the Hinterland is the best part of the Gold Coast.
But, don’t tell too many people as we don’t want the local, low-key vibe to be destroyed.
Many of you may love Surfers though as it’s close to the theme parks and all the thrilling activities the Gold Coast is famous for. Plus it has a Hard Rock Cafe (which, we’ll admit is good) a couple of great water tours, and the usual touristy tacky things like Ripley’s Believe it or Not.
I’ve travelled the world for nearly 20 years and seen these things everywhere and have still never set foot in one. Am I missing something or am I really smart?
Anyway, we’ve had enough personal experience with accommodation on the Gold Coast to recommend a few places for you to stay.
Places to stay on the Gold Coast
We’ve compiled a list of places to stay on the Gold Coast ranging from budget backpackers, to apartments, hotel stays and luxury homes.
Prices for the Gold Coast accommodation will vary depending on the time of the year you visit.
- Budget accommodation on the Gold Coast
- Mid-range accommodation on the Gold Coast
- Luxury accommodation on the Gold Coast
Budget Accommodation on the Gold Coast
Komune Resort, Coolangatta
We first stayed at Komune Resort in 2010 not long after it had opened. We loved it.
It’s tucked into the corner of Greenmount Beach at the Southern end of Coolangatta, right at the entrance to one of our favourite coastal walks on the Gold Coast and right on the surf break. That path leads to our favourite sunset position on the East Coast of Australia at Rainbow Bay.
Rainbow Bay is simply magical and is where the famous Quiksilver Pro is on each year at Snapper Rocks. The pros surf here often.
Kommune Resort is a backpackers / apartment style accommodation. You can splash out and hire the penthouse, or grab a bed in a dorm. There’s a pool, bar, and cinema room and they have lots of cool social evenings like fashion parades and parties. It’s not going to be a quiet place to stay.
Rooms above the 5th floor will have beautiful views over Greenmount and Coolangatta Beach.
It’s within walking distance to everything you need in Coolie. Coolangatta is the closest Gold Coast town to the airport. Cross over the main street in town and you’ll be in NSW.
Read More – Komune Resort and Backpackers, Coolangatta Gold Coast
Burleigh Beach Tourist Park
We’ve stayed at the Burleigh Beach Tourist Park twice. Once on the first lap of our Australian road trip, and then when we returned for a few weeks while we were searching for more permanent accommodation.
It’s smallish and doesn’t have many facilities, but its position is premium. Who needs facilities, when the beach is just across the road?
Turn right and you enter another of our favourite walks on the Gold Coast – through the Burleigh National Park and the headland. Come join me for 6 am boot camp as we run up the hill and die.
Mid-range accommodation on the Gold Coast
Mediterranean, Burleigh Heads
When we arrived in Burleigh we moved out of the caravan park after three weeks, because the holidays finished and it ticked over into shoulder season. That meant we could rent an apartment for only $20 extra a night than stay our tiny camper trailer we were sick of!
The Burleigh Mediterranean Resort is across the road from North Burleigh beach and within walking distance to the bus stop, supermarket, North Burleigh Surf Club (our fave) and awesome cafes. They have a great swimming pool area the kids will love.
Mantra, Coolangatta
The Mantra Coolangatta has some of the best views that I’ve ever experienced in an apartment stay. It’s right on the Esplanade at Coolangatta and within walking distance to everything you need including our favourite sunset spot on the East Coast of Australia – Snapper Rocks.
Apartments are small but comfortable. The good news is the balcony is big and I can guarantee you won’t want to leave it.
Read More – I could live at the Mantra Coolangatta
Couran Cove Island Resort, South Stradbroke Island
If you’re looking for a much quieter and natural experience on the Gold Coast, stay at Couran Cove on South Stradbroke Island.
Leave your car on the mainland and cruise around the resort and island on your bike. It’s located on the water’s edge and is surrounded by natural forest and beach.
All apartments and villas at Couran have water views and the resort has a huge pool and other facilities like beach volleyball, tennis, bike hire and mini golf.
Read More – Getaway from the Gold Coast to Couran Cove Island Resort
Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, Lamington National Park
Far too many people ignore the Gold Coast Hinterland for those stunning Gold Coast beaches! Don’t!!
The Hinterland is one of my favourite spots in Queensland, it’s only an hour from the coast, but full of adventure and serenity in ancient rainforests. It’s magical.
Binna Burra Mountain lodge has accommodation ranging from campsites to cabins, to a bit more lux apartments.
Read More – Escape to Binna Burra MountainLodge
O’Reilley’s Rainforest Retreat, Lamington National Park
Like, Binna Burra, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is situated within a different section of the Lamington National Park. There’s an inexpensive National Park campground just outside the retreat, and inside it ranges from a lodge to cabins to lux villas with spa baths on the deck overlooking the rainforest.
Read More: Getaway to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
QT, Surfers Paradise
Uptown funk you up. Uptown funk you up!
That’s the QT in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast! Full of funk and quirkiness. From the tropical shirt clad concierge waiting to greet you with an ice lemonade, to the chic custom design of each room, your head will be turning and conversation will be flowing about the QT during your stay on the Gold Coast. Tell me you don’t feel like you’re in Miami.
Plus, they have an amazing buffet style with a QT twist dinner and breakfast at the Bazaar plus the Stingray is one of Surfers hottest bars.
The QT on the Gold Coast is accommodation that tells a story.
Kirra Surf Apartments, Kirra Beach
Again, another beautiful place to stay on the Gold Coast with epic views on the ocean. Kirra Surf Apartments are edging into that luxury accommodation market with its divine views and stylish beach decor.
It’s in a quiet location, but within easy walking distance to cafes and restaurants, and go a little further around the point and you’ll be in Coolangatta. There’s also a pool in case the beach doesn’t tickle your toes enough.
Read more – Kirra Surf apartments – a place to stay on the Gold Coast
Bujerum Apartments, Burleigh Heads
I rate Bujerum Apartments as my favourite place to stay on the Gold Coast. I even hesitated about putting it in the luxury accommodation bucket, and the price is way more affordable than you think for the value and experience you’ll receive.
It, without a doubt, has the best position of any other accommodation on the Gold Coast I’ve mentioned in this post or seen.
Sit on the balcony from sunrise to sunset and you will not be disappointed. There are no high-rises blocking your view, you’re right on surfer’s point watching them catch the waves in. There’s an easy-going vibe and pace here. This is my favourite spot on the Gold Coast. It’s where we usually walk to daily to chill and watch the surfers.
Read More – Bujerum Apartments: The best place to stay on the Gold Coast
Mouse House Rainforest Retreat, Springbrook National Park
This is where I want to plan our work retreat for next year. The Mouse House Rainforest Retreat is the most enchanting place I’ve stayed.
Our cabin was Doc, and as we walked through the misty rainforest, to uncover Doc hidden behind the twisted vines, I felt like I was Snow White discovering the Seven Dwarfs Cabin.
It’s located only 40 mins from the coast in the Springbrook National Park, which is a magical ancient rainforest area filled with walks and waterfalls. I can’t wait for a sunny day so we can explore it more.
Luxury accommodation on the Gold coast
Jupiters Hotel and Casino
I stayed at Jupiters Hotel during my participation in the mock Commonwewalth Games event. I really enjoyed it. The rooms had just been refurbished. I had gorgeous views out over BroadBeach, and my favourite feature was walking into the room and having the blinds and curtains automatically open so I could see the views – extraordinary. I’ve never seen that before ever.
What also makes Jupiters a great place to stay on the Gold Coast is the entertainment on offer right at the bottom of the lifts. You have plenty of restaurants and bars and the casino (be careful!) The Garden Kitchen and Bar is one of our favourite places to eat on the Gold Coast.
You can check out the crazy Commonwealth Games event I was part of by clicking play below:
Mariott Resort & Spa, Surfers Paradise
Pool at the Marriott
We stayed at the Marriott Resort and Spa , Gold Coast when Savannah was a baby. We loved the location as it was walking distance to everything in Surfers and close enough to the Theme Parks, which we were in town to explore. The views over the ocean were brilliant, and we loved the pool area. They have buffet breakfast and Cirque was a worthy restaurant to eat in.
The views over the ocean were brilliant, and we loved the pool area. They have buffet breakfast and Cirque was a worthy restaurant to eat in.
The views over the ocean were brilliant, and we loved the pool area. They have buffet breakfast and Citrique was a worthy restaurant to eat in.
Read More – What’s it like staying at the Marriott, Surfers Paradise
Hilton Hotel and Apartments, Surfers Paradise
Rising high above Surfers Paradise, with epic views of the ocean or canal/hinterland, are the twin towers of Hilton apartments in one and hotel suites in the other.
We stayed in one of the two bedroom apartments and loved it. Its location is right in the middle of the Cavill Ave action, so it’s easy to walk around, but also easy for you to escape the madness if you want a quiet night in.
Hilton Hotel and Apartments is the home to another of Surfers hottest bars, the Fix Bar, and the Salt by Luke Mangan is a popular place to dine or enjoy a buffet breakfast. The Deck Pool Bar is also a great place for a swim and a cocktail.
Read more: Hilton Hotel Residences Review
Palazzo Versace, Main Beach
Palazzo Versace – Image by Shutterstock.com
No, we haven’t stayed at the Palazzo Versace yet, but I’m putting this hotel on the list because you’ve got to dream right. I mean, who wouldn’t want to stay at a Versace property, the ultimate in style and luxury and feel like a rock star at least once in your life.
We have dined at the property though at the Vie Bar + Restaurant and the food was superb.
For more places to stay on the Gold Coast choose from the largest range of hotels, apartments, and hostels with our partner Booking.com. You get free cancelation on most rooms, and in most cases you only pay when you stay.
Don’t forget Airbnb
One of our favourite ways to find accommodation, especially with kids, is to rent an apartment or home through Airbnb. You can find some amazing deals and interesting properties! If you’ve not stayed with Airbnb, you can get a $27AUD discount on your first stay by signing up through
If you haven’t stayed with Airbnb yet, you can get a $27AUD discount on your first stay by signing up through this link .
Can you recommend any places to stay on the Gold Coast?
Share a suggestion in the comments.
