Chris AshtonEnglish writer Samuel Johnson once said, ‘when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life itself’. The same can be said of Australia’s Gold Coast. It’s big, beautiful, and diverse – a sprawling coastal city with a glittering array of bars and restaurants, inspiring cultural pursuits, and adrenaline-charged theme parks and so much in between.
Living just down the coast from the Goldie, we’ve been travelling to and from its golden shores for decades now. And every time we do there’s something new to discover. If you ever do tire of it, chances are you just haven’t looked hard enough to find ‘the new’.
As you’d expect from such a destination, the accommodation is remarkably diverse too – boutique hotels and high-rise apartments give way to luxury resorts and holiday homes. With that in mind, here are some of the best accommodation options for every traveller.
For Young Families
There are family resorts – and then there’s Turtle Beach Resort. Designed from the ground up for the needs of families, it features four separate swimming areas, a 22-seat cinema, a mini golf course and epic kid’s club, meaning there’s nary a chance of hearing the dreaded words ‘I’m bored’ the entire stay. When you do want to venture out, the beach is only 300-metres away, while a bevy of amazing restaurants are within easy walking distance.
Turtle Beach has a flash sale to help you save your dollars, with three nights in a two-bedroom apartment from only $579 – a saving of 53 per cent. You’ve got to be quick though – it’s available now until the 25th October. Take advantage of the offer here.
For Older Families
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Mantra Crown Towers is perfect for those with older kids who want to enjoy a bit of pool time but still explore the wonders of the Gold Coast. The hotel boasts a lagoon-style swimming pool, is a hop, skip and jump from the beach, and surrounded by more restaurants and cafes than you’ll know what to do with. The G:Link light rail is situated directly outside too, making it a breeze to get around.
Sound like your kind of holiday? You can enjoy three sensational nights in a two-bedroom apartment from only $513 – a saving of 55 per cent. Book your stay here.
For High Rollers
If you prefer to splash your cash at the higher end of the accommodation spectrum, you’re spoiled for choice. The Star Grand is up there as one of the best luxury resorts on the Gold Coast. It’s six-star sister hotel The Darling ups the stakes even higher. Best of all, The Star is a complete holiday with multiple dining options, amazing live entertainment, and a casino if you’re feeling lucky. Pacific Fair is right next door.
For Theme Park Buffs
What’s better than spending a day at a theme park? Staying the night at one too! Or, in this case, the Sea World Resort right next door. Located on the Broadwater and with direct access to Sea World, as well as daily character meet n’ greets, it’s a resort that’ll delight fans of all ages. Plus, following a recent upgrade, the resort is better than ever!
For Lovers Of A Great View
If you love waking up to an unforgettable view, this is the one for you. Built in 2005 and coming in at an impressive height of 322.5 metres, Q1 is Australia’s tallest building. Enjoy spectacular views of the Gold Coast or hinterland from your room, or head on up to the SkyPoint observation deck on level 77 to enjoy the best of both worlds.
For Foodies
The QT Gold Coast is one of my favourite five-star hotels on the Gold Coast. I’ve stayed there more times than I can count. The refurbished suites are stunning (you can read our in-depth review here), the pool is divine, and the dining options never disappoint. Yamagen Japanese and Bazaar buffet restaurant are hands down two of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast. Trust me, I’ve tried my fair share. It’s located close to the light rail and only a few minutes from downtown Surfers.
For Boutique Hotel Fans
Nestled right down at the southern end of the Gold Coast in Coolangatta, literally across the road from the New South Wales border, The Pink Hotel is a local icon. As you’d expect from the name, the hotel is very pink. It’s also very fun and just the right amount of retro! Whimsical decor, a cool rooftop bar, and a stunning mural on the beach side of the building all combine to a great escape.
Want to dive a little deeper? Visit destinationgoldcoast.com
