Hotels and Accommodation in Gold Coast

There’s a reason the Gold Coast is the go-to for Aussies looking for a close-to-home getaway. And it’s not just the long surf beaches that it’s so famous for. This strip of southeast Queensland is all about contrast: rollercoasters and rainforest trails, luxury stays and surf shacks, cocktail-laden nights and early morning yoga on Burleigh Hill. Families come for the rides, couples for the spa days, and plenty of us are here to chase the sun with a few friends in tow. 

Whether you're checking in for school holidays, a summer getaway or that elusive week off a southern winter, the Gold Coast's got stays that suit every kind of break.

Where to stay on the Gold Coast

• Surfers Paradise: Loud, proud and beachfront bold. Surfers does things big: sky-high stays, mega malls, and nightlife that hums past midnight. Surfers is the Gold Coast’s most iconic strip, and the most happening.
• Broadbeach: Like Surfers, but with the party edges smoothed down. Think rooftop bars, brunch queues and calm water swims, just down from Surfers. Base here for beachfront calm with designer energy.
• Burleigh Heads: Where the surf breaks are legendary and yoga mats mandatory. The best shouts here are low-key apartments and laid-back lunches at just as chilled-out cafes.
• Coolangatta: Coolangatta’s got throwback Gold Coast charm for days. Think retro motels, family-friendly beaches, and an esplanade built for strolling with dripping mango gelato.
• Hinterland: Swap the sea breeze for misty rainforest air. A family-owned B&B or eco-retreat in Tamborine or Springbrook is a top shout - or simply anywhere you can fall asleep to frog calls and wake to the cockatoos.

How much is Gold Coast accommodation?

From glitzy resorts to laid-back digs, the Gold Coast has it all … including price tags. On average, expect around AU$180 per night for a standard hotel stay. High season (hello, summer school holidays) and beachfront views can push that higher. But deals are out there, and with Traveloka’s filters, you can sort the surfside steals from the luxe line-ups fast.

• Hostels and backpackers: From AU$45 per night: Shared dorms with good vibes. Expect surfboards out front, hostel bars out back, and someone always on the BBQ tongs. Often close to beaches or nightlife zones like Surfers or Burleigh.
• Budget hotels and motels: From AU$90 per night: No-frills but reliable. These roadside or suburban stays are solid picks for sleep, snacks and shower pressure that can blast the sandy days right off you.
• Apartments and mid-range hotels: From AU$130 per night: Best bet for longer stays or beach-hopping with a group. Kitchens, pools and balconies are usually in the mix with a handy wash space to hang up all your beach towels.
• Luxury resorts: From AU$300 per night: Swanky towers with spas, sunrise views and all-you-can-lounge pool decks. Think Broadbeach elegance or hinterland hideaways if you’re after all five stars.

Top-rated hotels in Gold Coast

• The Langham Gold Coast and Jewel Residences, Broadbeach: Sky-high, salt-kissed and dressed to the nines. This Broadbeach stunner nails beachfront polish with two pools, saunas, and room service just seconds away from some seriously designer eats.
• QT Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise: Bold prints, poolside cocktails and a retro-glam aesthetic make this a Surfers icon. It’s where fun meets fancy and tropical vibes are here to party.
• Crystal Pacific Palm Beach, Palm Beach: Laidback, coastal luxe with white-on-white apartments. These self-contained stays are ideal for beachy mornings and breezy barbecues with the family.
• The Pink Hotel, Coolangatta: Coolangata’s retro spirit wrapped in texta pink. Think vinyl record players, rooftop bar hangs and just a short walk to picture-perfect surf.
• Pethers Rainforest Retreat, Tamborine Mountain: Treetop cabins are made for unplugging. Private spa baths, breakfast hampers and a soundtrack of bird calls. Pure hinterland hush, with one slow glass of local wine at a time.

Tips for finding the perfect accommodation in Gold Coast

• Let filters do the hard work: Want a pet-friendly pad in Burleigh with a pool and late checkout? Done. An esky-friendly beachside apartment? Here’s a dozen. Use Traveloka’s filters to skip the scroll and go straight to the good stuff.
• Plan your stay around your play: Beach mornings? Stick to Cooly. Bar-hopping? Make it Broadbeach. Kids and coasters? Park yourself near Coomera. Your plans should pick your postcode.
• Avoid the crush: Peak summer and school hols can chew up your budget and your beach towel space. Come just before or after. Like - March, May, even late October - and the Goldie still shines.
• Extras can clinch it: Free brekkie, airport shuttles, or board hire? These little sweeteners add serious value. Sort by perks and you might just level up without the spend.
• For long stays, apartments are a winner: With a kitchen to whip up avo toast and a washer to rinse out swimmers, self-contained stays are a godsend, especially after a few beach-heavy days.