The sun-drenched corner of South East Queensland is arguably Australia’s most visited and desired holiday destination. This is evident by the fast rising house prices in areas such as Noosa, Broadbeach Waters and Main Beach. The Gold Coast in particular boasts so many great qualities that make it an ideal destination whether it be a family vacation, boys or girls trip or just business. With buzzing nightlife, ample bars and restaurants, a never-ending beach and blessed weather, it’s no wonder many choose to retire or simply relocate to the Goldy. Nevertheless, you deserve to stay in style. Here are eight options for your next lux stay in the Gold Coast.
1. The Langham, Gold Coast
One of the more recent additions to the towering Gold Coast skyline is the trio of glass, ultra-modern towers that rise just south of central Surfers Paradise which is dual-occupied by Jewel Residences and internationally renowned brand, The Langham. In 2023, locals and visitors alike consider the Langham GC to be the most luxurious and expensive hotel in the entire Gold Coast.
Amenities, Features and Everything Else
Indoor and outdoor pool, chuan day spa, health club
Wine & Dine
T’ang Court, Akoya, Palm Court, Lobby Bar and the Swim-up Pool Bar
Pricing (cheapest vs most expensive)
Superior Room: from $470 per night
Chairman’s Ocean Suite: $4,613 per night
Book Langham Gold Coast here
2. The Darling at The Star
Ideally perched just behind the buzzing Broadbeach town centre is The Star Casino resort and all its parent-owned hotels and residences. With the addition of a couple of new hotels under The Star trademark including The Dorsett and The Star Residences, The Darling stands above its sister hotels as the premium option.
Amenities, Features and Everything Else
Pool & spa, azure spa & fitness, gym
Wine & Dine (part of the casino complex)
Kiyomi, Nineteen at The Star, Uncle Su, Cucina Vivo, Atrium Bar, Veladora (Bar), Cherry (Bar), Sports Bar, Kiyomi Bar, Outdoor Bar, multiple casual options
Pricing (cheapest vs most expensive)*
Stellar King Suite: from $785 per night
Penthouse Deluxe Billiards Suite/Penthouse Exercise Suite: $2,834 per night
Book The Darling at The Star here
3. Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove
The renowned Intercontinental in up-market Sanctuary Cove is meticulously designed so you never have to leave. This is partially due to its location, which is about a 30 minute drive north of Surfers Paradise surrounded by gated communities, man-made canals and exclusive golf courses. Here, in your slice of paradise, you don’t need to get lost in the chaos of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, when you have everything you need right here.
Amenities, Features and Everything Else
Two outdoor pools featuring one lagoon style, access to Sanctuary Cove Country Club and exclusive access to three coveted golf courses including The Palms, Links Hope Island and Arnold Palmer’s only Australian course, The Pines.
Wine & Dine
The Fireplace, Verandah Restaurant and Bar
Pricing (cheapest vs most expensive)*
King Classic Garden View: $296 per night
Manor Suite: $2,546 per night
Book Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove here
4. JW Marriott Gold Coast
JW Marriott resonates class and deluxe accommodation around the world, and the Gold Coast franchise is no different. Located just a few blocks North of Cavill Avenue (central Surfers Paradise). The JW Marriott GC is a family haven with a luxury twist. The pool is arguably the most impressive on the entire Eastern seaboard and is both an interactive playground and zen swimming pool for both adults and kids. We also believe the lobby at the JW Marriott is the best on our list.
Amenities, Features and Everything Else
Day spa and wellness centre, outdoor lagoon style pool with waterfalls, fitness centre.
Wine & Dine
Citrique Restaurant, Misono Japanese, Chapter & Verse Bar and Lounge.
Pricing (cheapest vs most expensive)*
Double Bed Mountain View Room: $459 per night
Presidential Suite: $3,290 per night
Book JW Marriott Gold Coast here
5. Sheraton Grand Mirage Gold Coast
When to book the Sheraton Grand Mirage is simple, if you’re after a more relaxing, ‘do nothing’ holiday then this is your place. Strategically located away from the action-packed centre of the Goldy and about 25 minutes north at Main Beach, the resort is designed so you don’t have to leave and all your needs are catered for. It’s the resort where you come to have a 30 minute swim and daiquiri by the pool but that turns into 4 daiquiris and 4 hours. The hotel personifies beach style luxury with a tropical twist. Location wise, simply cross the road via the designated footbridge and you’re in the upmarket shopping centre, Marina Mirage. Here, you’ll find a selection of restaurants, cafés and boutique retail outlets.
Amenities, Features and Everything Else
Oasis pool, villa pool (heated)
Wine & Dine
Terraces Restaurant, Pearl’s Bar, The Deck
Pricing (cheapest vs most expensive) *
King Room: $719 per night
Ocean View Presidential Suite: $2,869 per night
Book Sheraton Grand Mirage here
6. QT Broadbeach
The QT has recently undergone extensive renovations which has tipped us over the line to add the QT to our list. The refurbished venue is where design chic and coastal luxury collide. The QT is an instagramable heaven yet maintains its timeless charm. It’s vibrant colours and popping interior design generate a fun and entertaining atmosphere.
Amenities, Features and Everything Else
SpaQ, pool and spa
Wine & Dine
Bazaar, Yamagen, Stingray, FIXX cafe
Pricing (cheapest vs most expensive)*
QT City View King Room: $271 per night
QT 3-bedroom Ocean View Suite: $908 per night
Book QT Broadbeach here
7. Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
After recently overtaking the site of the world famous Versace Palazzo up in Main Beach across from the Sheraton Grand Mirage, the Imperial Hotel is basically the Versace Palazzo that lost the naming rights. All of the heavily customised decor, flooring, architecture and specs scream Versace. Everywhere you’ll find gold accents and Italianate fitments, the new owners have just removed the Versace logo or ‘head of Medusa’ from all their pillow cases, floor tiles and so on. It’s grand, decked out in marble and it brings the Mediterranean summer to the Gold Coast.
Amenities, Features and Everything Else
Outdoor pool with daybeds, fitness and wellbeing centre, water salon, bath bliss, private Rolls Royce chauffeur service.
Wine & Dine
Il Barocco Restaurant, Le Jardin
Pricing (cheapest vs most expensive)*
Superior King: $450 per night
Imperial Suite: $3084 per night
Book Imperial Hotel Gold Coast here
8. Sofitel Broadbeach
The French-headquartered Sofitel chain operates over 120 hotels in 40 countries. Here in sunny South East Queensland, the brand aims to bring its slice of Paris to Queensland. Although in more recent times, the brand has opted for a more neutral sleek look rather than the classic French spec, as seen in the new Sofitel in Sydney’s Darling Harbour. The Sofitel is located in central Broadbeach, one of the most visited holiday and residential destinations on the Gold Coast. Its prime location boasts convenient proximity to bars, restaurants and the beach.
Amenities, Features and Everything Else
Rooftop pool, gym, endota spa, privé hair and makeup.
Wine & Dine
Room 81, Bistro on3, TC’s Bar and Gaming Lounge, Afternoon Tea “Le Goûter”
Pricing (cheapest vs most expensive)*
Classic King Room: $302 per night
Opera Suite: $828 per night
Book Sofitel Broadbeach here
*These prices are not 100% accurate. All room prices were sourced directly from hotel websites. All were sourced from a random midweek date in 2024. That date was the 10th-11th of March 2024. Prices are subject to change due to weekend selections, events and seasonal reasons, please contact the hotel directly for price inquiries.