10 best luxury resorts and hotels on the Gold Coast

The GC was once all about glitz but in recent years, things have been pared back. The top end of town, at least where hotels are concerned, has chosen to emphasise sophistication and elegance. Often merging them with a sense of subtropical place. The result is a series of sleek accommodation a world away from the GC’s, let’s say exuberant past.

David Smiedt

less than 2 min read

July 16, 2024 - 11:58AM

Escape

1/10

QT Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise

We will always have a soft spot for the QT brand as it has managed to combine five-star vibes with a tangible sense of fun - which is what staying at a fancy hotel should be about. The GC outpost wouldn’t be out of place amid the art deco palaces of Miami. One of the best aspects of this hotel is that it always seems to be evolving. The recently introduced cabins - think standalone tiny houses - feel like the bungalows at the Chateau Marmont. Add a playful take on high tea and one of the best spas on the coast and you have a bougie outpost that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

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2/10

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Surfers Paradise

This property - fresh from a refurb - manages to be both five-star and family-friendly. At its heart sits a pair of lagoon pools laced with cabanas, jacuzzis and a crescent of private beach. The saltwater version is heightened by a grotto to explore and 300 tropical fish to snorkel alongside, while the freshwater has an ace water slide. Kids of all ages will also dig on the sea scooter toys. There are daily fish feedings, scavenger hunts and kids classes where they will learn to make pizza, sushi, chocolate and healthy juice mocktails. There are 238 rooms and the seafood buffet at Citrique is next level.

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3/10

The Langham, Surfers Paradise

If you want the newest beachfront digs to be built on the GC in 30 years and would prefer to be a little removed from the 24/7 party buzz, the Langham will do nicely. It sits between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach and offers 169 rooms - plus 170 residences, if you love it so much that you’d like to move in. The T’Ang Court Cantonese fine diner is a destination in itself, the Chuan Spa is grounded in traditional Chinese medicine and the ocean view rooms offer vistas for days.

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4/10

The Darling at The Star, Broadbeach

Like its Sydney sister property, the Darling is all about living large and living loud. There are 56 suites where you can kick it like a rock star while escaping the hustle and bustle of the attached casino and entertainment complex. The Japanese food offering Kiyomi is off the chain good with a 10-course omakase menu you will remember for months. And if you like the idea of sundowner with music, check out the Live On The Lawn sessions.

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5/10

Sheraton Grand Mirage, Main Beach

Main Beach is just far enough from the hub to feel peaceful but close enough to make the most of the GC’s prime attractions and theme parks. The six-hectare footprint of this property conjures the atmosphere of a self-contained universe laced with lagoons, palms and cabanas. Pearls Bar makes a mean martini and the on-site Pacific Mirage Villas - think ocean views, rooftop balconies and beachfront access - have just had a refurb.

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6/10

Intercontinental, Sanctuary Cove

There’s a reason this property has been a local stayer for so long. Over the years it has settled into its four hectares of gardens so that it now feels like a grand estate. The 251 rooms have just been refurbished, the enormous beach lagoon shimmers and you can spot kangaroos from your room. Should whiskey entice, the flight at Verandah Restaurant is a stonker. Hotel guests score free access to the Sanctuary Cove Country Club with its raft of wellness facilities and visitors aged four to twelve will love the Planet Trekkers Kids Club.

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7/10

Hilton Hotel, Surfers Paradise

Towering above Surfers like a min Burj, this hotels rooms and suites occupy levels three to 15 of the skyscraper. There are four pools, an eclectic spa menu at at eforea and Ms Margot’s Lobby Bar is an all-day diner that makes for delightful people watching. Try the bao bun with salt and pepper soft shell crab.

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8/10

Sofitel Gold Coast, Broadbeach

The Sofitel is never the flashiest hotel in the ‘hood and that’s the whole point. Instead, it’s all about the Gallic refinement. All the rooms have the Sofitel MyBed setups for a delicious night’s rest, Room81 knows its way around an extensive French-influenced cocktail list and if you’re traveling en famille, the family packages are inspired by Le Petit Prince.

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9/10

RACV Royal Pines

The obvious lure here is the proximity to the golf course but RACV has been clever in realising that not all visitors are interested in chasing a little white ball from tee to fairway. There are 333 rooms with views to either the Gold Coast skyline or mountains with the two-bedroom family studios or suites a good bet if you have the kids in tow. Speaking of which, there’s also child-friendly dining, a waterpark, playground and of course a pool. Fancy a hit of tennis? There are also five courts on site.

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10/10

Imperial Hotel, Main Beach

What was once the Palazzo Versace has been reborn and the Imperial channels all the glamour and opulence that the property is famous for. That iconic pool remains the focal point and the pick of the digs are the Lagoon Rooms with their Juliette balconies and big-enough-for-two bathtubs. The pool cabanas are sleek and chic and Le Jardin hosts one of the best high teas on the coast.

See also:

9 best family resorts on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast's best retro hotels

22 best restaurants on the Gold Coast