The unique hotel 2020 needed to keep travelling hassle-free when borders open

Hotels have been getting a bad rap this year but this new delight on the sunny shores of the Gold Coast is just the accommodation we didn’t know we needed.

As 2020 draws to an end, many of us are desperately trying to make some kind of travel plan or wondering if we’ll get to leave our suburban bubbles ever again.

With so many forced into hotel quarantine this year, the thought of seeking out a staycation might seem daunting – but it doesn’t have to be.

Enter the Rydges Gold Coast Airport hotel, the accommodation we didn’t know we needed this year.

It’s surprising the Gold Coast took this long to get an airport hotel really – and pulled off an opening on the back of a massive tourism slump.

The Rydges property is the only leisure focused, on-airport hotel in Australia, mere minutes from the beach.

So why would such a hotel be appealing? You simply don’t have to go far to get a beach holiday experience. No public transport, no battling crowds.

RELATED: Places to eat and things to do in Tropical North Queensland

RELATED: Have your say on Australia’s border debate

The Rydges Gold Coast Airport hotel seen from the beach.

You can step off from your plane, step into your room, laze by the hotel’s 25m outdoor landscaped resort-style swimming pool, head to the swanky Salty Fox Rooftop Bar to take in the views, or retreat to the beach.

If you’re planning to reunite with family – provided restrictions allow you to – you can avoid the logistics required for organising everyone and just tell them to meet here when they get off the plane.

The hotel has 192 rooms and a fully equipped gym, with cardio machines overlooking the airport runway.

Guests can watch the planes take off against the backdrop of the Gold Coast’s Hinterland in the west from the rooftop bar, or soak up coastal views from Surfers Paradise to Rainbow Beach in the east.

With nothing priced over $20, the menu features dishes designed to cater for a quick bite before you have to jump on your plane, or for a longer grazing-style meal with friends (hello, Sunday arvo cocktails).

RELATED: Eight must-dos in Queensland’s backyard

The lobby bar of the swish new hotel.

The drinks menu features 16 beers on tap, a strong showing of Australian and New Zealand wines alongside a tasteful selection of French champagnes, topped off with a raft of amazing cocktails.

The cocktail list features all the classics as well as Salty Fox signatures like The Foxy Devil, featuring George Dickel No. 8 bourbon, watermelon, lemon, bitters and orange.

If you’re thinking of booking a stress-free and no fuss holiday to see out 2020 or start fresh in the New Year, this could be the hotel for you.

Rydges has an opening special available until November 30 starting at $193 a night for a Concourse Deluxe Room.

The offer is available for travel until March 31, with blackout dates from December 23 to January 10.