A popular Australian holiday destination, the Gold Coast is a metropolitan region in south Queensland known for its warm sunny weather and golden shores.

The city is also home to several first-rate tourist attractions (including the world-class Dreamworld, Sea World, and Wet’n’Wild theme parks), interweaving canals and waterways, an assortment of exotic wildlife and hiking trails, and an abundance of consistent surf breaks and calm, sandy beaches.

With so many things going for the region, it’s no surprise that it is a popular tourist hotspot. So where are visitors likely to stay and what hotels present the best options for them?

Don’t see your accommodation listed? Get in touch at [email protected] and tell us why it should be included.

What is the best area to stay on the Gold Coast?

There are many well-known tourist areas on the Gold Coast – and where to stay depends on why travellers are visiting. But for many people, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach are the main attractions. 

Surfers Paradise has a unique mix of glitz, glamour, and sand, unlike anywhere else in the world. A vibrant, buzzing seaside resort, this 2 kilometre stretch of sand has an active social scene, great nightlife, consistently good surf, and beachfront skyscrapers – all centred around the beach. 

If visitors are interested in seeing all that Surfers Paradise has to offer, there are few better options than the luxurious (and family-owned) Rhapsody Resort on the northern end of the beach, The Langham Gold Coast on the southern end, or the Hilton or Q1 Resort & Spa – both of which can be found in the epicentre of Surfers Paradise.

Broadbeach is another recommendation for newcomers to the Gold Coast. Once famous for being ‘that place next to Surfers Paradise’, the area is now a popular destination in its own right – known for The Star casino, The Oasis shopping mall, and the relatively quiet, wide stretch of sand from which Broadbeach takes its name. With its great point break, the area is popular with the surfer community, beach lovers, and party goers alike.

Those looking to visit Broadbeach should check out Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, Meriton Suites Broadbeach, Peppers Broadbeach, Mantra Sierra Grand, and The Ritz Resort – all of which are highly recommended stays with easy access to all the area has to offer.

LITTLE HOTELIER TOP TIP : If you’re near a landmark, offer something truly unique, or if you’re the perfect choice for a certain type of guest, be sure to let people know! You can include this content on your website but also your Google My Business listing.

What are the best luxury hotels in the Gold Coast?

With no shortage of skyscrapers and celebrities, there is unsurprisingly a wealth of magnificent luxury hotels in the Gold Coast.

Guests looking to travel and stay in style might seek out these 5-star hotels first:

Those looking for a more affordable option (without forgoing any of the luxury) will consider the 4-star Rhapsody Resort in Surfers Paradise. With its warm coastal charm, the property features modern fully self-contained apartments, and boutique designer chic.

In Broadbeach, the 4-star Peppers Broadbeach is another affordable luxury hotel.

What are the best hotels on a budget in the Gold Coast?

Those looking to visit the Gold Coast on a budget will find plenty of value for money at the following providers: 

LITTLE HOTELIER TOP TIP : When promoting your property, consider your ideal guest type – are they luxury travellers, younger people, families, retirees etc? Understanding your audience and engaging with relevant messaging is key to standing out from the crowd.

What are the best hotels for couples?

With its pleasant subtropical climate, the Gold Coast is a great place for couples to unwind – whether couples are in town for a day, a week, or a month, there’s always something new to explore and do as a duo. Or alternatively, sit back, relax, and catch a tan.

A number of properties will suit romantic getaway stays in the Gold Coast:

What are the best hotels for families?

Families visiting the Gold Coast have many accommodation options to choose from, but for many families, the reason for visiting the area is simple – theme parks!

To be close to Dreamworld (and the adjacent WhiteWater World) travellers will look to InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort. Nestled in between tropical gardens, waterways, and golf courses, the property features a show-stopping one-acre lagoon pool, and is often visited by families of grazing wild kangaroos.

Families coming to Sea World often book the fantastic 4-star Sea World Resort. A casual 4-star resort, the property is ideally located on the grounds of Sea World itself, and has plenty of great activities for kids and parents alike – with amenities including a gym, water park, and day spa.

Australia’s largest water park Wet’n’Wild is always a popular destination for families. The recommendation to be close to the iconic theme park (and the neighbouring Warner Bros. Movie World), is BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park. With a large number of cabins and campsites, and its very own water park on-site, this is a holiday park unlike any other!

LITTLE HOTELIER TOP TIP : Attract more families to your hotel by updating your website and marketing images to include activities and smiling faces, while ensuring key amenities are listed on your homepage.

We’re travellers too.

At Little Hotelier we have a deep passion for travel. We also understand the challenges of running a hotel – which is why we’ve developed a simple yet powerful way for you to manage your property 

The Little Hotelier platform has been designed specifically for small accommodation providers. We help you minimise the fuss and maximise the profits of your hotel, while offering you more freedom and control while you do it.
Don’t just take our word for it.

Get started right away for free and make life easier.

Try Little Hotelier's Property Management System

By Dean Elphick

Dean is the Senior Content Marketing Specialist of Little Hotelier, the all-in-one software solution purpose-built to make the lives of small accommodation providers easier. Dean has made writing and creating content his passion for the entirety of his professional life, which includes more than six years at Little Hotelier. Through content, Dean aims to provide education, inspiration, assistance, and, ultimately, value for small accommodation businesses looking to improve the way they run their operations (and live their life).