South of Brisbane on Australia’s East Coast is the Gold Coast, a popular vacation destination. The Gold Coast is a watersports paradise, with long sandy beaches, inland canals and waterways, several theme parks and a National Park.
With so many things to do in the Gold Coast, it’s important to identify which Gold Coast attractions you will be visiting, and choose your Gold Coast accommodation accordingly. With many Gold Coast hotels to choose from, we will help you narrow down where to stay in Gold Coast with family, or the best place to stay in Gold Coast for couples.
We will cover off all types of Gold Coast accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Gold Coast hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Gold Coast, the best Gold Coast hotels, best places in Gold Coast to visit, the best places to stay in Gold Coast, hotels near Gold Coast attractions and many more
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Table of Contents
Surfers Paradise – Where to stay in Gold Coast for nightlife
One of the best places to stay in Gold Coast is Surfer’s Paradise. With many family resorts Surfer’s Paradise is a great place to stay in the Gold Coast with kids. Surfers Paradise also has endless entertainment options, including nightclubs, a pedestrian mall, dozens of restaurants and Gold Coast hotels and plenty of places to stay at Surfers Paradise for every budget.
Many Gold Coast attractions are right here in Surfer’s Paradise: Ripley’s Believe it or Not, iFly indoor skydiving, Jetboat Extreme, the Vomatron and the SkyDeck. On Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights, the beachfront markets have over 100 stalls selling every kind of goods imaginable.
Best places to stay in Surfers Paradise
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Surfers Paradise:
Budds in Surfers
Bunk Surfers Paradise
Backpackers In Paradise
Bunk Surfers Paradise
Budget Hotels in Surfers Paradise
Centrepoint Resort
The Sands Holiday Apartments
The Emerald Surfers Paradise
Le Chelsea Holiday Apartments
Mid range Hotels in Surfers Paradise:
Equinox Resort Apartments
Seacrest Apartments
Rhapsody Resort
Capricorn One
Family Friendly Hotels in Surfers Paradise:
Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa
Alpha Sovereign Hotel
Mantra Sun City
QT Gold Coast
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Surfers Paradise:
Marriott Vacation Club at Surfers Paradise
Hilton Surfers Paradise
Peppers Soul
Hilton Surfers Paradise Residences
Broadbeach –Where to stay in Gold Coast for foodies
Just outside of Surfer’s Paradise is the area of Broadbeach, Gold Coast. A slightly quieter alternative to the Surfer’s Paradise area, Broadbeach has many beautiful beaches, public parks with weekend markets, and tons of amazing restaurants. The Pacific Fair Shopping Centre has over 400 stores, a food court and upmarket restaurants.
Another shopping destination in Broadbeach is the Oasis, home to many specialty stores and restaurants. For those who love to gamble, The Star Hotel and Casino offers 24-hour entertainment. The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre is also in Broadbeach, so there are many business hotels nearby. Below is a list of the best accommodation in Broadbeach
Best places to stay in Broadbeach
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Broadbeach:
Surfers Paradise Backpackers Resort
Gold Coast International Backpacker Resort
Budget Hotels in Broadbeach:
Broadbeach Travel Inn Apartments
Browns at Broadbeach
Gold Coast Inn
Camden Motor Inn
Mid range Hotels in Broadbeach:
Meriton Suites Broadbeach
Mantra Broadbeach on the Park
AVANI Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences
Broadbeach Savannah Resort
Family Friendly Hotels in Broadbeach:
Island Beach Resort
Voyager Resort
Mantra Sierra Grand
The Wave Resort
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Broadbeach:
The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast
Pepper Broadbeach
Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
Coolangatta – Where to stay in Gold Coast for relaxation
At the southern end of the Gold Coast, Coolangatta is named after a schooner that wrecked here in 1846. This is where the Gold Coast airport is located; making it a good place to find cheap accommodation on the Gold Coast. If you are looking for a quiet Gold Coast vacation, with calmer waters, Coolangatta is a great option. In my personal opinion, this is best place to stay in the Gold Coast, it’s not too crowded and it has a very chilled out relaxed vibe.
You’ll have fewer restaurants and shops to choose from, but enough to satisfy your needs for the week. A day trip to Surfer’s Paradise is possible with public transportation options. If you plan to visit New South Wales on your trip, Coolangatta is along the border, making it easy to access.
Best places to stay in Coolangatta
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Coolangatta:
Komune Resort
Coolangatta Sands Hotel
Budget Hotels in Coolangatta:
Bombora Resort Motel
Mid range Hotels in Coolangatta:
Greenmount Beach Hotel
Bella Mare Beachside Apartments
The Pink Hotel Coolangatta
Mantra Twin Towns
Family Friendly Hotels in Coolangatta:
Oaks Calypso Plaza Resort
Mantra Coolangatta Beach
Blue C Coolangatta
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Coolangatta:
Iconic Kirra Beach Resort
Burleigh Heads – Where to stay in Gold Coast with kids
A nice compromise between the serenity of Coolangatta and the frenetic pace of Surfer’s Paradise is Burleigh Heads, the halfway point of the Gold Coast. Many surfing events take place in Burleigh Heads, as the break here provides strong surfing conditions.
There are many cafes and takeaway venues, and the Stockland shopping centre, with supermarkets and department stores. The best part of staying in Burleigh Heads is the proximity to all the best areas of the Gold Coast. You can hop on a tram and be in Surfer’s Paradise in 15 minutes.
Best places to stay in Burleigh Heads
Budget Hotels in Burleigh Heads:
Burleigh Break
Burleigh Gold Coast Motel
Sunshine Beach Resort
The Queenslander Motel
Mid range Hotels in Burleigh Heads:
Hillhaven Holiday Apartments
The Village at Burleigh Heads
Pacific Regis Beachfront Holiday Apartments
Burleigh Palms Holiday Apartments
Family Friendly Hotels in Burleigh Heads:
Burleigh Gardens North Hi-Rise
Key Largo Apartments
Aussie Resort Burleigh Heads
Burleigh on the Beach
Main Beach – Where to stay in Gold Coast for luxury travellers
At the northern end of the Gold Coast is Main Beach. Only a few minutes north of Surfer’s Paradise, Main Beach offers easy access to the best Gold Coast attractions, including Sea World, and many Gold Coast hotels to choose from. The quieter suburb and surrounding greenery make this a quiet escape from the hubbub of other Gold Coast locations. Luxury travelers will find many high-end resorts in Main Beach, and the Australia Fair shopping centre is within walking distance when it’s time for shopping.
Best places to stay in Main Beach
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Main Beach:
Surfers Paradise YHA at Main Beach
Aquarius Backpackers
Arrival Lodge
Budds in Surfers
Budget Hotels in Main Beach:
Earls Court Motor Inn
Centrepoint Resort
The Sands Holiday Apartments
Harbour Side Resort
Mid range Hotels in Main Beach:
Harbour Side Resort
Maldives Resort
Beachside Tower
Aloha Lane Holiday Apartments
Family Friendly Hotels in Main Beach:
Bougainvillea Luxury Apartments
The Crest Apartments
Norfolk Luxury Beachfront Apartments
Waterford on Main Beach
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Main Beach:
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast
Palazzo Versace
Mermaid Beach – Where to stay in Gold Coast with family
Next door to Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach is a popular surfing destination, thanks to uncrowded beaches and a good surf break. There are hotel options for every budget, from Millionaires Row beachfront real estate to caravan parks.
Mermaid Beach has a relaxed atmosphere, local shopping centres and even rainforests nearby for a day away from the beach, it has some of the best Gold Coast hotels for families. The abundance of apartment rentals and family resorts make this a great place to stay in with kids on the Gold Coast.
Best places to stay in Mermaid Beach
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Mermaid Beach:
Surfers Paradise Backpackers Resort
Budget Hotels in Mermaid Beach:
Tropicana Motel Mermaid Beach
Classic Motel
A’Montego Mermaid Beach Motel
Camden Motor Inn
Mid range Hotels in Mermaid Beach:
Mermaid Beach Park View
Diamond Cove Resort
BreakFree Diamond Beach
Portobello Resort Apartments
Family Friendly Hotels in Mermaid Beach:
Bel Air on Broadbeach
Ocean Pacific
Island Beach Resort
Turtle Beach Resort
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Mermaid Beach:
Splendido Resort Apartments
The Star Grand at The Star Gold Coast
Miami – Where to stay in Gold Coast on a bugdet
Not dissimilar from Florida’s famous Miami Beach, the Gold Coast’s Miami is another stunning option for Gold Coast accommodation. Miami Marketta is a street food market with food from around the globe, and seating for over 450 people. Miami has a huge cafe culture, and lots of nature on offer as well. Mick Schamberg Park has amazing views from the headland, overlooking the beach.
Best places to stay in Miami
Budget Hotels in Miami:
Sunshine Beach Resort
Miami Shore Motel
Horizons Motel
Surf Street Motel
Mid range Hotels in Miami:
Outrigger Gold Coast
Horizons Holiday Apartments
Grande Florida Beachside Resort
Le Beach Apartments
Family Friendly Hotels in Miami:
Key Largo Apartments
Spindrift On The Beach
Foreshore Beachfront Apartments
Diamond Sands Resort
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Miami:
Splendido Resort Apartments
Hinterland – Where to stay in Gold Coast for nature lovers
Heading inland from the Gold Coast, Hinterland is a nature lovers paradise. The area is made up of rainforests and national parks. Tourism in this area is growing, with accommodation options growing as well. Some of the best things to do in Hinterland include bushwalking, birding, eco-tourism and wine tasting. Serious hikers can tackle all or part of the 54 kilometres of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. Visitors to this area can spend days exploring the mountain ranges, waterfalls, scenic drives and wildlife. Tamborine national park is one of the best areas to stay in – below we have covered off 25km from Tamborine NP as it can take some time to get around the area.
Best places to stay in Hinterland
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Hinterland:
Hannah’s guest house
Budget Hotels in Hinterland:
Hinterland Hotel/Motel
Coomera Motor Inn
Mid range Hotels in Hinterland:
Hilltop on Tamborine
Eagle Heights Mountain Resort
Paradise Country Farmstay
Ramada by Wyndham Hope Harbour
Family Friendly Hotels in Hinterland:
NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort
Couran Cove Island Resort
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort
BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park & Motel
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Hinterland:
Ruffles Lodge & Spa
The Peninsula
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort
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