Where to stay on the Gold Coast

The golden sand, the heavenly water, cool restaurants and bars, and easy access to the national parks of the hinterland – there’s a good reason the Gold Coast is such a popular destination.

But within the one region, there is a series of really distinct neighbourhoods. Choosing where to stay on the Gold Coast is an important decision because it will have a big effect on your stay – partly because you’re likely having a relaxing holiday where you might not want to go too far each day.

Some areas on the Gold Coast are better for families, some are better for a younger crowd. Some have more hotels, some have more apartments. And so on.

It definitely pays to do your research, which is why I want to offer some advice about the best parts of the Gold Coast to stay in for your particular circumstances.

For example, just because a neighbourhood has the word ‘paradise’ in its name, does not mean it will be your nirvana! Knowing what these neighbourhoods are really like might save you from making a big mistake with your Gold Coast accommodation.

In a moment, I’ll give you a bit more detail about where to stay on the Gold Coast, but these are the main neighbourhoods that I’ll be focusing on, starting from the north and heading south.

• Southport: It’s not on the beach and includes the region’s business hub, but it’s closer to the theme parks and has some great modern accommodation.
• Surfers Paradise: The centre of the Gold Coast’s tourist and nightlife scene, there are some excellent accommodation options but is generally better for a younger crowd.
• Broadbeach: One of the best places to stay on the Gold Coast for any type of traveller, it’s central with lots of rental apartments and things to do.
• Mermaid Beach: Further away from the main attractions, there are lots of relaxing accommodation options and is good for families.
• Burleigh Heads: The beach and national park offer a more nature-focused experience, while it’s also got a relaxed trendy vibe.
• Coolangatta: It’s a long way from most of the Gold Coast sights but it’s conveniently right next to the airport and has slightly cheaper accommodation.

To see where all of these options are, I’ve put together this map of where to stay on the Gold Coast:

If your time on the Gold Coast is mainly going to focus on the beach and the pool, then you may want to just choose a neighbourhood that has the atmosphere you’re looking for.

If you’re going to be a bit more active and plan on seeing some of the sights, you’ll find there’s good public transport that connects the beaches but staying in a central area may be more convenient.

So, let’s now have a look at these areas in more detail, along with some specific recommendations for the best accommodation on the Gold Coast.

Southport

Starting in the north, there’s Southport, a larger area that has a mix of zones.

This is where the main business hub of the Gold Coast is located, and the high-rise office buildings are perhaps not going to off the feel that you’re looking for in a coastal holiday.

There are some residential areas, though, that can feel a bit more suburban. There are some nice apartments but Southport is not directly on the beach, so keep that in mind.

It can be a very convenient area, especially if your focus is the Gold Coast theme parks, with Sea World just across the water and easy access to the highway to get out to the other ones.

There’s decent value here because it’s not the most popular area to stay in the Gold Coast, although there is not much of a young backpacker scene.

• Skyline and Mountain View CBD Stay: A luxurious two-bedroom apartment offering breathtaking ocean and mountain views from its private balcony.
• Stunning view close to everything: A spacious two-bedroom apartment that includes a fully equipped kitchen and a hot tub.

• Mantra at Sharks: A stylish modern hotel featuring two restaurants, a cafe, and five bars including one on the rooftop.

Surfers Paradise

For many visitors (particularly international ones), the Gold Coast is synonymous with Surfers Paradise. As the heart of the region’s tourism activities, it’s the busiest area and is full of shops, restaurants, and bars.

It’s where you’ll find much of the nightlife which may be convenient if you’re here for a party, but could be too much for families or if you’re looking to relax.

If you’ve never visited the Gold Coast before, you’ll probably want to see Surfers Paradise and spend some time here, but that doesn’t mean you need to stay here.

Having said that, because it is such a touristy area, it has every type of accommodation you could want.

From energetic backpack hotels to some of the top luxury hotels, there are so many places to stay in Surfers Paradise. If you’re not too concerned about the neighbourhood and finding a specific type of property is the priority, you may want to look here first.

• Tequila Sunrise Hostel Surfers Paradise: In a prime location just steps from the beach, the rooms have stunning city views and there’s a vibrant social atmosphere with free breakfast.
• Bunk Surfers Paradise International Backpacker Hostel: There’s a fun social atmosphere as well as great features like an outdoor pool, hot tub, and nice views.

• Peninsular Gold Coast: Spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and stunning views.
• Jewel Beachfront Residences: Along with an infinity pool, sauna and spa, these elegantly appointed apartments have direct beach access.

• voco Gold Coast: Plush accommodations with ocean or hinterland views, two outdoor swimming pools, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.
• Designer Suites – Versace On View: This boutique hotel boasts elegantly appointed rooms with stunning city or sea views, plus an outdoor swimming pool.

• The Langham: A beautifully tasteful hotel offering oceanfront luxury with stunning views from elegantly designed rooms and residences.
• Marriott Vacation Club at Surfers Paradise: As well as the spacious guest rooms and suites, you can use a heated outdoor pool, sparkling saltwater lagoon, and fitness centre.

Broadbeach

Personally, I think Broadbeach is one of the best areas to stay on the Gold Coast. It’s close enough to Surfers Paradise that you can walk to a specific restaurant or bar you might want to visit, but it also has lots to offer itself.

Broadbeach feels a bit more upmarket (and possibly more expensive) than Surfers Paradise. It doesn’t really have any backpacker hostels and the hotels and apartments are quite modern and refined. That means a quieter atmosphere without being isolated.

With lots of high-rise apartment blocks, there’s more of a residential feel to much of the accommodation in Broadbeach, with the main exception being the casino complex.

It’s a good place for groups and families because you can get a bit more space while still finding something nice.

• Synergy Broadbeach: Five minutes’ walk from the beach, there are different types of apartments up to three bedrooms and a shared pool and bbq area.
• Bel Air on Broadbeach: The rooms have a classic feel, some with ocean or hinterland views, while there’s a large pool and an onsite cafe.

• The Wave Resort: The spacious apartments have stunning views and modern facilities, while the resort has a beautiful infinity pool, rooftop spa, and fitness centre.
• Encore Broadbeach: The stylish design creates a luxurious feel alongside its spa facilities, with large and modern apartments up to three bedrooms.

• The Star Grand at The Star: The other main hotel in the casino complex, it’s larger and feels less boutique, but still has fantastic views and a huge pool.
• Dorsett Gold Coast: An elegant hotel with beautifully designed rooms and breathtaking views of the coastline or hinterland, plus a large resort-style pool and poolside bar.

Mermaid Beach

A bit further south in Mermaid Beach, things are really quiet… in a good way. Don’t expect large hotels or huge high-rise buildings, this is all about houses and small apartment blocks.

The beach is beautiful and much less crowded than further north. It’s easy to spend the whole day just moving between the water and your accommodation, having the ultimate relaxing costal holiday.

There are places to eat and drink, but they tend to be smaller and less crowded, with more of a suburban feel.

Accommodation in Mermaid Beach tends to focus more on families and affordable places to stay. There are some motels, apartment blocks, and even a kid-focused resort.

You won’t find many major attractions here, but that’s why many people (particularly locals and regulars) choose to stay here year after year.

• Montego Mermaid Beach Motel: Just 200 metres from the beach, it has affordable refurbished rooms, a saltwater swimming pool, and easy access to public transport into Surfers Paradise.
• Camden Motor Inn: Even though this is an old-school motel, the spacious rooms have modern amenities and it’s a decent option for budget accommodation on the Gold Coast.

• Beaches On Wave Street: With fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and large comfortable beds, the complex includes a garden, large swimming pool, and heated spa.
• BreakFree Diamond Beach: A lovely family-friendly retreat nestled among tropical gardens with two large lagoon pools, two spas, a children’s playground, and a shaded BBQ area.

• Diamond Sands Resort: The rooms are older, which makes this a cheaper option, but the lagoon pool in the tropical garden is a highlight.

Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Heads blends natural beauty with a bohemian vibe and has become a popular destination in itself in recent years (not just an extension of the main part of the Gold Coast).

For those who want to focus on the water, there’s a great beach and excellent surf breaks. The national park is a gorgeous area to explore, and there is a vibrant cafe and dining scene.

There aren’t many hotels here (partly a consequence of less development) and most of the accommodation in Burleigh Heads is apartments.

If you want to stay here, you can choose to get a direct rental apartment where you will get a bit more privacy and independence. But there are also larger aparthotel complexes where you’ll get the same kind of space but it’ll come with a front desk offering support, as well as some resort-style facilities.

• The Coconut Crib: Across from the beach, this two-bedroom apartment isn’t just convenient, it’s also got a fun and colourful design.
• The Seaport Burleigh: Stylish and spacious, you’re close to everything but it also feels quiet and relaxed.

• Sandbar Burleigh: Modern and fresh, there are self-contained apartments from one to three bedrooms, some offering incredible views of the ocean.
• Boardwalk Burleigh Beach: With different apartment sizes, this complex has a great position next to the beach and includes an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub.

Coolangatta

And finally I want to talk about Coolangatta, the southernmost part of the Gold Coast, right on the border with New South Wales.

More than 20 kilometres away from Surfers Paradise, many people don’t really think of Coolangatta as part of the Gold Coast in a touristic sense because it’s not where you would base yourself if you wanted to regularly spend time in the heart of the action.

But it’s a lovely little suburb with a busy main street of shops and restaurants and a more residential vibe further back. The beach is lovely and you get great access to the nature in the Tweed.

With a mixture of hotels and apartments, there are good accommodation options for lots of different types of travellers, and it tends to be a bit cheaper than further north.

Coolangatta is also right next to the Gold Coast Airport so it can be a really convenient option if you want something just for a night before or after a flight.

• Surf Shack in Iconic Rainbow Bay: A lovely two-bedroom apartment near the beach that is a bit older but is pet-friendly.
• Villa Sol: This stylish modern apartment has three bedrooms and waterfront views, offering a luxurious feel in a great location.

• Reflection on the Sea: A luxurious beachfront experience with breathtaking ocean views and facilities including a heated lap pool, fitness centre, sauna, and steam room.
• Club Wyndham Kirra Beach: Minutes from the beach, the resort has refurbished apartments and is great for kids with amenities like a pool and mini-golf.

• The Sebel Twin Towns: A great upscale choice with oceanview rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness centre, and a mini-golf course.
• Greenmount Beach House: A family-friendly hotel that has an outdoor pool with a water slide, rooms with private balconies or courtyards, and beautiful views over the ocean or river.