Not too long ago, if you heard ‘Gold Coast’, you’d probably think only of theme parks and nightclubs, mostly frequented by rowdy teenagers during Schoolies. These days, the Gold Coast is all grown up, now offering fine-dining restaurants like Rick Shores, Palette and Miss Moneypenny’s, to name a few, alongside some of the best five-star hotels in Australia.
Being away from major cities, you’re going to find more competitive rates on the Gold Coast. Here, you’ll find lavish stays for as little as $250 a night.
From a refurbished motel with a fun baby-pink exterior, to a glam hotel with Italian architecture and furnishings, this is our edit of the best cheap Gold Coast hotels.
Dorsett Gold Coast
Dorsett is a Hong Kong hospitality brand, known for its tech innovations, which include guest service robots that carry out an entirely paperless check-in. The Dorsett Gold Coast features a resort-style outdoor pool, bar and garden. If you’d prefer to dunk yourself in the sea, Kurrawa Beach is a few minutes walk away. Rooms start at $199 a night.
Novotel Surfers Paradise
A few minutes walk from Cavill Avenue, packed with dining and shopping, Novotel Surfers Paradise has 408 rooms across 36 floors. Room types range from superior, to executive spa rooms and penthouses, which sleep up to eight. Some rooms are also dog-friendly. Rooms start at $174 a night.
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
Though 200-room Imperial Hotel Gold Coast is steps from Main Beach, you won’t need to leave. Dine in one of its two restaurants, book a massage or workout in its spa and wellness centre or swim in its outdoor pool. Room types include superior, lagoon, balcony and suites. All are fitted with Italian furnishings. Rooms start at $242.
Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach’s 296 rooms and suites feature either views of the Pacific Ocean or Gold Coast Hinterland. All are equipped with Sofitel MyBeds and a pillow menu. The hotel has two outdoor pools, including one that’s heated, a tennis court, a fitness centre and two restaurants. Room start at $237.
Mantra Legends Hotel
Enjoy the pampered life at Mantra Legends Hotel. Swim its lagoon-style pool or, after a workout in its gym, make use of its steam room and sauna. When you’ve worked up an appetite, dine at its on-site Fables Restaurant with a nightcap at Tales Lobby Bar. Room rates start at $220 a night.
Blue Heron Boutique Motel
Blue Heron Boutique Hotel is a renovated, family-owned and operated motel in Mermaid Beach, a 15-minute drive from Surfers Paradise. The hotel has a pool, garden with a barbecue area and gazebo and bike hire so you can explore your surroundings. Its family room sleeps up to five guests. Room prices start at $202 a night.
The Pink Hotel Coolangatta
Reopened in November 2018, The Pink Hotel Coolangatta is a refurbished boutique hotel, originally opened in the 1950s. Each room is unique with custom art and mid-century furniture. Get to know other guests on its rooftop space, open until 8pm every night and welcoming BYO food and drinks. Rooms start at $246 a night.
La Costa Beachside Motel
For a stay that feels like you’re based at a beach shack, opt for La Costa Beachside Motel. The hotel has rooms drenched in sunlight, vintage bikes available for complimentary hire and friendly staff on-hand to answer any of your questions. Rooms range from standard, to family-size, equipped with a queen bed and two single beds. Rooms start at $223.
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