Sunkissed luxury awaits at the Gold Coast’s best hotels

Famed for its laidback lifestyle, rolling surf and booming culinary scene, not to mention the emerald hinterland on its doorstep, the Gold Coast also lives up to its name with an array of glittering hotels sprinkled along its coastline.

Whether your idea of embracing the luxe life is sipping bubbles while soaking in the sunset over Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise or perhaps swimming in a lagoon pool filled with a rainbow of tropical fish, you’ll find it here.

The Spring pool and bar at QT Gold Coast is well worth a visit.

More importantly though, the scale of the Gold Coast and speed in which it’s evolving – new restaurants, fresh experiences – means repeat visits are absolutely essential, and you can stay at a different five star hotel each time if you like.

With that in mind, and by no means a complete list, these are some of the best Gold Coast luxury hotels.

The Star Grand Gold Coast

Perched on Broadbeach Island, The Star Grand holds court as the city’s most iconic hotel, and not just for the heady mix of multicultural dining, captivating live entertainment and premium accommodation found within its distinctive, pyramid-like walls.

The Star is set on its own island between Pacific Fair and the Gold Coast Convention Centre.

The building itself has been a fixture of the Gold Coast’s landscape for over 30 years, formerly as Jupiters and now a proud member of The Star family. A multi-million-dollar transformation has assured its elite status for years to come.

Settle in for a night or two in a Superior Deluxe Room.

Beyond its 593 glamorous rooms are nine eclectic restaurants, including Kiyomi for sleek Japanese fare – trying the tasting menu – and Uncle Su for modern Cantonese, in addition to Nineteen at The Star atop sibling hotel The Darling (more on this later).

Kiyomi is one of the coast's best Japanese restaurants.

Fancy some time out instead? Chill out on one of the two whirlpool tubs available on the pool deck or maybe treat yourself to a bit of pampering at Azure Spa & Fitness, the hotel’s six treatment room wellness centre.

Read our detailed review here.

The Langham Gold Coast

Blending relaxed, beachside vibes with the high-end finishes expected from hotels in the likes of Hong Kong or London, The Langham Gold Coast is not only the city’s newest addition (it only opened in June 2022) but a breath of fresh salty sea air to boot.

The Jewel towers tower above the sands of Surfers Paradise.

Housed in the tallest of the eye-catching ‘Jewel’ towers, it boasts a sand-edged lagoon pool with swim-up bar – perfect for enjoying the Coast’s 300-odd days of sunshine – in addition to a luxe wellness spa offering treatments themed around the elements.

Ocean or hinterland view? Either way, you can't go wrong.

As for its 169 rooms and 170 residences, each adorned in coastal chic décor, they’re no less impressive. Sun-bleached timber floors, rose-gold wall panels accented by shadow lines, and every piece of tech you might need are all part of the deal.

Sweet or savoury? You're catered for both in The Langham's legendary Afternoon Tea.

On the dining front, guests have their pick of seven venues, from all-day eating at Akoya through to signature Cantonese at T’ang Court. In case you were wondering, yes, The Langham’s famous Afternoon Tea definitely makes an appearance.

Read our detailed review here.

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

Draped along the banks of the Nerang River, at the northern end of Surfers Paradise, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is a bright and breezy oasis ideally suited to families, though still offering plenty for those seeking an elevated escape for two.

The grand lobby at JW Marriott Gold Coast.

The hotel flaunts some of the largest hotel rooms on the Gold Coast, each one replete with blissful beds and marble bathrooms. Subtle maritime tones throughout only add to the sense of peace and tranquillity within the 223 rooms.

The Junior Suite provides plenty of room to stretch out.

Bringing the family? The property offers a wide range of activities from classes where kids learn to make pizzas and sushi to a junior mixology session, which sees participants create juices and mocktails with elements from the hotel garden.

A tropical lagoon in the heart of the Gold Coast.

Of course, that’s in addition to the gorgeous pool area, which boasts waterslides, jacuzzis and private cabanas, all fringing a sand-edged lagoon brimming with tropical fish.

QT Gold Coast

A mere block away from the rolling waves, QT Gold Coast is the most personality-rich hotel in town. It also delivers some of the finest dining too, in the form of the divine Yamagen for Japanese (its whiskey menu is also next level) and Bazaar buffet.

Rooms sport a fresh and vibrant vintage aesthetic.

Following a top-to-bottom refurb, which added a colourful splash of retro style to all 293 rooms and suites, it’s better than ever – and finally living up to its potential. The tiny home-like qtQT rooftop cabins are a delightful recent addition too.

One of the hotel's new qtQT cabins.

When hunger or thirst calls, guests are in good company. On top of the above-mentioned duo, Stingray mixes up a delicious array of cocktails, beers and wines from late afternoon, while The Spring poolside bar and FIXX cafe have you sorted throughout the day.

Be sure to save some room for the buffet at Bazaar.

SpaQ takes charge in the relaxation arena, with grounding and restorative treatments (think massages, facials and wraps) for singles, couples and even groups.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

If you’ve ever scrolled through Gold Coast hotels on Instagram, there’s a high chance you’ve seen that classic shot of someone strolling the timber-clad path leading through the pool at Sheraton Grand Mirage. If not, you’ll no doubt notice it now.

The Deck gazes out towards the resort's famous pool.

Set amid six hectares of lagoon pools, palms and manicured lawns, steps from the beach, this five star hangout is close to the action yet feels completely removed.

Wake up to the waves in an ocean view room.

Although a little older than its rivals, it still delivers a worthy experience with spacious ocean, garden and pool view rooms as well as two- and three-bedroom Pacific Mirage villas, which are ideal for those seeking an 'at home' feel.

The resort's just a hop, skip and jump from the beach.

Terraces Restaurant is your go-to for all-day dining, while Pearl’s Bar is all about delicious cocktails and wine after a day embracing all the Gold Coast has to offer. Oasis Pool Bar is on hand too, while The Deck has your coffee ready and waiting.

InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort

Given the InterContinental brand’s reputation for luxury, glamour and enjoying the finer side of life, it should come as no surprise to find it in residence on the Gold Coast, in the form of InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort.

There's nothing understated about the entrance at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove.

An acclaimed destination for golfers, the hotel spans 4.2 hectares and encompasses 251 newly refurbished rooms and suites, a show-stopping lagoon pool, three restaurants, and two critically-acclaimed golf courses: The Palms and The Pines.

Rooms are light, bright and afford views of the gardens and surrounding waterways.

Those looking to keep active have the Sanctuary Cove Country Club at their disposal, with a 25-metre lap pool, five tennis courts, a purpose-built yoga and pilates room, and spa treatments just a handful of the features hidden behind its doors.

The lagoon pool is its most recognisable feature.

When it's time for a delectable treat, signature restaurant The Fireplace should be on your hit list. As the name suggests, wood-fired cuisine is the mode du jour. It presents both à la carte and degustation menus matched with fine wines.

Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise

Rising 240-metres directly opposite the silvery-gold sands of Surfers Paradise, Peppers Soul not only boasts an incredible beachfront location but is surrounded by some of Gold Coasts’ trendiest restaurants and bars.

Apartments delivering a true bird's eye view of the landscape.

The apartment hotel soothes your soul with a wide variety of leisure options, including a ‘secret’ rooftop garden and infinity pool, plus a heated lap pool for year-round swimming.

Hyde Paradiso is fabulous at any time of day.

While limited to only one restaurant option, Hyde Paradiso more than delivers from dawn till long after dusk. Expect Mediterranean bites to pamper your palate, mouth-watering cocktails, and a large terrace overlooking the ocean.

The Darling Gold Coast

Part of The Star Gold Coast’s sprawling footprint, all-suite hotel The Darling is a good case of saving the best till last. Guests can expect grandeur at every turn, indulgence for every meal. And as for the rooftop pool? That’s just the cherry on top.

The Darling occupies the same island as The Star Grand.

The entry-level Stellar Suite features a king bed, balcony, and Bose sound system, while Penthouse Deluxe Billiard Suite takes things up a notch with a grand kitchen and lounge as well as a dedicated billiard room.

Looking to raise the stakes in your hotel stay? This Penthouse Suite has your name on it.

Perched on the top floor, Nineteen at The Star is the hotel’s destination dining experience, one pairing sweeping views of the coast with fine food and fabulous drinks. Though gorgeous by day, by night is when it really comes into its own.

Take a dip or indulge your taste buds at Nineteen at The Star.

A heated lap pool takes pride of place on this level, while guests also have access to The Star’s wider facilities, including Azure Spa. But really, with suites as well fitted out as these, you’ll likely have all you need within your grasp anyway.

Not to be outshined, the Gold Coast is primed to welcome new hotel arrivals including The Ritz-Carlton Gold Coast in 2026, followed by the St. Regis Gold Coast in 2027.