Best hotels on the Gold Coast for sandy beaches and a bit of luxury

When you think of the Gold Coast, you probably imagine the iconic image of Surfers Paradise. So where better to base yourself on your Gold Coast holiday than right in the middle of it all at Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise? This stunning 77-floor building towers over the gleaming sand and crystal-clear waters of Surfers Paradise. Groups of most sizes will find accommodation options to suit their needs here, with one-, two- and three-bedroom self-contained apartments available.

But the building isn’t the only icon here—there’s also a unique podium swimming pool that looks out onto the beach, as well as a sauna and spa, barbecue garden area and a well-equipped gym. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, ask the tour desk about booking a whale watching or wildlife cruise—if you time it right, you might even spot Migaloo, a rare white humpback whale!

And if you thought Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise had great views, take a stroll along the beach to the Q1 observation deck for unsurpassed 360-degree views of the Gold Coast from one of the world’s tallest residential buildings (try to get there just before sunset for some really spectacular photos).

If you’re looking for a luxury option right in the heart of the Gold Coast, but want something with a bit more room to spread out, Xanadu Main Beach Resort is the pick of the bunch. These luxury, self-contained apartments are steps away from the golden sands of Main Beach, making it easy to take a quick dip in the cool water or to simply sit back, relax, and listen to the waves crashing on the shore.

You’ll really feel at home in the spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments, fitted out with all the conveniences you’ll likely need during your holiday, including a fully equipped modern kitchen, living area, and private balcony with stellar views over the ocean.

Sports lovers and those looking to stay active during their holiday will love staying at Xanadu. The resort has a wide array of action-packed amenities, including a gym, outdoor and indoor pools, but the real standout here is the fact that the resort features two full-sized tennis courts with equipment available from reception.

There’s plenty to see and do within a short walk of your accommodation. Four minutes away is Tedder Avenue, where you’ll find a number of popular cafes and restaurants to tempt your tastebuds including some of the best crepes you’ll ever try at Le Jardin. Also within a short walk are the Southport Surf Club and Southport Yacht Club, both great options for a meal with waterfront views.

If you’re in the mood for shopping, Marina Mirage is a luxury shopping paradise (but you may want to take a car to carry all your purchases). For the more adventurous, take a trip down the road to Sea World and hop on the adrenaline-pumping rides or expand your knowledge about Australia’s ocean creatures.

Peppers Broadbeach is a modern architectural marvel that stands out above the other options in Broadbeach, with luxurious and well-appointed apartments featuring European appliances and imported stone benchtops. Everything will be perfect for your stay here—you can even choose from a pillow menu to make sure you get the ultimate night’s sleep.

The resort also features a private cinema as well as plenty of places for you to relax and unwind, including a Tai Chi lawn and Japanese Zen garden. Continuing with the Asian theme, there’s even a teppanyaki barbecue area for you to use, though you can easily stroll through Broadbeach and choose from plenty of great dining options outside the resort.

Meat lovers will find it hard to pass up Moo Moo wine bar and grill with their perfectly aged Wagyu steak, or if you’re in the mood for pasta, a visit to Gemelli Italian is a must (order one of the dishes with fresh king prawns to really get the mouth-watering). Both are located on Surf Parade, a two-minute walk from the hotel.

Keen golfers will likely want to base themselves at RACV Royal Pines Resort during their stay on the Gold Coast. Boasting a total of 27 holes, the resort is also the home of Australia’s PGA Championship. And for those who want to do something a bit more active than playing golf, practise your backhand on one of the five tennis courts or take the kids for a splash at the on-site waterpark.

If relaxation is the name of the game, you’re well-covered. One Spa at RACV Royal Pines Resort is set in idyllic green surrounds and offers a range of treatments to pamper and relax, including a signature three-and-a-half hour Escape Experience, which will leave you feeling like a new person.

And you don’t ever have to leave the resort for dinner if you don’t want to, with a range of fantastic dining options also available on-site, including authentic Japanese and Italian restaurants, as well as Videre, a fine-dining option with magnificent views of the coast.

If the more traditional five-star Gold Coast resorts aren’t quite taking your fancy, the designer accommodation at QT Gold Coast is likely your answer. As soon as you step inside, you’ll know you’re in the right place, surrounded by pops of bright colour and a quirky, yet refreshingly modern take on what a hotel can be. And best of all, it’s only two minutes’ walk from the beach.

The hotel is conveniently located in the buzzing Surfers Paradise district and is well-loved by locals and travellers who connect with its nostalgic-surfer-chic-meets-Miami-catwalk vibe. The very popular Stingray Bar serves up some of the Gold Coast’s best cocktails in an industrial pop-art setting (but make sure you pack for the “dress to impress” dress code). And the hotel’s Bazaar features unique marketplace-style dining options ranging from salads, dumplings, and slow-roasted meats to an irresistible array of sweet treats.

For the ultimate in luxury, the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort is your oasis. Connected by sky bridge to the famous Marina Mirage shopping precinct, you’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and boutiques where you can shop ’til you drop. The resort grounds and sparkling pools are a real marvel, and if you want to enjoy a drink while you float in the water, you can opt to use the resort’s stunning Oasis Pool with its swim-up bar.

As the Gold Coast’s only five-star absolute beachfront resort, what really sets this property apart is the fact that it has its own private, lifeguard patrolled beach. Mirage Beach is the perfect option if you want to feel the sand between your toes and swim in the aqua-blue water but don’t want to contend with other beach-goers.

Just a short walk from the centre of Surfers Paradise, the Marriott Resort and Spa is a great place to stay if you want to be near the heart of all the action. Recently renovated, the resort features an amazing aquatic centre that includes a spectacular waterfall, pool, and spa. Best of all, guests can get up close and personal, swimming and snorkelling with an array of tropical fish in the resort’s lagoon.

Seafood lovers will rejoice at the resort’s dining options, including Critique Restaurant’s fresh seafood buffet. If seafood isn’t your thing, you’ll find plenty to eat at Misono Japanese Steakhouse, featuring some very talented teppanyaki chefs. Follow it up with a sampling of some expertly curated offerings of Japanese sake at Misono Sake Bar (which also offers fresh sushi and sashimi).