Must-see hotels in Gold Coast

A progressive renovation has seen one of the Gold Coast's beloved midcentury motels transformed into a friendly and great-value place to stay. Classic…

Spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments (150 in total) with full kitchen and laundry facilities are the norm in this pair of massive 1990s-built…

One of the few motels of 1950s 'highway heritage', this mint-green weatherboard has stayed true to its roots on the outside, while the interiors are…

Linked by softly lit boardwalks, these 14 cedar chalets hidden in the magical misty woods are intimate mountain hideaways. Each has a spa bath and a wood…

One of the few apartment blocks directly on the beach, this complex has friendly management, a saltwater pool, guest barbecues and secure underground…

This atmospheric mountain retreat is the nearest thing to a ski lodge in the bush and offers absolute offline peace. You can stay in rustic log cabins,…

Acapulco chairs, retro bikes and preppy-styled staff are a deliberate take on the mid-century-design glory days of Surfers. The clever transformation of…

Above Eddie's Grub House bar, this candy-pink mid-century motel has been transformed into a good-time boutique hotel with coastal Californian vibes and a…

Set within 20 hectares of lush rainforest, Songbirds offers six Southeast Asian–inspired villas, each with a double spa bath. It's also home to one of the…

With a palm-laden pool area and an ultra laidback vibe, this 10-storey converted apartment tower is the ultimate surf retreat, despite the ugly exterior…

There's a big range of family-friendly cottages – ranging from humble two-bedroom Hibiscus Chalets to two-storey Macaw Mansions – tucked between the palms…

The delightful management is a huge plus at this unpretentious, family-friendly spot, which is surprisingly quiet given it's only a block back from the…

This vast tower has 228 one-, two- or three-bedroom fully equipped apartments, and a pricing structure which means there's often a bargain to be had if…

The golden pegasus on the lawn between the indoor and outdoor pools is the only concession to quirkiness at this tastefully but demurely furnished complex…

You might find yourself rhapsodising about the views from this 41-floor tower block, especially if you're barbecuing on the rooftop terrace. The ground…

Separated from the beach by just a road and a strip of tropical plants, this modern block offers slick apartments angled for ocean views. Relax into the…

This resort on the isle's northwestern side has waterside rooms on stilts, eco-cabins set in bushland, a private marina and a lap pool. There are plenty…

This tiered, national-parks camping ground at the end of Lamington National Park Rd is adjacent to the day-use visitor car park. There are plenty of spots…

This famous 1926 guesthouse has lost much of its original grandeur but retains a rustic charm – and sensational views! Rooms are super comfortable and…

When you want flawless if somewhat predictable comfort, these two large curvy apartment towers are for you. Think marble dining tables, European kitchen…