Where to stay on the GC

Sure, the Gold Coast is famous for its sky high resorts, beachfront apartments, and larger chain hotels. But what if we told you some of the best places to stay are quietly tucked away and just waiting for you to discover them?

Whether you like the simple life or are a design junkie, here are my favourite gems that might not appear at the top of your google search.

🌿 Nightfall – Lamington National Park

Hidden in ancient rainforest beside crystal clear creeks, Nightfall’s luxury glamping tents redefine camping. Think plush beds, organic linen, rain showers, and chef prepared fire cooked meals. It’s secluded, romantic, and a little bit magical.

Why stay?

• Only a handful of luxury safari tents

• All inclusive organic meals

• Outdoor bathtubs under the stars

• Tents book out months in advance so plan ahead

👉 Nightfall Camp | @nightfallcamp

🌿 The Tamborine Hotel – Mount Tamborine

This newly reimagined icon brings boutique style to the mountain. With a splash of modern Queenslander charm, leafy verandahs, and a restaurant locals actually eat at (always a good sign), it’s your perfect base to explore wineries and waterfalls.

Why stay?

• Freshly renovated rooms

• Locally inspired menu and craft brews

• Central to Tamborine village shops and trails

• We love this area to spend day tripping to local wineries, distilleries and of course the famous sky walk.

👉 The Tamborine | @thetamborinehotel

🌴 La Costa Motel – Bilinga

Retro enthusiasts, discover your perfect getaway. This affordable pastel blue 1950s beach motel has been beautifully restored, offering a blend of nostalgia and modern charm. You’ll be just steps away from golden sands and only a short distance from the airport.

Why stay?

• Free vintage cruiser bikes

• Old school surf shack vibes

• Walk straight onto Bilinga Beach

• We love this area for a non flashy GC vibe

👉 La Costa Motel | @lacostamotel

✨ Budjerim – Burleigh Heads

Located directly across from Burleigh beach, Budjerim feels minimalist in it’s design but provides a luxe apartment option for couples and families. This small collection of apartment style suites are perfect for guests who want to be right in the central action of Burleigh.

Why stay?

• Sleek, architectural interiors

• Close to Burleigh Pavilion and Rick Shores

• Gorgeous hinterland walks and ocean views onyour doorstep

• We love the daily walks up through the Headland and the fresh juices from Koffee Café across the road near James Street precinct.

👉 Budjerim | @budjerim.burleigh

🪩 The Pink Hotel – Coolangatta

If Wes Anderson designed a hotel, this would be it. Neon signs, palm-print wallpapers, and a rooftop bar overlooking the ocean. The Pink Hotel is an icon in the making, minus the typical Surfers tourists. Centrally located in Coolie and the perfect spot to enjoy a girls weekend.

Why stay?

• Rock ’n’ roll suites with record players

• Rooftop cocktails

• Complimentary minibar

• Location is epic and you can easily access all the good vibes of Coolangatta precinct

• Our fave local restaurant is Siblings down the road at Kirra Beachfront

👉 The Pink Hotel | @thepinkhotelcoolangatta

🏡 Crystal Pacific – Palm Beach

Hidden behind tropical palms, Crystal Pacific feels like your own little designer beach house. Crisp white interiors, breezy balconies, and a magnesium pool make it the ultimate chill spot.

Why stay?

• Stylish two-bedroom apartment

• Minutes to Tallebudgera Creek

• A pool you’ll never want to leave

• Make sure you go and enjoy brekky at our fave spot Custard Canteen – their pastries and coffee are next level.

👉 Crystal Pacific | @crystalpacificpalmbeach

🌇 Meriton Suites – Located all over the Coast

Need a little extra space (or an in-room laundry)? Meriton Suites have you covered. From Broadbeach to Southport, these high rise modern partments combine hotel service with all the amenities, which are ideal for longer stays or families who don’t want to eat out for all meals.

Why stay?

• Spacious modern apartments

• Indoor pools and gyms

• Prime locations across the Coast

• The Southport Meriton is our family favourite and don’t forget to try and book in advance to the famous yum cha restaurant called Jasmin Room.

👉 Meriton Suites | @meritonsuites

🐚 The Mysa Motel – Palm Beach

Sustainable, boutique, and retro cool, The Mysa Motel is a locally owned haven. Seven chic rooms circle a mineral pool, it’s like a Palm Springs postcard.

Why stay?

• Eco friendly ethos

• Competitive pricing

• Solar powered everything

• Walk to Palm Beach’s best eats – our favourite is Balboa Italian

• The hotel is 200m to the beach

👉 The Mysa Motel | @themysamotel

🏔️ Binna Burra Lodge – Lamington National Park

Need a break from the surf? Binna Burra’s rainforest lodges and rooms perch above the valley with jaw dropping views.

Why stay?

• Heritage listed hiking trails

• Great for families with lots of activities and keep the kids active

• Campfire dining and stargazing

• A true digital detox….if wanted !

• We loved staying in their sky villas which were a perfect size for a family of 4

👉 Binna Burra Lodge | @binnaburra_lodge

🌟 Oracle Broadbeach Private Apartments – Broadbeach

Hiding in plain sight above Broadbeach’s dining precinct, these privately managed Oracle apartments are a luxe alternative to the usual hotel suite. Think ocean views, sleek kitchens, and access to resort style pools, without the hefty price tag of the big brands.

Why stay?

• Spacious 1–3 bedroom apartments

• Ocean and skyline views

• Walk to Kurrawa Beach, The Star, and all the restaurants

• Our tip is to go and enjoy breakfast at Elk café

👉 Oracle Broadbeach Private Apartments

Check Booking.com for their rates

🏙️ Q1 Private Apartments – Surfers Paradise

Yes, Q1 is famous for being the tallest tower in Australia, but not everyone realises you can book privately managed apartments here. You’ll have all the perks with the pools, spa, stunning views, but a bit more space to stretch out.

Why stay?

• Huge apartments with full kitchens

• Incredible panoramic views

• Close to Surfers’ bars and shopping

👉 Q1 Private Apartments

Check booking.com for their rates

🏝️ The Shores Motel

A hidden gem that feels a little bit retro and a little bit modern, The Shores Motel is perfectly placed between Miami’s laidback cafés and the beach. It’s the kind of place where you’ll spend the morning surfing, the afternoon by the pool, and the evening testing out your salsa dancing moves.

Why stay?

• Freshly updated rooms with coastal flair

• Easy walk to Miami Marketta (where you must go for amazing food trucks)

• Salsa dancing for locals on Sundays

• Chill pool area and relaxed vibe

👉 The Shores Motel | @theshoresmotelmiami

✨ QT Rooftop Cabins

One of the Coast’s coolest stays you might not know exists, QT Gold Coast has created luxe rooftop cabins with epic skyline and ocean views. These retro inspired spaces are perched high above the bustle, blending QT’s cheeky style with serious comfort.

Why stay?

• Private rooftop terraces with jaw dropping views

• Dedicated concierge service for your wishlist

• Access to QT’s pool, spa, and Stingray Lounge

• A playful vibe that feels like glamping in the city

• Rooms book out months in advance

👉 QT Gold Coast | @qtgoldcoast

🌳 Hillview Homestead

Step back in time at this stunning 1905 Currumbin estate set on rolling green hills. Hillview Homestead is beautifully restored, with wraparound verandahs, vintage clawfoot tubs, and a magnesium pool looking out over the valley.

It’s the perfect group getaway or special celebration stay. They also offer a

Why stay?

• Six bedroom heritage homestead

• Plus a seperate dairy style cabin that fits in four guests

• Private pool, orchard, and mountain views

• Minutes to Currumbin Rock Pools and beaches

👉 Hillview Homestead | @hillviewhomestead

Ready to Book Your Secret Stay?

If you need more insider recommendations or want a downloadable guide to take with you, just let us know.

Happy hiding out xx