The Gold Coast
Our pick of the Goldie’s best hotels.
Best for families Voco Gold Coast $ From $129
You’re in the heart of splashy Surfers Paradise at Voco Gold Coast (hotel.qantas.com.au/ vocogoldcoast), the renovated 20-storey hotel formerly known as the Watermark. The property is one block back from the beach, a short walk to Cavill Avenue and opposite the Q1 skyscraper so you’ll never be short of things to do and see. The hotel’s rooms are a respite from all the excitement. They’re bright and light, gussied up with tasteful navy-blue furnishings and pops of sunshine yellow, have a large comfortable bed and a chaise for relaxing. There are lots of onsite facilities for the whole family, such as three restaurants, two pools and a day spa. KATE BARRACOSA
Best for romance Palazzo Versace $$ From $399
This designer property sets the dial to decadent from the get-go (hotel.qantas.com.au/ palazzoversacegoldcoast). An enormous 750-kilogram Italian-imported chandelier welcomes guests in the gleaming marble lobby and that’s just the start. Gilded guestrooms feature Versace Home furnishings, private Juliet balconies, luxe amenity kits and couple-sized spa baths, while the lagoon-style pool is fringed with cabanas, palm trees and its own mini-beach. The only six-star property on the Gold Coast, the hotel is set apart from the action of Surfers Paradise and overlooks Broadwater and a sliver of the Coral Sea. KB
Best for beachbums Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort $ From $216
In stark contrast to the Gold Coast’s skyscrapers, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort (hotel. qantas.com.au/sheratonmirage) is a beachfront low-rise hotel with a light and airy lobby, spacious guestrooms and a sky bridge that allows direct access to the Marina Mirage dining and shopping enclave. There’s lots of space to spread out, thanks to gardens, lawns and three pools (one with a swim-up bar) but you may never make use of them as a golden strip of sand and the Pacific’s welcoming waters are right outside the door. Dining options range from Terraces Restaurant for casual buffets to the Oyster Bar & Grill for seafood. BRIDGET DE MAINE
Best for luxury The Darling $$$ From $1030
The newest dazzler in The Star’s constellation of extravagant digs, The Darling (hotel.qantas. com.au/starsydney) is a highroller haven with attentive staff, opulent interiors and 56 suites. Yes, suites, not mere rooms. It’s located next to The Star Gold Coast so guests have easy access to the beach and all of the mothership’s drinking and dining dens – including the renowned Japanese eatery Kiyomi. Don’t forget to drop in at Nineteen at the Star. Located on the hotel’s 19th floor, it’s an indoor-outdoor space with sensational food and drinks – and views to match. BDM
For full reviews of these hotels, visit qantas.com/travelinsider.