The Hotel Guru
5 Superb Spots in Surfers Paradise

5 Superb Spots in Surfers Paradise

Lauded at amongst Australia’s most beautiful beaches, Surfers Paradise is understandably popular. A suburb of the lively Gold Coast, this stretch of golden sands has become a favourite for surfing, swimming and sunbathing within sight of the city. A selection of superb hotels overlook the beach and the surrounding streets, which are lined with cafés, boutiques, buzzy bars, eateries, and late-night clubs.

Families will adore strolling or cycling along the seaside boulevard, or building sandcastles and playing beach volleyball on the sand with little ones. Expect expert-led surf lessons and a vast choice of board hire, too, perfect for eager beginners or keen surfers of all ages. If you’re travelling with friends, this is a fabulous part of Queensland’s Gold Coast to discover, with hip hotels promising trendy bars and restaurants, as well as regular DJ nights and fun weekend events. Our Gurus have highlighted the five best places to stay in Surfers Paradise for friends and families. A brilliant combination of urban attractions and expansive sandy beach, Surfers Paradise really is a dazzling destination!

For Sociable Partygoers

QT Gold Coast has vibrant, retro decor in bright guest rooms with striking sea views and earthy terracotta tones in more tranquil cabins. Sociable travellers will adore tasting tequila at hip Stingray Lounge, sipping cocktails at the pool bar and dancing to live DJ sets after Japanese dinners at Yamagen or a buffet at Bazaar. Super cool, affordable and ideal for partygoers.
voco Gold Coast has a trendy, youthful feel. Swish, modern guest rooms have white, dark blue and banana-yellow interiors -- the best have private balconies, kitchenettes and big soaking tubs. Sink into two swimming pools, gather for steak nights at Clifford's Grill or light bites at Social House after days of surfing with friends. The lively bars and eateries of Cavill Avenue are just steps away, perfect for a fun-filled night out.
The Island, Gold Coast is another party favourite, with 98 industrial chic rooms and suites framing a relaxed pool area with pretty striped parasols. Guests congregate in the laid-back bistro, around the tables of the games room, or at the rooftop bar for regular DJ nights and pizza parties. The most indulgent of Surfers Paradise's hotels for a lively trip with friends. .

For Families

Surfers Paradise Mariott Resort & Spa, towards the northern tip of the Surfers Paradise neighbourhood, is a fabulous luxury hotel that works for couples and families alike. The 2.5 acres of lush grounds boast lagoon pools, a tennis court, live music spaces and gourmet eateries. Spacious white suites with warm teal rugs offer flexible options for those travelling with little ones, and kids' activities range from cooking classes and art wrokshops to fun beach walks. Very glamorous.
Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise is another gem for families. Set just off Surfers Paradise boulevard, this 77-floor high-rise offers chic multi-bedroom apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows, rooftop swimming pools — including one for kids — and a laid-back Mediterranean lounge-bar with children's menus. Amble along the boulevard as a family, hire bicycles, or cook up a storm in your private apartment. Brilliantly located for beach days.

STILL NOT SURE?

Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in the Gold Coast.
Alternatively, check out our list of the best hotels in Bondi, Sydney.
Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
- QT Gold Coast Gold Coast (Australia) 297 rooms from £102
  
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  Surfing  -  The Gold Coast is a surfer's dream, so don't miss the chance to borrow boards and join locals out on the waves
  Families  -  Families will adore the fun atmosphere, extra beds in larger suites, and opportunities to swim, cycle & surf
  City Style  -  A seriously cool, architect-designed hotel with a funky, playful sense of style in swish rooms & suites
  Hotel Entertainment  -  Live music and DJ nights at Stingray bar from Thursday to Saturday are ideal for sociable partygoers
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Fodors, Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  A playful sea-facing hotel with vibrant retro decor, matching its lively central location in the heart of Surfers Paradise. With the beach just a stone's throw away, bright, airy rooms have spectacular ocean views, whilst cosy cabins have a more earthy feel. Fantastic spa & buzzy eateries, too. See More
  
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- voco Gold Coast Gold Coast (Queensland) 382 rooms from £105
  
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  Close to nightlife  -  Just steps from the shops, dining and buzzy nightlife of Cavill Avenue, perfect for an evening out on the town
  Groups  -  Great for sociable groups of friends who can book big bedrooms, gather in realxed eateries & hit the pool
  Value chic  -  An appealingly affordable Gold Coast base, with trendy interiors, good food and a sociable vibe
  Restaurant  -  Feast on steak at Clifford's Grill & Lounge, an expansive buffet at Waves, or gather for light bites & coffee at Social House
  
  A trendy high-rise hotel with white, yellow and blue interiors. Stylish rooms & suites are warm and inviting, with dazzling sea views & a fresh, youthful feel. Some have kitchenettes & big tubs. There are three convivial eateries, plus two refreshing pools, a gym & event spaces. Fun & affordable. See More
  
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- The Island Gold Coast Gold Coast (Australia) 98 rooms from £176
  
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  Groups  -  A lively, youthful hotel for sociable groups of friends, with resident DJs, regular foodie events & big twin rooms
  Weddings  -  A spectacular wedding venue with cracking food & drink, two striking penthouse rooms, a terrace and The Glasshouse
  Hotel Entertainment  -  Rooftop pizza nights on Thursdays, bottomless Sunday brunches and lively parties with resident DJs at the hotel
  Surfing  -  Head to the beach to join fellow surfers in riding the waves at this superb surf hotspot
  
  A lively urban hotel with 98 comfortable, minimalist rooms & suites in bustling Surfers Paradise. Interiors are decorated in white & grey with pale wood and retro touches. Buzzy shared spaces include a rooftop bar with regular DJ nights, a relaxed bistro, swimming pool & games room. Youthful & fun. See More
  
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- Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa Gold Coast (Queensland) 238 rooms from £305
  
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  Families  -  A fabulous family-friendly hotel with myriad activities, generous suites and multiple dining options
  Weddings  -  An extravagant wedding venue, perfect for big celebrations in chic contemporary spaces
  Restaurant  -  Dine on exceptional European-inspired fare a Ciritque, or delicious Japanese cuisine at Misono
  Sailing  -  The hotel boasts a private marina on the Nerang River, perfect for keen sailors
  
  A hugely indulgent resort around a lagoon pool on 2.5 acres of lush grounds on the north shores of Surfers Paradise. Inspired by Australia's hinterland, designer interiors feature beds topped with crisp white linens, warm teal green tones & earthy, natural materials. A glamorous family favourite. See More
  
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- Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise Gold Coast (Queensland) 334 rooms from £190
  
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  Families  -  Multi-bedroom apartments, swimming pools — including a children's pool — and kids' menus make this a family favourite
  Cycling  -  Hire bicycles to zip along the beachfront path on two wheels, soaking up the sunshine and the Gold Coast views
  Romantic Break  -  A swish, contemporary choice for a romantic break, with superb sea views & sleek design
  Restaurant  -  Buzzy Paradiso is a lively waterfront lounge with trendy decoration and superb Mediterranean fare
  
  Rising 77 floors into bright blue Gold Coast skies, this chic hotel boasts breathtaking sea views & a top location near Surfers Paradise boulevard. Expect spacious multi-room apartments with contemporary white & cream interiors, plus a lively lounge-bar & refreshing swimming pools. A crowd-pleaser! See More
  
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