The Gold Coast has always been known as a glittering holiday destination made even more enticing by the sophisticated skyscrapers and high-rise apartments that dot the shoreline from Surfers Paradise to Coolangatta.
While these sky-high accommodation options are the epitome of our sparkly city in so many ways, a few new kids have moved into town recently to bring back a little bit of vintage charm and give holidaymakers the chance to experience the Gold Coast through a more laidback lens.
Yes, it’s the return of boutique hotels and of late, there have been quite a few popping up across the Coast, reigniting some of that sweet local nostalgia we love and preserving our heritage in the process. Many of these ‘new’ accommodation options aren’t technically new at all. They’re older buildings that have been refurbished and brought back to life to ensure we all remember the good ol’ days while also allowing visitors to see a side of the Gold Coast they may never have known existed.
In honour of that, we’ve put together a list of boutique hotels so you can experience some of vintage magic next time you holiday here.
THE PINK HOTEL
Leading the local charge was The Pink Hotel, found beachside in beautiful Coolangatta. You won’t miss her. She has indeed been brought back to life by a slick of bright pink paint, a mural taking up one side and a front yard filled with cacti and a sunlit outdoor area.
Each room has been styled to retro perfection with custom neon signs, Smeg fridges and the type of effortlessly cool vibe you wish you could recreate at home. There’s a rooftop bar with 180-degree ocean views, a hidden piano bar for late night tipples and of course, access to one of the Coast’s most bustling suburbs.
Coolangatta is absolutely packed with dining gems and drinking holes with something to suit every taste, plus of course a slew of stunning beaches and a little holiday shopping if that’s your vibe. All in all, The Pink Hotel is an absolute must if staying somewhere beautiful and a little bit unique is your thing.
Where: 171 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
LA COSTA MOTEL
A beach shack of the most beautiful kind, this Bilinga abode offers comfortable accommodation just a couple of minutes from both the Gold Coast Airport and the beach. It’s a boutique motel at its finest, perfectly at home within the oceanside suburb, painted the prettiest mint green and with striped lounge chairs and umbrellas finishing off the look out front.
Rooms range from a Standard Studio to a Family Room and each boasts some of the most comfortable beds you’ve ever laid your head on, bright airy spaces, TVs and DVD players, espresso machines and high speed WiFi.
Of course, when you’re not relaxing inside, you’ll want to go out and explore. While Bilinga is one of the Coast’s most relaxed suburbs, there’s still plenty to see. Starting with the expansive beach just a few metres down the road, Mervyn Roy’s café within walking distance (best breakfast around), our famous Kirra Surf Shop just a two-minute drive away and the local surf club a 10-minute walk. You can borrow one of La Costa’s vintage cruiser bikes and explore the boardwalk down to Kirra and Coolangatta in style. Perfect.
Where: 127 Golden Four Drive, Bilinga
THE MYSA MOTEL
The newest of the bunch, The Mysa Motel opened very recently in Palm Beach. It’s a modern twist on retro Gold Coast and it’s absolutely delightful. A sustainable, luxury motel on the highway, the space has been artfully restored with vintage design elements to maintain its original motel vibe but with a stunning new aesthetic.
There’s a magnesium pool for guests to soak away their stress and each room boasts a signature interior, smart TV and a cosy, arrival pack. It’s self-service just like the olden days – you’ll receive a unique pin code for your room and can check in all by yourself. If you manage to drag yourself away from the retro charm, there’s plenty to see in bustling Palm Beach.
Starting with restaurants like Balboa, just a short walk away and serving up five-star Italian eats, Highline Café for a locally sourced breakfast and perfectly brewed coffee and The Scottish Prince, for a nightcap or two. There’s plenty more where they came from plus of course, a perfect stretch of beach and plenty of friendly locals to get to know.
Where: 1100 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
BURLEIGH BEACH TOURIST PARK
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Two of the cutest additions to the Gold Coast accommodation scene are a couple of vintage caravans that can be found at Burleigh Beach Tourist Park, just a short stroll across the road to one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.
The vintage caravan option is as retro Gold Coast as it gets, perfectly refurbished and with a little striped annex out the front. It’s a compact option but a stunning one and let’s face it, you’ll want to sit outside and soak up that Burleigh sunshine as often as possible.
Not to mention, you’re going to want to visit some of the MANY incredible bars and restaurants the beachside suburb has to offer from Rick Shores, right on the sand (and just 100 metres away) to Jimmy Wah’s modern Vietnamese, Rosella’s Australiana bar, Restaurant Labart for a modern Australian masterpiece and an absolute slew of others well worth sampling.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
BLUE HERON MOTEL
Moving north a little you’ll find the Blue Heron Motel, another recently refurbished beauty just a few short steps away from the ocean in Mermaid Beach and it’s an absolute stunner.
The seventies-style motel boasts a picture-perfect pool and outdoor area complete with beanbags and lounge chairs, rooms decked out in bright yellows and deep blues and a fresh, modern vibe that’ll have you feeling right at home.
There’s an undercover BBQ area if you’d prefer to stay in (and who could blame you) but of course, Mermaid Beach also offers plenty of five-star drinking and dining options should you want to venture out.
Starting with the beloved Mermaid Beach Surf Club, just a short stroll away plus exceptional eateries like The North Room, Bam Bam Bakehouse, Lupo Italian and Bonita Bonita (Mexican) to name a few. Roll into Mermaid Beach Bowls for Sunday afternoon barefoot bowls or simply pull up some sand and soak in that sweet sunshine. It’s win-win here.
Where: 2323 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.