QT Gold Coast

QT Gold Coast sits at the corner of the Gold Coast Highway and Staghorn Avenue in Surfers Paradise, about fifty metres from the beach, with light rail and the Cypress Avenue station within a few minutes' walk. It has 293 designer rooms and suites, with ocean-view and city-view king and twin rooms, connecting two- and three-bedroom suites, dog-friendly and accessible rooms. The style is playful and theatrical, in contrast with the more serious luxury of the Brisbane options. The pool area includes a heated pool and spa, and spaQ offers massages, facials and body treatments. Dining includes Yamagen for Japanese izakaya-style food and Stingray Lounge, and there is a poolside bar and 24-hour room service; Bazaar was listed as temporarily closed on the official site.

Location and getting around: you can walk to the beach in a few minutes and to Cavill Avenue in around ten to twelve. The G:link light rail runs along the Gold Coast Highway, linking Surfers Paradise with Broadbeach, Southport and the Gold Coast University Hospital, which makes day plans simple without a car. SkyPoint at the Q1 tower is an easy walk, and the theme parks are a drive or shuttle ride away, with Sea World on the Spit the closest. Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta is about 35 minutes by car, and an airport shuttle is available for a fee.

The rooms: ocean-view rooms are the ones to pick, with big windows over the beach and the long coastline. The qtQT Cabin is the compact entry category, while the two- and three-bedroom suites suit families and groups. Expect bold design, good beds and a fun, slightly irreverent tone.

Good to know: parking is available on site for a daily fee, with valet at a higher rate, and breakfast is a buffet at an extra cost. Pool cabanas carry a surcharge. Surfers Paradise is the busy, nightlife-heavy part of the coast, so ask for a higher floor if you want quiet. The hotel is a good base for couples, friends and families who want the beach, restaurants and entertainment outside the front door.