Nestled within the hedonistic flash pack of Surfers Paradise is the chilled out QT Hotel Gold Coast, a 5-star retro inspired breath of fresh air in the boutique accommodation realm that aims to capture ‘nostalgic surfer chic, meets Miami catwalk cool’.  Whilst offering the classic Surfer’s Paradise beach views form most of their rooms, it’s the vibrancy and little details that really this hotel apart.

Location

Whilst not right on the glitter strip directly across from the beach, the QT Hotel sits only one block back just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Surfer’s throngs of tourists but is easily still within walking distance to Cavill Avenue (5-10 minutes) and only a 1-minute walk to the beach. Most of their rooms still capture relatively unobstructed beach views of the world famous Surfer’s Paradise beach. It’s actually a fantastic location to feel like you have escaped a bit, when really you are only a block away from all the action. Parking is included in some room types or is $8 per day.

Time of Stay

Late April and the weather was still warm and swimmable with slightly cooler nights, bless Queensland’s extended summer conditions. We actually recommend Autumn as the perfect time to visit at GC.

First Impressions

This hotel is all about lasting impressions and the first of them certainly doesn’t disappoint. You walk in to be greeted with a large light space that incorporates a general sitting area with views out to the gardens and pool, bright 60’s style mod light fittings dangle from the ceiling in bright colours and an inviting old school soda station invites you to come and hydrate with kitsch glasses which makes you feel all ‘Etsy’.

Your eye is drawn to a far wall which brings out your inner child with vibrant colours and candies in giant jars, sweets and a small goods fridge all lure you over to the Fixx café. It’s takes about 10 minutes before you even realise you haven’t checked in. The young staff greet you with a big smile in the most unconventional uniforms I have ever seen. It was all females behind the counter when we checked in with a milk bar/ American diner style vintage jump suit in aqua with red trimming and glamorous ‘gold coast’ style make-up with that famous Surfer’s tan.

The Room

What we love about the QT Hotel is the top suite doesn’t cost an exorbitant amount more than their deluxe rooms. For $279 per night (booked through Lastminute.com) we were in the top tier, the QT Ocean View King Suite with great views of the beach that command your gaze the second you enter. The suite was only $50 more than a deluxe room.

The suite features a separate large bedroom, huge bathroom and main living area with kitchenette. We got really excited upon closer inspection of the kitchen to find a Nespresso coffee pod machine, real coffee to wake up to first thing!

The décor continues the light breezy feel with colourful kitsch accents that make walking into each part of the suite exciting. Galah side lights, vibrant light fittings, funky mirrors and pineapple candles adds to the personality, however it is the mini bar (featuring retro games such as ‘pick up sticks’, beach thongs and an emergency bow tie) as well as the bathroom and the DIY lemonade kits complete with swizzle sticks that really set the accommodation apart as something unique.

The sizeable bathroom is pure fun with a retro colour scheme featuring black and white stripes, double vanity complete with bright blue and pink chairs, bath tub with views encompassing the Surfer’s Paradise skyline that you need to do justice with a wine or 2 in the tub and a huge bench to hastily throw towels and togs on.

The room service menu is also surprisingly affordable, both me and my partner ordered breakfast inspired dishes for around $12-$16.

Dining & Drinks

There are 2 restaurants and 1 café onsite that deserve a look-in when planning your culinary adventures on the GC. The hotel’s Teppanyaki restaurant Yamagen offers mouth-watering Japanese BBQ options with a performance as the chef masterfully entertains guests, looking at reviews on Trip Advisor will convince you if you weren’t already sold.

The QT Bazzar is a worthwhile experience which re-creates a traditional marketplace with a twenty-first century twist, the breakfast and dinner buffet are crowd pleasers.

The final addition to fixing the munchies is stopping in at the Fixx Café which as mentioned lures you in with giant colourful jars of sweets, candies and macaroons, however their menu also features organic options and a decent sip of coffee.
Stingray Lounge
A hip and trendy lounge bar that is a popular hang out with locals. The QT Hotel describes it as mixing ‘industrial chic with splashes of pop art to create a Californian oasis’ which you can enjoy whilst trying one of their 50 in house tequilas or a cocktail…we feel like there’s a challenge there our liver might not like! We actually attended an event called the Sunset Affair here which was a lot of fun with some great cocktails and live music.

Spa & Wellness

QT Spa
The boutique spa offers a great way to escape the fast-paced Surfer’s Paradise throng with facials, oil massages, wraps, exfoliation and mask treatments as well as waxing, grooming and nails. 60 minute facials and massages start from $135.
Pool
The pool isn’t massive however like the rest of the hotel it certainly has charm designed with a Miami feel with day beds surrounding the pool area that also has a heated spa and bar area.
Chill Out Areas
There are several areas around the hotel that are designed for guests to chill out and relax. The inside has many light airy areas where you won’t look or feel remotely strange hanging out with your laptop, music or adventure brochures planning your next activity. There is also an outdoor area next to the pool with grass that invites you to unwind.

Lasting Impressions

If you are heading to the Gold Coast and want a change from the normal hotel groups, the QT Hotel will surprise and delight! The staff were relaxed and friendly (we love the ‘bell boys’ and concierge’s wear Hawaiian shirts and shirts) and the commitment to carrying through the vintage surf theme throughout the hotel and rooms was carried down to every last detail.

Rates

We got a great deal on the King Suite with Lastminute.com however you can also join the QT Hotels rewards program to get a comparable rate that knocks around $40-$50 off the room rate per night. Make sure you also check your airline loyalty programs. We did see it listed as a special deal for a few days on the Qantas Hotels website. We also booked quite late (just under two weeks out). You can usually pick up the same suite as the one we stayed in for $240- $280 depending on availability.

Rating

4/5

prev next