The Best Hotels in Main Beach, Gold Coast

Oscar On Main is one of the premier luxury resorts on Main Beach
Oscar On Main is one of the premier luxury resorts on Main Beach | Courtesy of Oscar on Main / Expedia
Richard Collett

An iconic spot, Main Beach is undoubtedly one of the finest stretches of sand on the Gold Coast, if not in the whole of Australia.

The simple, nondescript name for one of Gold Coast’s best beaches evokes a real sense of Aussie matter-of-factness. Rest assured though, this beach is far from plain. Main Beach (so-named as it is one of Gold Coast’s main beaches) offers a classic beachfront, lined with exceptional hotels that are perfect for a break from the surf. There’s the peaceful Xanadu Resort, the glamorous Palazzo Versace, the stylish Voco Gold Coast and much more, all bookable with Culture Trip.

1. Hibiscus on the Beach

Hotel

The outdoor pool and whirlpool at Hibiscus on the Beach, Gold Coast, with views out to the ocean
Courtesy of Hibiscus on the Beach, Gold Coast / Expedia

Main Beach Parade might be stacked with hotels and apartment blocks, but Hibiscus on the Beach is always a standout. Lounge in the outdoor pool and spa area overlooking the Pacific, or take a quick two-minute jaunt down to the beach for a dip in the ocean. Hibiscus on the Beach has a range of boutique apartments – from one-bed sea view spots to two-beds with private gardens – all offering self-contained, beachside accommodation for your stay on the Gold Coast.

2. Voco Gold Coast

Chain Hotel

The stylish lobby, with chairs, tables, couches, potted plants and reception desk, at Voco Gold Coast
Courtesy of Voco Gold Coast / Expedia

Located in Surfers Paradise – just down the road from Main Beach – Voco Gold Coast is the stylish choice for laid-back socialites. Guests can enjoy casual coffees and pastries at the Social House or Social House Cafe in the morning or stay late and grab a few cold beers before bed. If you’re hungry, then book a table at Clifford’s Grill and Lounge, where you’ll find refined cocktails served alongside no-nonsense Aussie-style T-bone steaks.

3. Norfolk Luxury Beachfront Apartments

Apartment

Trees and plants surrounding the outdoor pool at Norfolk Luxury Beachfront Apartments, with the ocean in the far distance
Courtesy of Norfolk Luxury Beachfront Apartments / Expedia

Norfolk Luxury Beachfront Apartments features a heated outdoor swimming pool and spa for year-round relaxation; not that you’ll need that added heat given the tropical climate of the Gold Coast. These high-end apartments are just a stroll away from the beach and with plenty of three-bedroom condos offering either garden or ocean views, this is a fantastic choice for vacationing families.

4. QT Gold Coast

Hotel

The bright lobby, with funky seating and lighting, at QT Gold Coast
Courtesy of QT Gold Coast / Expedia

QT Gold Coast is the ideal spot if you’re looking to explore both Main Beach and Surfers Paradise. Offering stylish vibes and designer hotel rooms, you can laze the day away under a cabana in the sun at The Spring, QT Gold Coast’s premier poolside club. Book a table at the Bazaar for international flavors from as far afield as Morocco and Peru, or dine on sushi and sashimi at Yamagen, QT’s traditional Japanese restaurant. If you’re still hungry, then the Stingray serves tacos and tequila, while Fixx Cafe is open all day for coffee.

5. Maldives Resort

Hotel

A birds-eye view of the outdoor pool with sunbeds, surrounded by trees, at Maldives Resort, Gold Coast
Courtesy of Maldives Resort, Gold Coast / Expedia

Maldives Resort brings the laidback air of the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, with casual apartments offering views of the city or the beach. The rooms at this resort are all fully equipped, so you can bring home fresh seafood after a day of Gold Coast fishing and cook it right there in the kitchen. Relax on your private terrace or head down to the swimming pool for a dip under the palms to finish off your stay.

6. Palazzo Versace Gold Coast

Hotel

The large outdoor pool, palm trees and stylish exterior of Palazzo Versace Gold Coast
Courtesy of Palazzo Versace Gold Coast / Expedia

The Italian luxury brand Versace brings European style and pizzazz to Main Beach with one of the world’s few Versace-branded luxury hotels (the only other Palazzo Versace is in Dubai). Built in homage to the neoclassical architecture of the Mediterranean, the Palazzo Versace sits just steps away from the beach. Guests can book into a Versace-designed luxury condominium, complete with private terrace and plunge pool before enjoying Italian pastas and wines at the Vanitas restaurant.

7. Oscar On Main

Hotel

A bed in a hotel room, with a balcony that has views out to trees and the ocean, at Oscar on Main Resort, Gold Coast
Courtesy of Oscar on Main Resort / Expedia
Oscar On Main is an oasis in the centre of the hustle and bustle. An outdoor pool area that’s surrounded by lush trees and tropical foliage makes an ideal post for a day of idling, whilst an indoor pool sits hidden away from the rest of the hotel for those seeking true tranquility. Oscar On Main provides guests with luxury one, two or three-bed ocean or garden view apartments that are entirely self-contained.

8. Xanadu Main Beach Resort

Hotel

A table and chairs, with a kitchen area and sitting area, in a hotel room at Xanadu Main Beach Resort
Courtesy of Xanadu Main Beach Resort / Expedia
Xanadu Main Beach Resort is a peaceful retreat amongst the resorts and hotels of Main Beach Parade. Xanadu Main Beach Resort offers holidaymakers luxury apartments in high-rise towers with views over the Pacific. It’s a serene self-contained setting to escape to after a day of Gold Coast sightseeing amongst the crowds. Private apartments have everything you need to cook up breakfast, lunch and dinner while on-site you will find swimming pools, tennis courts and spa facilities.

9. The Waterford on Main Beach

Hotel

A view of the Waterford on Main Beach high-rise hotel, with a lagoon on one side and the sandy beach and ocean on the other
Courtesy of The Waterford on Main Beach / Expedia
The Waterford on Main Beach overlooks the Pacific Ocean to the east and the urban greenery of Macintosh Island Park to the west, making this a favourite with outdoorsy types. Spend the day surfing or just lounging around on the white sands of Main Beach before heading back to enjoy ocean views from your penthouse apartment. There’s a revamped pool area and plenty of outdoor barbecue space to cook up all that fresh seafood you snapped up from the local fishermen.

10. Golden Sands on Main Beach

Hotel, Apartment

A table and chairs, countertop, couches and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the ocean in a room at Golden Sands on Main Beach
Courtesy of Golden Sands on Main Beach / Expedia
Golden Sands on Main Beach is one for the beach-lovers; these luxury high-rise apartments are literally on the sand. The fully furnished, fully-equipped apartments are sleek and modern, with the best deluxe rooms offering private terraces and ocean views. Be first on the beach in the morning for a casual surf or swim with the sunrise, then be the last off in the evening as you walk the few metres or so back to your apartment at Golden Sands on Main Beach.

If none of these take your fancy, discover our guide on the best beach hotels across the Gold Coast, or a wider range of beach hotels on the Australian coastline. There’s also no better place to stay than at one of these beach resorts on the Gold Coast, all bookable with Culture Trip.

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