QT Gold Coast

QT Gold Coast, a Michelin Key Selected property, stands out as a vibrant and stylish destination offering a blend of luxury and playful charm in Surfers Paradise. Recognized with a "very special stay" (One Michelin Key), the hotel consistently receives high praise for its energetic atmosphere and exceptional service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for QT Gold Coast is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "excellent" and "amazing." Review platforms show high average ratings, including an 8.8 "Excellent" based on over 4,800 reviews on Agoda, with specific scores of 9.0 for cleanliness, 9.0 for location, and 8.9 for service. The MICHELIN Guide gives it a guest score of 17.4 out of 20. The hotel is celebrated for its quirky chic styling and modern beach vibe.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of QT Gold Coast:

• Service & Staff: The staff are frequently described as excellent, friendly, welcoming, helpful, and attentive.
• Location: Its prime location, within walking distance to Surfers Paradise Beach, Cavill Avenue, restaurants, and shopping, is a major draw. It's also conveniently located near tram stops.
• Design & Vibe: The hotel's stylish, retro-inspired design with colorful décor and playful bursts of color creates a unique and enjoyable ambiance, often compared to a "funked-up beach house or a Palm Springs country club".
• Amenities: The outdoor pool area, often described as beautiful and well-maintained, is a significant highlight, sometimes referred to as "the best" by guests. The full-service spa, spaQ, and a 24-hour gym are also appreciated.

3. Room Quality

QT Gold Coast offers bright, spacious rooms and suites, often with fantastic views of either the ocean or the mountainous hinterland. The rooms feature a "modern beach shack meets pop art" aesthetic with clean lines, wicker furniture, and colorful cushions. While some reviews mention a retro style for bathroom fittings that could use modernization, others highlight the rooms as "exceptional, roomy and modern". Comfort is a recurring theme, with mentions of extremely comfortable beds and pillows. Thoughtful amenities include Missoni robes, Kevin Murphy bath products, and Dyson Supersonic hairdryers. The hotel also offers unique "cabins" on a lower-level rooftop for a fresh take on city stays.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's dining options are a significant draw:

• Bazaar: This market-style buffet restaurant is highly acclaimed for its "super-charged" breakfast and dinner buffets, offering multiple cuisine stations with dishes inspired by the Middle East and Latin America. Guests consistently praise the high quality and wide assortment, with pastries made in-house and gourmet delights cooked to order. The breakfast buffet, in particular, is often described as "superb" and "seriously amazing".
• Yamagen: An izakaya-style Japanese restaurant, Yamagen has been operating since 1987 and is celebrated for its sushi, sashimi, and smoky kushiyaki from the robata grill. It's recognized for serving some of the Gold Coast's best Japanese cuisine.
• The Spring: This poolside precinct offers casual dining with options like prawn rolls, Baja fish tacos, and cocktail jugs.
• Stingray: A bar known for Mexican food and cocktails, with Latin dancing on Friday nights.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at QT Gold Coast consistently receive high praise. They are described as "excellent and friendly", "super friendly and welcoming", "incredibly kind and attentive", and "warm and welcoming". Specific roles like "Directors of Chaos" at the front desk contribute to the charismatic and personable service. Guests appreciate their willingness to go above and beyond, such as providing early check-in or special surprises for occasions.

6. Location & Accessibility

Located at 7 Staghorn Avenue in Surfers Paradise, QT Gold Coast offers an excellent position. It's just a short stroll (minutes) to Surfers Paradise Beach and within a 15-minute walk of Cavill Avenue, the bustling heart of the area. The hotel is positioned at a quieter end of Surfers Paradise, offering access to restaurants and activities without the main hustle's noise. Public transportation is easily accessible, with Cypress Avenue Station just a 3-minute walk away. Car parking is available onsite for a fee (AUD 30 per day for self-parking, AUD 50 for valet).

7. Value & Pricing

QT Gold Coast is generally considered to offer a luxury experience. Room prices vary, with an average around AUD $229 per night (in recent past month: AUD $386.65). While some guests find it overpriced, many feel it represents "excellent value for money" given the level of luxury and service. Buffet breakfast is an additional charge, approximately AUD 49 for adults.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring criticisms include:

• Outdated Rooms/Maintenance: A few guests found aspects of the rooms, particularly bathroom fittings, to be somewhat outdated, despite recent renovations. Occasional cleanliness issues, such as broken glass shards, have been reported.
• Balcony Access: During renovations, some guests reported being unable to access their balconies, which was a point of disappointment.
• Pool Size: Despite being beautiful and "insta-worthy," some reviews mention the outdoor pool can be small and become crowded for the size of the hotel.
• Parking Costs: The daily charge for parking (AUD 30-50) is sometimes seen as steep by guests.
• Service Inconsistencies (Older Reviews): A few older, less recent reviews mentioned issues with room service quality, lack of amenities (towels), and perceived poor customer service regarding specific issues like room downgrades or unfulfilled inclusions from third-party bookings.

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