Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

Take a Trip Back in Time: The Best Retro Hotels on the Gold Coast

The best retro hotels on the Gold Coast blend charming old-school vibes with luxurious modern amenities. From hot pink mid-century digs to pastel-hued boutique motels, the city boasts a slew of sleek vintage lodgings.  

Seeking somewhere stylish to lay your weary head?

We’re covering the top Gold Coast retro hotels. Step back to a bygone era while savouring contemporary luxury with these handpicked vintage boutiques.  

Tessa’s on the Beach – Bilinga

True to its name, this breezy little number puts you smack bang on the sand. Tessa’s resides beachside in Billinga, a hip southern neighbourhood famed for its glam pint-sized boutiques.

All 15 luxurious rooms encapsulate Palm Springs panache, with flamboyant murals, velvety furnishings, and sparkling white-tiled ensuites. During your downtime, kick back on a hammock at the scenic ocean-facing patio. Or, relax poolside on a classic white-and-blue pinstriped lounger.

Gold Coast boutique hotel

The Pink Hotel – Coolangatta

Once again, this slick Coolangatta lodging delivers precisely what it promises in the name. The 50s-era boutique is awash with vibrant hot pink hues, which contrast brilliantly on its bright white trim. Cool interiors feature vibrant pop art, designer furnishings, and Instagrammable neon-lit signs.

Meander upstairs to sink a sundowner at the chic rooftop bar with a 180-degree ocean view. When dinner time rolls around, Eddies Grub House whips up a stellar rendition of classic American comfort food.

gold coast boutique hotels

The Island – Surfers Paradise

Smack bang in the centre of Surfers, this hip urban chic hotel blends contemporary sophistication with vintage flair. The newly-renovated boutique brings the outdoors inside. Expect hardwood timber floors, blooming native plant life, and scenic open-facing facades.

All 98 rooms and suites offer sweeping views of the city, beach, or hinterlands. Goldie’s restaurant offers a tempting array of international bistro-style dishes, while the panoramic Island Rooftop bar is your best bet for tasty tipples.

gold coast retro hotel

The Mysa Motel – Palm Beach

Mysa brings pastel-hued perfection to the heart of Palm Beach. Named after the Swedish word for “cosy,” this homely motel brims with retro personality and luxurious style. Refreshing swims come courtesy of its magnesium mineral pool, or you could mosey two blocks over to the beach.

Each of the seven chic rooms has been individually decorated in a unique style—punters can pick their favourite through the website. Mysa takes sustainability seriously, adopting up-cycled materials, solar power, rainwater tanks, and energy-efficient appliances.

gold coast retro hotel

La Costa Motel – Bilinga

Half a block from the ocean, this carefree beach shack adopts a breezy nautical theme. Mint-hued weatherboard facades, adorable private patios, and sleek modern interiors define its unique vintage style.

From snug studios to sprawling family suites, there’s a room type to cater for every need. Best of all, everyone gets access to the hotel’s trademark cruiser bikes so they can roll along the beach boardwalk with ease.

gold coast motel

Experience the Best Retro Hotels on the Gold Coast with Kiff & Culture

Like the sound of these nifty little lodgings?

Then join us on our Gold Coast Boutique Stay & Play tour. We put you up in chic retro digs and whisk you between the region’s top gastronomic hot spots in a decadent two or three-day tour.  

Gold Coast seafood restaurants

share this post

more from the guide

subscribe for more

Sign up to The Guide

& enjoy 10% off your first experience!

Stay up to date with our latest offers, receive exclusive deals and so much more.
We respect your privacy. We’ll send you occasional emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. See our Privacy Policy for details.

create your trip

Let us know what kind of trip you’re after and we’ll hook you up.

Preferred Experience
Preferred Regions
Interests
Any notes or special requests?