I have a confession to make; I'm falling a little bit more in love with the Gold Coast, every time I visit. In recent years, the GC has received a bad rap in the media, particularly Surfers Paradise, but we saw none of that on our recent trip. So, if you're looking for a great night out with friends and fun in the sun, then you'll find it here on the GC!
QT Gold Coast simply invites you to have fun. From the moment you arrive, you're greeted with fun, vibrant interiors of kooky clashing colours & patterns, plus retro clad staff - I don't really know what the designers were thinking, but it totally works. The feel is of pure joyfulness, it makes you smile, instantly relax and with Queensland's tropical weather and salty air, you're ready to unwind and hit the beach.
Joined on this trip by interstate friends, we've gathered on the Gold Coast for some birthday celebrations and I couldn't think of a better location to mark the occasion. While it's only a short one-night escape, the relaxing vibe of QT makes it feel like a much longer getaway.
The whole hotel is seriously Instagram worthy, and thanks to free WiFi that's a cinch. Quirky at every turn, from the bold black and yellow striped carpet leading to our room, creative decals in the lift of life-size vintage pinup girls (which gave me a fright EVERY time thinking there was someone already there) to the colourful lolly buffet in Fixx, it's a rush!
Then of course there's the view. My room was generously proportioned with a dazzling view of the ocean – tick! Ideal for celebrating, we popped some Champagne and settled in for an afternoon shooting the breeze and watching the changing scenery as sunset descended on the glitter strip.
A standard room is anything but here, injected with QT fun in every corner. The minibar is more maxi bar with a cool selection of goodies plus mini charades; boxed domino set, an instant beach ball and an emergency bowtie, no less. Hanging on the wall too is a beach bag and thongs for guests use.
A functional long desk resides along one wall with a separate table and chairs adorned with some decorative knick-knacks and a pineapple candle which I loved, I'm a sucker for pineapple anything! Fix yourself a signature QT lemonade from the ingredients supplied; this hotel's wow factor is actually all in the little details. How cute is my beach themed welcome amenity too?
The king size bed was huge and squishy, like a cloud and the bedside table had a kitschy cockatoo lamp, available to purchase from the QTique gift shop.
The bathroom is cleverly designed with a striking feature wall of monochrome tiles and the simplicity of adding some colourful touches to the vanity give it ticks for creativity. Amenities were from New York label Malin + Goetz and bathtubs are available in the QT King Suites if you choose to upgrade.
We headed out for dinner to Tribeca NYC a mere $6 Uber ride away on Chevron Island. Maybe it was all the Champagne we'd downed at the QT, but we could have sworn our handsome waiter Karlo bore a striking resemblance to Game of Thrones Jon Snow and we proceeded to tell him as such (groan). Tribeca NYC naturally serves American fare and we asked the affable Karlo to order for us. He was spot on ordering a selection of plates to share including loaded fries, calamari, sliders and fish tacos for the win. Highly recommend and I hear they make a sensational lychee martini too!
The city was surprisingly quiet, maybe being a Thursday night and a gentle rain kept people inside, it certainly wasn't the raucous GC you see on the news. Instead, it was the perfect backdrop to a night of good food, fine wine and celebrating great friendship. Returning to the QT we indulged in a nightcap at Stingray Bar, which is pleasingly popular with both locals and travellers.
Next morning, it was up at sunrise for an invigorating walk along the beach, a mere block away from the QT. Honestly, there's no better way to start the day. Working up an appetite, breakfast at Bazaar is not to be missed. Designed as an interactive marketplace it's styled to perfection from the dining area to the serving area and not a bain-marie in sight! Think Le Creuset pots filled with bubbling deliciousness, a first class egg station, super cute juice station, seriously the options are endless.
Our brief stay didn't allow time for pampering in SpaQ, dining in Yamagen or mooching around the pool, so what better reason to return! Whether you're celebrating with friends, looking for a quick romantic getaway or plan to linger longer for a Gold Coast holiday, QT has you covered for fun in sun in signature QT style. We'll definitely be back!
Planning a Gold Coast holiday? Book QT Gold Coast online at alluxia with no booking or credit card fees or ask us any questions about our stay.
Have you stayed at QT Gold Coast before? How was your experience?
The writer was a guest of QT Gold Coast.Image credit @alluxia @troybeYou Might Also Like: Review Q1 Gold Coast
