Last weekend, we decided to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Brisbane and headed down to the southern end of the Gold Coast for a relaxing stay at Mantra Coolangatta Beach. This hotel exudes the classic Gold Coast vibe, focusing on the beach and seamlessly integrating you into the local community. It’s an easy-going, comfortable spot that’s perfect for families, couples, or friends seeking a beach-centric getaway.
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Location
Situated on Marine Parade in Coolangatta, the hotel is approximately a 75-minute drive from Brisbane. The drive was smooth, but I’d recommend leaving work a bit early to avoid traffic and maximise your stay. Being on the southern end of the coast, Coolangatta offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling Surfers Paradise. With fewer clubs and bars, it’s a laid-back, slow-paced environment that I prefer. Coolangatta sits right on the border of New South Wales and Queensland, granting access to some of the best beaches on the coast, including Kirra, Coolangatta Beach, Duranbah, and Rainbow Bay. Plus, it’s just 10 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport, making it convenient for interstate or international travellers seeking a beach retreat.
The Rooms
The rooms are spacious and equipped with everything needed for a comfortable, budget-friendly stay. The kitchenette allows you to prepare your meals, helping to keep costs down. The private balcony offers breathtaking views, making it tempting to stay in and enjoy the sunset with a homemade cheese platter and a glass of wine.
We stayed in a two-bedroom apartment featuring a main bedroom with an ensuite and a second bedroom with two single beds. There was also a second bathroom complete with laundry facilities. The setup was so comfortable that I could easily envision living there. It’s an ideal spot for families or friends travelling together, offering both shared spaces and private retreats. Despite having some lively neighbours, the room was well-insulated, and we weren’t disturbed at all.
While the building isn’t brand new, it embodies the quintessential Gold Coast hotel charm without any of the outdated decor. I appreciated the old-school vibe, as the emphasis was on enjoying the stunning views, engaging in outdoor activities, and relaxing. The hotel felt like a home away from home, allowing us to come and go as we pleased. Everything was clean and well-maintained, providing all the essentials combined with an incredible outlook.
Facilities
Right across from the hotel lies the picturesque Coolangatta Beach. Starting the day with a swim, grabbing a coffee from nearby Bellakai, and watching the sunrise from the balcony became a delightful routine. The hotel boasts a beautiful pool, a spacious spa, a sauna, a gym, and a tennis court. There’s also undercover parking included in the accommodation costs, and in-room Wi-Fi is available for purchase.
The self-contained rooms come with a washer and dryer, as well as a fully equipped kitchen stocked with pots, pans, utensils, a toaster, and a kettle—everything needed to whip up a tasty meal. The balcony seating is comfortable, providing a perfect spot to soak in the stunning beachfront views.
Dining and entertainment
Coolangatta offers a plethora of activities and dining options. We started our mornings with coffee and breakfast at local favourite Little Mali, followed by a visit to Point Danger to bask in the sun and watch a local surf competition. For panoramic views, head up to the Kirra Lookout and consider placing a love lock on the fence. Explore the Coolangatta Arts & Craft Market, venture to one of the nearby theme parks, or indulge in some retail therapy at Pacific Fair and Harbour Town.
The recently renovated Strand shopping centre has introduced a variety of new shops and restaurants, including the renowned Gelato Messina, which is worth multiple visits. Other dining options include Grill’d, O-Sushi, Max Brenner, Bin 72, Kazbah, and the Coolangatta Hotel, which offers pub food and live music. For a well-priced breakfast and good coffee, I recommend stopping by Griffith Street Larder.
The Strand also houses a cinema for those rainy days, as well as a Woolworths and a bottle shop to stock up on essentials. Take a stroll around the main street behind the hotel to discover boutique shops and unique spots selling everything from crystals and hats to second-hand books. We enjoyed wandering through the area, admiring buildings that hark back to the Gold Coast of the 1970s. It’s refreshing to see parts of the coast that have remained unspoiled by commercialisation, maintaining a simple charm. The street is also lined with a variety of restaurants serving cuisines ranging from Mexican and Indian to Thai and Chinese.
The Verdict
Waking up on Sunday morning, I found myself reluctant to check out. Mantra Coolangatta Beach embodies the kind of hotel I appreciate—simple, comfortable, and offering breathtaking views of the coastline. The vistas from the hotel balcony were among the best I’ve seen on the coast, making the weekend all about the beach, whether admiring it from above or strolling along its shores. It’s a place I will undoubtedly return to and wholeheartedly recommend to friends and family. I adore the location, with its historic Gold Coast feel and tranquil, peaceful ambience. For anyone seeking a relaxed beach getaway, Mantra Coolangatta Beach is a must-stay destination.
We booked the Mantra Coolangatta Beach here
Where to stay on the Gold Coast
Planning a trip to the Gold Coast? Booking.com and Agoda are fantastic websites for finding accommodation on the Gold Coast. Below are a few of our recommendations and options worth looking into:
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise | Read our review |
| Star Grand at Star Gold Coast | Plush, casino access |
| Meriton Suites Broadbeach | Close to restaurants |
| ULTIQA Air on Broadbeach | Spacious, close to beach |
| Burleigh Esplanade Apartments | We loved the ‘Loft Penthouse’ |
| 19th Avenue on the Beach | Beachfront seclusion |
| The Pink Hotel Coolangatta | Boutique, rooftop bar |
| Mantra Coolangatta Beach | Read our review |
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise | Read our review |
| Star Grand at Star Gold Coast | Plush, casino access |
| Meriton Suites Broadbeach | Close to restaurants |
| ULTIQA Air on Broadbeach | Spacious, close to beach |
| Burleigh Esplanade Apartments | We loved the ‘Loft Penthouse’ |
| 19th Avenue on the Beach | Beachfront seclusion |
| The Pink Hotel Coolangatta | Boutique, rooftop bar |
| Mantra Coolangatta Beach | Read our review |
Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise