Hotel profile: The Pink Hotel, Coolangatta

A little slice of rock and roll heaven just steps away from the sand and surf, The Pink Hotel in Coolangatta is a true original.

Feeling a million miles away from tourist central, the southern end of the Gold Coast had always led the charge in fuss-free beachside holidaying. Then, along came the ultimate disruptor, The Pink Hotel in Coolangatta. And it wasn’t even subtle. The Instagram-famous digs first opened its doors in 2018, a restored 1960s motel that blazed with wall-to-wall fairy-floss pink. Offering a thrilling new way to experience the Gold Coast, complete with epic party spaces and rooms packed with personality, the hotel brought some serious buzz. We discover how it maintains its charms today.

First impressions

As a 12-pack of Panadol meets me in the hotel lobby, I’m instantly comfortable with my decision to dust the children off for a night. In the mass of retro-inspired motels and hotels popping up on the Gold Coast, could The Pink Hotel at Coolangatta authentically mirror the rock and roll lifestyle of a bygone era? Kid-free fingers crossed.

At the very least, they’ve nailed the façade. Barbie-pink walls paired with a tight edit of bright white, ruby red and cactus green offer one of the most talked-about designs in the city’s hotel portfolio. On the beach fronting side, a giant Medusa mural switches out snakes for flamingo heads. In the front garden, a twin pair of 70s sun lounges are painted in pink and white stripes as plastic flamingos ‘frolic’ at their feet. It’s loud yet sweet, old yet new, Palm Springs-perfect yet suspiciously wayward. I can’t wait to see inside.

outside of The Pink Hotel — The Pink Hotel exudes a laid-back elegance. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Style of the rooms

Entering the level two Medusa Balcony King Room, it’s hard to miss the second instalment of local artist Jamie Peters’ coastal take on Greek mythology’s Medusa. In this room, a drooping cigarette is tucked into her snarl as those cheeky flamingos flare, tall and proud.

The theme flows into two bright flamingo-printed bathrobes, serving as a second feature wall pretty much, amid an eclectic mix of mustard velvet furnishings, glossy timber and a slick black bar brought to vivid life thanks to a neon sign that reads ‘I look for you in everyone’.

a colourful interior at Pink Hotel — The interior is filled with mustard velvet hues. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Every room features its own mix of decor and epic mural art, plus unique neon lighting inscriptions. My bathroom is small, but a mix of materials and influences once again adds personality, such as the rugged stone basin, probably better suited to an earthier, stripped-back space if I’m being honest.

I’m impressed by the size of the balcony off the Medusa room, which provides lovely ocean views and is scattered with garden floral-printed plastic sun lounges – the perfect spot to unwind as the sun magically sinks.

a roof deck with comfortable seating areas at Pink Hotel — Laze on the roof deck. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Ambience and cleanliness of the rooms

A discreet record player, hidden inside a black-lacquered side table I barely even notice, adds yet another layer of authenticity to the rock and roll theme The Pink Hotel at Coolangatta exudes rather effortlessly.

a balcony at Medusa Balcony King Room, Pink Hotel — The Medusa Balcony King Room comes with your own, personal sunshine.

While pieces like the record player are obviously considered, it’s also entirely plausible that some free-spirited groupie took their love for bric-a-brac and spread it decoratively throughout the hotel between their idol’s nightly sets. Yes, I’m thinking of Kate Hudson’s character in Almost Famous right now. The atmosphere at The Pink is achingly artistic, yet the spaces are clean and spacious, providing guests with homely, comfortable accommodation.

The Superior King Pink Hotel — The Superior King Room is complete with a flamingo room and quirky wall hangings.

Restaurants and food

I hear the restaurant slash bar at The Pink Hotel in Coolangatta before I spot it. Eddie’s Grub House, a dimly lit, absolute cracker of a dive bar located next door to the hotel lobby, houses a string of live music throughout the week.

I arrive on Sunday when a jam session blasts the neighbourhood from 3pm until 6pm. While a bunch of bed-haired hipsters natter at Eddie’s front doors, silver-haired rockers are inside thrashing it out for a crowd of delighted locals. A baby bounces to a Nirvana cover as his mum gets her groove on while wearing bub on her chest. It is all just awesome, and then there’s the grub itself, which is available as in-room dining.

bright pink interior at Pink Hotel — The minibar is the ultimate enabler.

Beef patties are stacked with fresh salad and Eddie’s ‘spesh’ sauce, reminiscent of Big Mac sauce (which is heavily underrated, I might add), jammed between further generous fillings and two pillows of sweet brioche. The Chicken and Bacon Nuggers are deep-fried minced chicken mashed with slivers of bacon. The wings are legendary. It’s the perfect sustenance for a night on the tiles.

Inside the rooms, a mini bar complete with a black Smeg bar fridge offers snacks including crisps, chocolate, sweet popcorn and nuts, plus canned cocktails and a very necessary Hydralyte. If you’re not vibing either option, a range of international cuisines can be found within walking distance of the hotel.

the dining and kitchen interior at Pink Hotel — The rooms are clean and spacious. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Quality of room and hotel service

Don’t let their leather boots and grungy t-shirts fool you. The team at The Pink Hotel clearly live and breathes their rock and roll surroundings, but they’re as sweet as cherry pie.

Keen to share their local tips on where to keep the good times rolling, staff are clued in and passionate about the region, spilling over with stories from their favourite rooms and the hotel’s wildest escapades. It’s infectious, and I almost asked one of them in for a wine on my balcony.

There’s no kitchen within the hotel itself, but Eddie’s Grub House delivers from Tuesday to Sunday, plus Ground Coolangatta around the corner can walk a hearty cafe breakfast, coffees, and juices to you between 7am and 2pm each day. Just use your phone to scan the QR code in your room.

the building exterior of Pink Hotel — The courtyard is decked out with fairy lights, palm trees, plastic flamingos and lawn chairs. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Amenities available

To be frank, there isn’t much. While The Pink Hotel in Coolangatta is screaming out for a Palm Springs-inspired retro pool to catch television sets hurled off balconies, the beach across the road offers great compensation.

No gym and no spa either; however, I do appreciate the kitsch ice machine emblazoned with the phrase ‘Ice, icy, baby’ located on level one, and the venue’s faux lawn-coated rooftop cocktail bar offering sensational views across the ocean and beyond Surfers Paradise. It’s shaking up drinks on Friday and Saturday.

Price of a room

Rates at The Pink Hotel in Coolangatta start from approximately $199 per night for a King Suite, but if you’re chasing ocean views, pay the extra coin for a Superior King Suite, priced from about $209 per night, or climb the tiers to splash out further. The Medusa Balcony King Room, where I stayed, is priced from about $259 per night.

The verdict

Go for the time warp novelty, stay for the party. This is headbanger heaven, transported right from 1950s USA and plonked on prime Cooly beachfront real estate.

Score: 3.5/5

We rated: The bedside earplugs, attached with varying love notes including ‘Goodnight stars, goodnight air, goodnight noises everywhere’. Very cute.

We’d change: Bring back the four-post cabanas that once oozed glamour on the hotel’s rooftop. The empty gaps they’ve left, allowing more space for white picnic tables, feel more beer garden than VIP.

Address: The Pink Hotel , 171 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

For more reviews and insider tips, we’ve created the ultimate Gold Coast accommodation guide.

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.