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.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.