When arranging a Gold Coast holiday, the most important thing to get right is the choice of Gold Coast accommodation. Making the wrong choice can upset the whole holiday.  There are three key factors that influence availability and price, namely:

1) advance bookings are absolutely essential at all times of the year
2) school holiday periods always create a heavy demand for lodgings
3) prices vary considerably depending on the seasons … which are:

High Season: The Xmas – New Year period , usually around Dec 20th to Jan 20th. Dates vary between different location and from property to property . Minimun stays of 7 nights are usual at this time. It’s advisable that bookings be made at least 4-5 months in advance.

Mid Season: Usually the Easter long week-end plus school holidays in April and Sept – Oct. Some properties still include the Jun-Jul school holidays in this period, but that is becoming less common. Minium stays of 5 nights are usual at this time and bookings should be made at least 3-4 months in advance.

Low Season: All other dates outside of the high and mid-seasons . A minimum stay of 3 nights is usually required at this time although some properties accept 2 night stays. Make bookings 3-4 weeks in advance.

The Gold Coast has events, festivals and conferences etc throughout the year that generate a demand for beds at several locations all along the coast.

Note: For stays of just one or two nights, Gold Coast hotels are the best accommodation option.

Occupancy Numbers & Sleeping Arrangements

The most common bedding arrangements in apartments consists of a King or Queen size bed in the main and 2 single beds in each of the other bedrooms. Most main bedrooms in the more modern properties will have an ensuite .

Prices are quoted per apartment per night where:

• 4 bedroom apartment sleeps 8
• 3 bedroom apartment sleeps 6
• 2 bedroom apartment sleeps 4
• 1 bedroom apartment sleeps 2

Most apartments can accommodate one extra person on a roll-away divan or a pull-out sofa bed . This configuration allows a 2 bedroom apartment to accommodate 5 persons and a 3 bedroom apartment to sleep 7 persons. When an extra person is involved, an extra charge will be added to the standard tariff. Studio apartments/suites are rare and these will only accommodate 2 persons with no option for an extra person.

Note: Don’t make the mistake of booking an apartment and then arriving with extra children in tow that you plan to put on the floor on blow-up mattresses. This contravenes the Fire Regulations and management is entitled, and may feel obliged, to cancel your booking.

High Rise vs Low Rise Apartments

High rise apartments usually offer great views plus cool ocean breezes that can remove the need for air conditioning. There are no stairs to climb because elevators service all levels. But is a high rise right for you? Most people prefer “the higher the better” for the views, but not everyone has a head for heights . Another factor to consider is possible safety issues involving younger children being on high rise balconies.

Low rise apartments are usually “walk up”, which means there are no elevators and guests have to climb stairs to reach their apartment . Going to and from the 3rd floor several times a day , especially carrying the shopping, may soon become a nuisance. Persons with mobility problems may not be able to manage the stairs. Low rise properties may not get ocean breezes if they are dwarfed by surrounding high-rise. Having an air conditioned apartment in summer can be more important in a low rise building.

Tickets For Shows, Tours & Attractions

All Gold Coast resorts and apartments have a reservation desk that provides a booking service for the theme parks, tours, cruises, entertainment and local attractions . There is no extra cost to the guest as the booking service is complimentary. However, it is becoming more common for holiday makers to pre-book their tickets online before they leave home.