Hotel Review: QT Gold Coast

Nothing screams fun quite like a QT hotel, particularly, when the property in question is a mere coconut's throw from a stunning Queensland beach. But QT Gold Coast has further dialled up the fun factor with a recent refurb that's left its rooms, suites and common areas looking sharper than ever before, and added qtQT - a resort-within-a-resort concept featuring six tiny-homes-style cabins on a terrace with city views. You can check into one of these cabins or take over the entire open-air sanctuary with a group of friends or family for an exclusive retreat, complete with its own concierge and alfresco dining area, right in the heart of the city.

You're smack bang in the middle of the Gold Coast's top attractions here. A 10-minute walk south will take you to the bustling Cavill Avenue, while HOTA arts precinct, Sea World and Pacific Fair Shopping Centre are all within a 15-minute drive. And the Surfers Paradise Beach? So close that, having left my thongs behind at home, I was able to walk from my room to the creamy sand - time and again during my stay - in bare feet.

Quintessential QT. Think bold splashes of colour at every turn. The high-ceilinged lobby impresses with cane furniture, comfortable couches and oversized ceiling lights in vivid hues, while the guestrooms continue the quirky theme with eye-catching flourishes such as psychedelic rugs and eclectic artworks.

A seamless symphony of natural materials (wood, stone and lashings of linen), the six qtQT cabins are downright gorgeous and feature creature comforts such as beautifully designed ensuites and private decks with swing chairs. But just like the tiny homes they're inspired by, they are - kind of - tiny. So if you want more space - and sea views - check into one of the hotel's 293 rooms or suites. I'm staying in an ocean-view suite on the 20th floor with a bright canary-yellow front door, which swings open to reveal a sprawling living room with a well-equipped kitchenette and a private balcony with bird's-eye view of the Pacific Ocean and the hotel's stunning Hamptons-esque pool (more on that soon). The adjoining bedroom is just as bright and airy, while the ensuite further raises the bar with Kevin Murphy amenities, Dyson Supersonic hair dryer and a deep window-side bathtub with city views.

QT Gold Coast is home to five excellent drinking and dining dens - from family-friendly buffet haunt Bazaar to Stingray, where you can pick from a menu of 50 tequilas and match it with lip-smacking Baja Californian small bites. The standout dining experience here, however, is a dinner at Yamagen, where Japanese-inspired interiors set the stage for an exquisite omakase feast, and delicacies range from smoked-honey-glazed bonito to popcorn prawns with spicy yuzu dressing.

The pool or the beach? You'll find yourself in this constant state of tug of war during your stay because the swimming pool at the hotel - complete with light-grey sun loungers and striped parasols - is that sexy. Go early in the morning to grab one of the cabanas and - when hunger pangs strike - order off the poolside eatery Spring's menu: the quesadillas with Moreton Bay bug and crab would be my pick.

No one does robes like Missoni and you'll find two of them in your room, exploding with colour and pattern - perfect for your social channels and the onsite pool.

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Where: 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Qld

How much: From $329 per night

Explore more: qthotels.com/gold-coast

The writer was a guest of QT Gold Coast.