The Gold Coast has come of age since the 1950s but La Costa Motel located near Coolangatta airport shows that a little nostalgia never goes out of style. La Costa Motel is an original ‘Highway Heritage’ motel – one of the accommodation options built along the highway from Labrador to Coolangatta as Australia shrugged off its post-war austerity. Historic photos line the walls near reception, showing the hotel’s history as well as the evolution of the Gold Coast as a holiday destination. The motel’s original green 50s facade remains as does the iconic neon sign but each room has been completely remodelled.
We stayed in the upstairs apartment which is ideal for families with a full kitchen, main bedroom and bunk beds tucked away off the main living area. It also has an outdoor sitting area with ocean views. The motel’s interiors are ‘tastefully retro’ rather than kitsch, and the rooms are serviced daily and spotlessly clean. We really like the decor and the freshy beachy look of our room.
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If you are staying in the apartment it has everything you need to fully self-cater. For those staying in a standard room, there is a microwave, fridge and small kitchenette as well as a selection of well priced ‘heat and eat’ meals for those who arrive late (the apartment had these too). These are handy as, while there are some great dining and takeaway options available within a 15 minute walk, not much stays open after 8pm.
I also had a look at a standard room for my Mum who was looking for somewhere affordable to stay near Gold Coast airport so she could catch a flight to New Zealand. These rooms are equally good and like the apartment upstairs, come with a coffee machine and complimentary pods so you can enjoy a decent cup of coffee before you fly out. They are compact but perfect for a quick overnight stay. Airport transfers are also complimentary. Just let the reception know when you need to leave and they’ll drop you off at the airport. It’s only a three minute drive so can enjoy a sleep in.
We parked our car at an off-site car park near Gold Coast airport the previous afternoon then took the free carpark transfer back to the airport and walked across the street to La Costa. If you have a car this is a great idea as you can’t park for an extended time near the hotel. It was easy and convenient and we didn’t have to pay for a transfer the following morning thanks to our lift to the airport with John who gave us a cheery send off. We loved our stay at the La Costa Beachside Motel.
Disclosure: The writer has stayed at La Costa Motel with her family several times at her own expense. She highly recommends this cute motel.
Looking for some Gold Coast accommodation? Read our reviews of the Hilton Surfers Paradise, Oaks Calypso Plaza, The Darling, Surfers Paradise Marriott, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, The Star Grand, voco Gold Coast, Wyndham Hotel Surfers Paradise, AVANI Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences, Rydges Gold Coast Airport, Oaks Gold Coast Hotel, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, and the retro La Costa Motel. If you’re visiting the Gold Coast, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to the Gold Coast.
