Dorsett Gold Coast review | A three-night stay at the chic new hotel at The Star Gold Coast

Dipping our toes into Queensland for a few days after the New Year, this three-day getaway to the Gold Coast required just two things: easy access to the beach and a stellar swimming pool.

The Dorsett Gold Coast offered both.

It may be a casino hotel, but feels like anything but. It offers comfortable rooms and nails the rooftop pool vibe.

The new-ish hotel opened its doors in December 2021, becoming the first Dorsett to open in Australia. The brand currently has about two dozen hotels, mostly in Asia, with two more already in the works in Perth and Melbourne.

Found in Broadbeach, the resort is attached to The Star complex. Admittedly, this wasn’t really a selling point. But, The Dorsett Gold Coast manages not to feel like a casino hotel.

While our stay didn’t include breakfast, a much-appreciated perk was the complimentary afternoon drink. It was only valid once per stay, but the limoncello spritz cocktail we picked up at the pop-up lobby bar was incredibly refreshing.

The Dorsett Gold Coast’s Rooms

Beachy-chic yet small would be the best way to describe the Standard King rooms at The Dorsett.

But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

The rooms were more than functional, offering comfortable beds, wall-mounted 50-inch TVs, tropical prints and a faux-marbled bathroom (complete with a brilliant two-headed shower).

From our 10th floor vantage point, we couldn’t see the ocean but did have northwest views toward the hinterland’s green hills and up the coast to the expansive Surfers Paradise skyline.

While advertised online at 25 square metres, one of the rooms we stayed in was certainly larger than the other, but both offered the same features.

The Dorsett Gold Coast’s Pool

Easily the best feature of The Dorsett is its expansive pool.

Found on level six, the semi-rooftop pool nails the tropical resort vibe. It’s got cabanas, a pool bar and a large spa area (which, unfortunately, wasn’t any warmer than the water).

The pool was packed at all times during our post-New Year’s stay, but there always seemed to be a nook or cranny where you could relax away from ball-throwing kids.

The biggest downside is that there just wasn’t enough seating around the pool for the amount of guests using it. Dozens of guests were pulling

Location: Where is Dorsett Gold Coast?

Part of The Star complex on the Gold Coast in southern Queensland, the Dorsett is just a few minutes to the golden sands of Broadbeach.

It’s just a seven-minute walk to the ocean, or you can easily drive or hop on the G:Link light rail to nearby beaches including Surfers Paradise.

If you’re not keen on what The Star’s complex has to offer when it comes to entertainment, nearby Oracle Boulevard and the pedestrian-only Victoria Avenue offer plenty of places to eat and drink.

How to get to the Dorsett Gold Coast

It’s about a 30-minute drive north to the resort from Gold Coast Airport in Coolangatta. If you’re coming from Brisbane, it’s about an hour south of the airport.

When driving in, use the entrance for the Darling at The Star Gold Coast to get to the front door. Frustratingly, you can’t access The Star’s parking from here. But, this is where you’ll need to park if it’s included in your room rate. If it’s not, you can park here for $20 per night as a guest.

To get into the parking area, you’ll need to enter from Casino Drive and park on levels three or four, which give you the easiest access to The Dorsett’s lifts.

How much does it cost to stay at The Dorsett Gold Coast?

Our stay was about $225 per night for a Standard King Room. We did stay in early January, so just after New Year’s and still during the school holiday period.

Checking rates for various upcoming dates on Booking.com, mid-week stays outside of school holidays can be found for as low as $175 per night. But, prices often double on weekends.

👉 Check the latest rates here

What we’d keep in mind next time

Breakfast

If you do want breakfast included with your stay, it’s currently only about $15 more per room, per night, to include this. As it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get breakfast – let alone a buffet! – for less than $7.50 each, it’s a great upgrade.

Star Membership

We were told too late that to get  a free membership for The Star. This would have gotten us perks like discounts on food and beverage at the hotel, including the pool bar. Considering you’re able to bring food and drink into the pool area (hello, in-pool cocktails!) it’s a benefit we wish we knew about at the beginning of our stay.

FAQs about The Dorsett Gold Coast

Is the Dorsett connected to the casino?

Yes. You can access The Star directly from The Dorsett Gold Coast, which makes accessing the complex’s casino, bars and restaurants super easy

How many stars does The Dorsett Gold Coast have?

Although not officially accredited by Starratings.com.au, Booking.com, Expedia and Wotif all rate The Dorsett Gold Coast as a 4.5 star hotel.

Is Dorsett Gold Coast pet-friendly?

Unfortunately, the Dorsett isn’t pet-friendly. Only service animals are allowed. If you’re heading to the Gold Coast and do want an option that lets you bring your furry friend, your best bet is to book a serviced apartment as few upscale properties allow you to bring pets.

See a full list of pet-friendly hotels in the area on Booking.com

Is parking available at Dorsett Gold Coast?

Yes, the Dorsett shares a car park with The Star. It’s directly connected to the lobby, too. As of the time of publish, parking costs $20 per day.

Are there any beaches close to Dorsett Gold Coast?

There sure are. While The Gold Coast’s stretch of sand stretches for kilometres, the Broadbeach section is just a few hundred metres from The Dorsett Gold Coast.

Does Dorsett Gold Coast serve breakfast?

While breakfast is available, it’s not included in the standard room rate. There’s a small cafe in the lobby, Jin Cafe and Bar, where basic breakfasts are available.

When is check-in and check-out?

• Check in: From 3pm
• Check out: Before 11am