Share This Article

The Langham, Gold Coast stands as an emblem of modern luxury and beachfront ease, offering an escape where laidback sophistication and a touch of coastal drama converge. Positioned on the absolute beachfront on the Northern edge of Broadbeach (or the Southern edge of Surfers Paradise), it delivers uninterrupted Pacific blue on one side and the lush sweep of the Gold Coast Hinterland on the other—a rare vantage for those who relish both sea and skyline at sunrise.

ABOUT >

Step inside and you’re met with a world where marble, glimmer, there is a sense of grandeur that orchestrates a seamless welcome. The lobby’s vast ceiling is punctuated by the noise from howling wind tunnel that does not seem to ever end (more on this to come). The staff are very warm and helpful, genuine greetings — a prelude to the gentle rhythm running throughout a Langham stay: attentive, never obtrusive, and always with a smile.

STAY >

The accommodation, all 169 hotel rooms and 170 residences, is plush, they are making a statement on beachside elegance, though there were some gaps. Views out to the beach and sea (with the chance to spot a whale or two), our room in the residences had a separate living area and balcony providing plenty of space. Beds are plush cocoons with premium linens, the rain showers is generous but unfortunately poor design had all the water flooding the bathroom.

The wind. No question its a combination of being on the 23rd floor, facing the beach but even with the door fully closed in the lounge room there was a continual whine from the wind.

The staff continued to excel, a call down for more towels and coffee pods had a very fast 3 minute friendly response. It would have been nice to have had a bluetooth speaker in the room but otherwise it was very comfortable.

AMBIENCE >

The Langham threads its coastal ease through its opulent frame. The poolside which looks sensational in all of the pictures was full of screaming young kids. This is the curse of being (a slightly in-tolerant) adult who is well past traveling with children, wanting an adult pool experience. Though the promise of the swim up bar and the decadence of recliners that face the beach for the morning sun is in theory wonderful, the experience for us was noise levels beyond bearing (that is when the wind wasn’t drowning out the noise of the screaming kids). Kids running everywhere and it has not been designed for any kind of segregation. Actually even the indoor magnesium pool upstairs by the gym was full of kids (not really luxury).

The final flaw of the pool area is that from early afternoon the whole area is bathed in the shade of the towers, which when combined with the wind makes it a bit chilly.

But step outside the gate and it’s only moments to the sand or a sunset bike ride along the esplanade — this is why you come to the Gold Coast you can walk for miles in either direction, the weather is warm and the beach iconic.

SPA & PLAY >

Wellness finds a home here—Chuan Spa is a sanctuary, offering treatments grounded in Chinese wellness philosophies with couples’ suites and private relaxation zones. We had an excellent massage, it is quite clearly a popular option.

The excellent 24-hour gym and sauna provide plenty of options to work out but and with the beach outside the door why not be outside?

DINE >

Dining is bold yet approachable — the lavish breakfast buffet spread at Akoya is highly regarded but we skipped the $59 price tag and visited local cafe’s which all provided great options. The Langham classic afternoon high-teas have become a Gold Coast Instagram moment and the cocktail bar makes an effort to keep both tradition and innovation alive, but once again here we were tormented both by kids and that howling wind tunnel.

SERVICE >

True to the Gold Coast’s spirit, everything here hums with warmth and ease. Staff move quietly but effectively, anticipation in every gesture, with local knowledge and attention that feels authentic—luxury, here, comes with heart.

THE VERDICT >

Where GC glamour meets beachfront relaxation, The Langham, Gold Coast is right on the spot that screams ‘selfie’. This is a place people come to see and be seen, it is flashy and there is fun to be had but let down by a few issues of mostly the wind tunnel, it really needs to separate the adult and child friendly spaces to provide the sophistication it seeks to offer.

Click on images below to launch the lightbox