Opulent is an understatement

Palazzo Versace Gold Coast is the original Versace hotel. The Gold Coast is truly lacking in luxury options and we were keen to visit after many stays in the Suites and Villas at the Palazzo Versace Dubai for a special occasion.

Upon arrival I was struck how breathtakingly the hotel is. Just like Dubai you are greeted with water views as soon as you arrive through the front doors. Two Rolls Royce, including a classic, stand at the front of the hotel ready to whisk guests to and fro.

The original Palazzo Versace is nothing short of breathtakingly opulent and elegant.

There are four reception desks and check in was swift. We were advised that the General Manager had upgraded us from the Broadwater to the Imperial Suite for our stay.

Located on the top floor the Imperial Suite is one of the best Presidential Suites we have ever stayed in. The room is spectacular with views of the Lagoon and out to the Broadwater.

At 160sqm it features a stunning living room, dining room, bedroom, full bathroom with spa, guest bathroom and butler’s pantry. The room has been recently refurbished (it appears completely brand new) and while it is Versace Home, the furniture, decor and soft furnishings are all in soft tones that give a luxurious residental feel.

The two Imperial Suites take up the entire length of the hotel floor. The Suites feature three balconies each with sunbeds, tables and chairs that allow you to sunbake all day should you not wish to mix with other guests in the pool.

We had plans to visit Byron Bay and have dinner in restaurants and promptly cancelled them to enjoy this suite to the fullest.

The only slight negative was the inability to control the fan speed of the air con which means it is either on full or completely off.

Service has been oustanding with every staff member we interacted with. Jane the GM and Hari the Hotel Manager reached out prior to our arrival seeking our preferences and reserving breakfast tables, pool cabanas and provided early check in and late checkout.

We reserved Cabanas by the pool each day which are perfect to laze in and well worth the cost. The pool staff picked private and quite cabanas in the adults only area of the pool and ensured we were looked after each day. They even reserved a second cabana out of the sun for when we wanted shade.

Each time I called for housekeeping for cleaning or turn down they arrived in a few moments.

All of the staff anticipated out needs, a rare level of service in Australia.

Breakfast in Il Barocco was of a high standard. Under Covid conditions the buffet was closed, bowever two pastry baskets and fruit plates were delivered and hot items were freshly prepard a la carte.

We ordered room service each day with restauraht quality meals and the cocktails, especially by the pool (Frozen Daiquiris and Mojitos) were to die for.

La Jardin, the bar, features live music in the evening which is very romantic alongside cocktails and canapes.

While the hotel is not on the beach they have oriented the hotel toward the Lagoon and Broadwater. The hotel is 30 mins from OOL, however arriving after school zones begun it took us an hour.

The beach is across the road if you want that experience.

Overall, under Jane Kingston’s leadership and Hari’s management we had a delightful stay with exemplary service. To be honest, we were extremely pleasantly surprised.

The Palazzo Versace is one of the few true luxury hotels in Australia with impeccable rooms and gorgeous common areas. The Imperial Suite is one of the top hotel suites in the country, and no doubt the most opulent.

Dubai has its own unique decore, very Versace but influenced by Arabic and Islamic Art. Gold Coast, as the original, retains the original Versace influence and is sparkling fresh and new.

We plan to return often as our domestic vacation.