Luxury meets family accessibility at this boujee Gold Coast resort. Find out why it’s perfect for families. Words by Cara Wagstaff.
You might know the Imperial Hotel as Palazzo Versace. However, after 23 years the fashion-branded luxury hotel on the Gold Coast has a new identity. While the name has changed, the sprawling five-star resort still pays homage to its Versace legacy, with luxury touches throughout.
And I mean luxury. The first thing I notice as we arrive are two Rolls-Royce Phantoms parked at the hotel’s entrance, available for guest transfers. We, however, drive our rental sedan into the complimentary self-parking car park.
As we walk into the lobby I’m lost for words as I soak up the scene. Vaulted ceilings, white and gold columns, bespoke Italian furnishings and fresh flowers illuminated by the sun that streams in through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Even my toddler is uncharacteristically quiet as she takes it all in.
We check into a three-bedroom condominium with a private plunge pool. We had asked for a cot on check-in and find it set up in the master bedroom. The master has a huge walk-in robe and ensuite with an oversized spa bath, twin vanity and, in a nod to its European heritage, a bidet. The condo also comes with a full kitchen, including a built-in Miele coffee machine and laundry. Perfect for families.
Other accommodation options include 200 light-filled bedrooms and suites and 72 condominiums for families looking for more space.
Families are well catered for at this hotel with kids’ menus and high chairs available in the restaurants and in-room dining. However, the biggest draw card is a man-made sand beach in the 63-metre swimming pool that stretches through the middle of the property. Our first stop is the beach where we make sandcastles together before we head back for a dip in the pool.
In the unlikely event of the kids getting bored at the hotel, SeaWorld, Surfers Paradise beach, shopping, restaurants and attractions are all just a short drive away.
Families staying on Friday and Saturday nights are in for a treat as Il Barocco Restaurant puts on a mouth-watering seafood buffet serving Moreton Bay bugs, scallops, oysters, succulent roast meats, and the widest variety of salads I’ve seen. For lighter snacks and drinks, try the lobby bar Le Jardin. A Couture High Tea is also available for guests who can indulge in champagne, cocktails, barista coffee, sweet treats and tapas.
Most importantly for families, an extensive room service is available, including a kids menu. We all got a kick out of the kids pasta being delivered on a Versace plate.
For an extra special treat, we book the Scarlett Seduction bliss bath through housekeeping, and, while we are out, someone comes in and transforms our bath into a romantic haven. We pass our 16-month-old over to my mum to look after while we squeeze in a quick hour of grown-up time to enjoy the Ruinart champagne, strawberries and chocolate fondue.
If you’re looking for an alternative to the high-rises and busy streets of Surfers Paradise, this marina location and gorgeous 65-metre hotel pool make for a nice change.
This Imperial Hotel review originally appeared in Holidays with Kids magazine. Subscribe to the latest issue here.
Images supplied by Imperial Hotel Gold Coast ©
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