Palazzo Versace

Since it opened in 2000, Versace devotees have flocked to this hotel to experience firsthand its ostentatious designs that stay true to the legacy of the late designer Gianni Versace. Italian-tiled fountains, Versace logos, and palms decorate the property, bringing a slice of Milan to the Gold Coast. For convenient high-end retail therapy there’s a Versace boutique on-site. A staff member is always on-hand at the entrance to open a gold door for a guest. An antique chandelier -- that once hung in the State Library in Milan -- dominates the lobby that features over-sized floral arrangements, Versace floor tiles, rounded settees, and floor-to-ceiling windows. A walk down plum-carpeted corridors -- with the delicate scent of oil burners -- feels like opening a fashion magazine with Versace ads framed on walls. The five-pearl hotel appeals to travelers who want a luxurious, quiet vacation or business retreat that’s away from the ruckus partying in Surfers Paradise, but with flamboyant design. The Medusa head logo is embedded everywhere including the grand circular driveway with columns surrounding the walkway that leads into the four-floor hotel. 

A driveway with a pebble-mosaic Versace design leads to the hotel that’s in a quiet area of Main Beach on a private marina. It’s a one-minute walk to the Marina Mirage with shops, restaurants, fishing charters, boat cruises, and bicycle rentals. Trams and bus stops aren’t nearby, but most guests have cars or take a taxi. Sea World is a five-minute drive from the hotel. Surfers Paradise Beach is also five minutes away. The busy tourist area of the Cavill Avenue -- with loads of shops and dining options -- takes 10 minutes by car. Nearby travelers can explore the SkyPoint Observation Deck, which has a restaurant on the top floor. Cruises and whale watching tours on the Neranga River are about 10-minutes by car from the hotel. Brisbane Airport is a one-hour drive.

Luxury designs in rooms are true to the Versace brand, with rich plum or yellow fabrics, lovely crisscrossed parquet floors, white molding and Juliet balconies. Iconic Greek key designs are carved in wooden furniture and imprinted on plush bathrobes. Versace scented oil burners keep rooms fresh. The best views overlook the lagoon pool or the marina. Imperial Suites -- the most luxe -- offer lagoon and Gold Coast Broadwater views. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea kettles, irons/ironing boards, slippers, AC, writing desks, hairdryers, and safes. Suites offer separate sitting/dining areas and two bathrooms; one with a whirlpool tub. Marble bathrooms feature gold framed mirrors, Greek designs, high-end toiletries, and perfume. Towels have Versace’s Medusa design. The hotel also has 72 two- and three-bedroom condominiums that have full kitchens, plunge pools, marina access, and rooftop terraces with hot tubs.

The Palazzo Versace takes poolside lounging to a luxurious level. Its lagoon pool meanders through the property, past cabanas -- with picnic and drink service -- and Versace stamped umbrellas on a man-made sandy shore. The deck offers a hot tub. An indoor pool is in the spa that provides all of the standard pampering services. The gym is small but adequately equipped with modern machines. Dining nearby is limited and the hotel’s options get mixed reviews. High tea at Le Jardin is the most popular choice. The fine dining experience at Vanitas on Versace $600 plates is a memorable experience. There’s also Il Barocco Restaurant that serves casual dining and the Vie Bar and Restaurant with cigars and waterfront views. Six meeting spaces -- including a ballroom, a boardroom, and terrace -- appeal to corporate travelers.