Hilton has signed an iconic Gold Coast hotel with Islander Hotel Trading Pty Ltd, marking the debut of its LXR Hotels and Resorts brand in the country. The hotel is scheduled to open in early 2027 following a major renovation.
Currently operating as The Imperial Hotel and formerly known as Palazzo Versace, the property will feature 200 rooms and combine grand neoclassical architecture with Italian-inspired interiors. Located along the Gold Coast Broadwater, the hotel offers direct waterfront access and proximity to key attractions such as Marina Mirage.
The signing represents a significant milestone in Hilton’s expansion in Australia, bringing the LXR brand’s focus on bespoke service, distinctive design and locally inspired experiences to the South-East Queensland coast.
Tushar Raniga, director, Development, Australasia, Hilton, said, “The Gold Coast provides an ideal setting for LXR’s distinctive approach to luxury, where place, design and experience are deeply connected. The property holds one of the most alluring positions along the city’s main coastal corridors and will introduce the independent spirit of LXR to the Australian market. We are proud to work with our partners to bring this exceptional destination to life and to continue expanding Hilton’s presence in one of the region’s most dynamic resort markets.”
As the brand’s first Australian property, this hotel will be a natural addition to the hand-picked collection that makes up LXR Hotels and Resorts. Each LXR property celebrates the unique heritage and essence of its locale to deliver truly one-of-a-kind experiences. Guests will discover bespoke service, captivating design, and immersive cultural experiences set within Australia’s premier leisure destination.
Globally, LXR Hotels and Resorts has 36 properties either operating or in the pipeline. The brand recently celebrated the openings of Cameo Beverly Hills and first entry into France with the opening of Sax Paris, and will open another highly anticipated property with Sandblu Santorini in Greece alongside The Den in India later this year. In the next three years, the brand will continue to expand across Asia Pacific in sought-after destinations such as Niseko, Phuket and Da Nang, building on the success of ROKU KYOTO , the brand’s first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel, and Umana Bali.
Candice D’Cruz, vice president, Luxury Brands, Asia Pacific, said, “The arrival of LXR Hotels and Resorts in the Gold Coast marks an important step in the evolution of the luxury hotel offering in Australia. This hotel will meet the growing needs of a more discerning traveler who is seeking exceptional quality, while still wanting experiences that feel authentic, personal and deeply connected to place. LXR Hotels and Resorts is a collection of hotels that strikes the balance between refined luxury and local character, and the Gold Coast is the perfect example of this, a destination defined by energy, nature and adventure. Guests will discover a luxury experience that feels both elevated and unmistakably local, while embracing the sense of exploration that defines every LXR stay.”
Li Xu, director, Islander Hotel Trading, said, “As the proud owner of the former Palazzo Versace Gold Coast, we are honoured to partner with Hilton to introduce the first luxury brand, LXR Hotels and Resorts to Australia. This transformation represents a new chapter for the property, one that respectfully preserves the hotel’s iconic design heritage while elevating it through a comprehensive refurbishment. Together, we are committed to delivering a reimagined luxury experience that blends timeless elegance with a heightened sense of place, service and sophistication, setting a new benchmark for the Gold Coast.”
LXR Hotels and Resorts will join Hilton’s growing collection portfolio in Australia alongside Curio Collection by Hilton and Tapestry Collection by Hilton, further strengthening its presence in the luxury and lifestyle hospitality segment.
The hotel will also participate in Hilton Honors, the company’s global loyalty programme, offering members benefits such as flexible Points and money payments, exclusive discounts, complimentary Wi-Fi and access to the Hilton Honors mobile app.
