Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts to Debut in Australia with Gold Coast Luxury Hote

Hilton will introduce its LXR Hotels & Resorts brand to Australia with a luxury property on the Gold Coast scheduled to open in 2027.

By Eleanor Price | Edited by Yuliya Karotkaya Published: Updated:
Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts to Debut in Australia with Gold Coast Luxury Hote
Hilton expands its luxury portfolio in Australia with a future LXR Hotels & Resorts property on the Gold Coast. Photo: Hilton

Hilton is preparing to introduce its LXR Hotels & Resorts brand to Australia for the first time, marking another milestone in the company’s luxury expansion across the Asia-Pacific region. The new property will be located on the Gold Coast in South-East Queensland and is expected to open in early 2027 following a major renovation.

The hotel will occupy the site of a well-known property on the Southport Spit, formerly recognized as Palazzo Versace Gold Coast and currently operating as Imperial Hotel Gold Coast. Hilton has partnered with Islander Hotel Trading Pty Ltd to reposition the landmark property and transform it into part of the LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio.

Once the refurbishment is completed, the hotel will feature approximately 200 guest rooms and suites. The design is expected to preserve the building’s distinctive character while introducing updated luxury elements aligned with the LXR brand. The property’s architecture combines grand neoclassical features with Italian-inspired interiors, reflecting the heritage of the original hotel while adapting it for a new era of luxury travel.

The waterfront location overlooking the Gold Coast Broadwater places the hotel close to several of the region’s most prominent leisure attractions, including Marina Mirage and other popular coastal destinations. For Hilton, the project represents an opportunity to introduce its boutique luxury collection to one of Australia’s most established resort markets.

Expanding Hilton’s Luxury Presence in Asia-Pacific

The Gold Coast project forms part of Hilton’s broader strategy to strengthen its luxury and lifestyle offerings across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. LXR Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton’s premium brands, known for its collection-style portfolio of independent luxury properties that emphasize distinctive design, strong local character and personalized service.

According to Hilton executives, the Gold Coast provides an ideal environment for the brand’s concept of place-driven luxury experiences.

“The Gold Coast provides an ideal setting for LXR’s distinctive approach to luxury, where place, design and experience are deeply connected,” said Tushar Raniga, Hilton’s director of development for Australasia. “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.”

The new property will also join Hilton’s broader collection of hotels operating in Australia under various brands. These include Curio Collection by Hilton and Tapestry Collection by Hilton, which focus on distinctive boutique-style hotels that reflect their surrounding locations.

For travelers, the LXR brand aims to deliver a balance between refined luxury and experiences that highlight the culture, nature and character of each destination.

A New Chapter for a Gold Coast Landmark

For the property’s owner, Islander Hotel Trading Pty Ltd, the partnership with Hilton signals a new phase for one of the Gold Coast’s most recognizable hotels. The transformation will retain the building’s iconic design heritage while introducing new luxury standards and updated facilities.

Candice D’Cruz, vice president of luxury brands for Asia Pacific at Hilton, said the project reflects changing expectations among high-end travelers.

“The arrival of LXR Hotels & Resorts on the Gold Coast marks an important step in the evolution of luxury hospitality in Australia,” she said. “Guests today want exceptional quality, but also experiences that feel authentic, personal and deeply connected to place.”

Globally, LXR Hotels & Resorts currently has dozens of properties either open or in development, with new projects planned across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Recent additions include properties in destinations such as Beverly Hills and Paris, while upcoming openings are expected in locations including Santorini, India and Southeast Asia.

With the planned Gold Coast debut, Australia will soon join that growing global portfolio, adding a new luxury destination to Hilton’s expanding network of experiential hotels.

Hotels & Resorts, News