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

Meliá Hotels International has officially entered the Hungarian hospitality market with the addition of Hotel President Budapest to its Affiliated by Meliá network. The move marks the Spanish hotel group’s first property in Hungary and represents another step in its ongoing expansion across Europe.

Located in the heart of Budapest, the four-star Hotel President offers 152 rooms and sits close to several of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Danube River, the Hungarian Parliament and St. Stephen’s Basilica. The central location places the hotel within one of the city’s most active tourism districts, providing convenient access to cultural attractions, government institutions and business hubs.

The property occupies a building distinguished by its Art Deco façade and combines historical architectural elements with modern interior design. Inside, the hotel features contemporary spaces designed to offer a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, while several rooms and suites provide views of Budapest’s skyline and major landmarks.

One of the hotel’s standout features is its rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views over the Hungarian capital. From this vantage point, guests can see the Parliament building, the Buda Hills and other architectural highlights that define the city’s skyline. The rooftop also houses the Intermezzo Restaurant and Café, where guests can enjoy dishes inspired by Hungarian culinary traditions with a modern twist.

Beyond leisure travel, the hotel also caters to corporate guests and event organizers. The property includes approximately 267 square meters of meeting space divided into three multifunctional rooms, allowing it to host conferences, meetings and private events.

A Strategic Entry Into Central Europe

The Budapest opening reflects Meliá Hotels International’s broader strategy of expanding its presence in culturally significant European destinations. The hotel has joined the company’s Affiliated by Meliá network, a model that allows independent properties to maintain their identity while gaining access to the company’s global distribution channels and loyalty programs.

According to Gabriel Escarrer, Chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, the company sees Budapest as an important addition to its European portfolio. “Opening our first hotel in Budapest is a milestone for Meliá as we continue to expand into destinations that inspire today’s travelers,” he said.

The property is owned by hospitality operator 1912 Hotels, which manages a portfolio of hotels across several European destinations. Through the partnership with Meliá, the group aims to combine the property’s local character with the advantages of an international hotel brand.

Audun Lekve, CEO of 1912 Hotels, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration. “The upcoming conversion of the hotel to INNSiDE by Meliá is a very important step in the evolution of our portfolio. This alliance with Meliá allows us to combine a strong local character with a globally recognized lifestyle brand, driving our growth ambitions and elevating the experience for our guests,” he said.

Future Conversion Into INNSiDE by Meliá

While the hotel currently operates under the Affiliated by Meliá label, the property is expected to undergo a major transformation over the next three years. The hotel will gradually reposition and convert into INNSiDE by Meliá, one of the group’s lifestyle-focused brands aimed at urban travelers.

The conversion will introduce updated design concepts, flexible social spaces and new guest experiences inspired by local culture. INNSiDE by Meliá properties are known for their modern aesthetic and creative atmosphere, often targeting younger travelers and those seeking lifestyle-oriented city stays.

Meliá’s arrival in Budapest also comes at a time when the Hungarian capital is seeing increased interest from international hotel brands. Several global operators have recently announced projects in the city as tourism in Central Europe continues to recover and attract investment.

With its central location and planned transformation into a lifestyle property, the future INNSiDE Budapest is expected to strengthen the brand’s presence in the region while offering travelers a new option in one of Europe’s most dynamic urban destinations.

Hotels & Resorts, News

Six Senses has officially opened its first hotel in the United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone for the luxury hospitality brand as it continues expanding its presence in major global cities. The new Six Senses London occupies part of The Whiteley, a large mixed-use development created from the historic Whiteley’s department store building in West London.

The opening represents a new chapter for the brand, which has traditionally focused on resort destinations such as tropical islands or mountain retreats. With recent openings in Rome and Kyoto, Six Senses is increasingly bringing its wellness-oriented hospitality model into urban environments, aiming to create what it describes as “urban sanctuaries” in major cities.

Located near Hyde Park and the vibrant Notting Hill neighborhood, Six Senses London occupies roughly a quarter of The Whiteley development. The property blends modern luxury with the building’s original Art Deco heritage, preserving historic architectural elements while introducing contemporary design and wellness-focused amenities.

The hotel features 109 rooms and suites, many of which include private terraces overlooking the surrounding neighborhood. In addition to traditional guest accommodations, the development also includes 14 branded Six Senses residences, allowing long-term residents to experience the brand’s lifestyle offering.

Dining options at the property include Whiteley’s Kitchen, Bar and Café, which focuses on modern British cuisine and aims to serve both hotel guests and the local community. The hotel is designed to feel integrated with the surrounding neighborhood, creating a welcoming atmosphere that extends beyond the traditional hotel experience.

Wellness and Lifestyle at the Heart of the Concept

A defining feature of Six Senses London is its large wellness complex, which spans nearly 25,000 square feet and reflects the brand’s longstanding emphasis on health, recovery and wellbeing.

The spa includes what the company describes as the first magnesium mineral-water pool in a London hotel, alongside a 66-foot indoor swimming pool. Guests also have access to a variety of wellness facilities, including cryotherapy chambers, flotation therapy spaces, a longevity clinic and a biohack recovery lounge focused on performance and recovery.

Fitness and wellness programming are designed to support both relaxation and physical activity, offering guests an environment where they can reset while staying in the city.

The hotel also introduces the first Six Senses Place, a private members concept designed to bring together wellness, community and lifestyle experiences in one space. The concept blends social gathering areas with health-focused amenities, encouraging members and guests to connect while focusing on wellbeing.

According to Neil Palmer, chief operating officer of Six Senses, the London opening reflects the brand’s evolving strategy to bring its core philosophy to city environments.

“By bringing the Six Senses core vision of reconnection to cosmopolitan cities such as Rome, Kyoto and now London we are creating urban sanctuaries,” Palmer said.

Six Senses currently operates 27 properties across 20 countries and continues to grow under the ownership of IHG Hotels & Resorts. Additional projects are planned in destinations including Portugal, Japan and Bangkok, reflecting the brand’s ambition to expand its global footprint while maintaining its focus on wellness, sustainability and experiential hospitality.

With the opening of Six Senses London, the brand adds a distinctive new luxury option to the city’s hotel landscape while reinforcing its strategy of blending wellness, design and lifestyle in major international destinations.

Hotels & Resorts, News