Here at CraftGossip.com, we don’t normally review products that don’t fit into our standard category of DIY or Craft. But in this case, we made an exception. It is the Palazzo Versace (Palace of Versace) on the Gold Coast! Face it, even the most battle hardened crafter requires a break now or then. What better way to relax than to soak it up in the luxury of the only six star hotel on the Gold Coast?
We set out to find out if we can mix celebrity with family. The Palazzo is the favourite haunt of the best local and international celebrities that frequent Australia. Could we really take our family (with 2 little kids) there and still have a good time? Turns out, we can!
From the front entrance with its awe inspiring chandelier donated by Versace himself to the hand crafted cobbled entrance inspired and created from the bylanes of Europe, the Palazzo is a work of art. It was formally inaugurated in 2000 and has 200 hotel rooms and suites and 72 private condominiums.
Everything in the hotel has a Versace stamp on it. You cannot mistake this hotel for your standard Holiday Inn. The furnishings are bespoke, the fabrics are luxurious and floors made in rich parquetry style.
But does it have what it takes to satisfy a family? Let’s see.
We checked in after our complementary valet parking and the kids were greeted with their own kids entertainment book. There was challenge on the first page itself. Complete all the activities in the book, get them stamped before you checkout and get a surprise gift. Our daughter accepted the challenge with a grim face and loved the idea.
We were in a lagoon pool room and the kids stared at the pool through the glass door for ages. Talk about keeping the kids entertained.
We shouldn’t have worried about keeping them entertained, as our little toddler son soon found the mini bar and was rummaging through it at will. Thankfully, all the bottles in the mini bar were plastic so we didn’t need to worry about them breaking.
The TV had the usual channels for kids but after staring at the Lagoon beach through the glass door for ages, the kids were keen to go down to it and have some fun. And we obliged.
The Versace has Cabana’s for hire near the lagoon beach starting from $150. This price includes the rent of the Cabana for half a day, bottle of bubblies and a fruit platter. Towels are available from the service desk right next to the beach. It wasn’t much of an issue when we were there, as there were not many people around, but hiring these cabanas might be a good idea during busier times to reserve your space. If you don’t want to hire the cabanas, you can simply use one of the deck chairs. The Versace has a special area for adults who may want some privacy. The 18+ area has its own Cabanas and deck chairs and you can certainly find a secluded space to relax and unwind.
We of course, did the opposite 🙂 Mummy and daddy enjoyed the drink and the fruit while the kids splashed about. The attendent helpfully brought out some beach toys as well! The pool had 5 shallow areas and there was a giant inflatable swan that we could have hired.
Even though the water in the lagoon pool is heated to a nice 26 degrees, the cold sea breeze meant that we couldn’t stay out for too long. We therefore decided to partake the high tea in the lobby restaurant Le Jardin.
With a day of play behind them and their tummies full, the kids decided to retire to the room for some rest and quiet play. Our daughter worked on her activity book and was determined to get her prize from the front desk. The activity book included a number of questions about the hotel, which lead her on a endless journey of questions from us and the hotel staff.
On enquiry at the front desk, we were told that if required, we could arrange child minding services with reputable local agencies. We weren’t going to use it today however as the little one was tired and wouldn’t have stayed with a carer.
In the evening we went out for drinks with friends in the lobby bar while the children played hide and seek around us. Dinner was the seafood buffet at the Il Barocco restaurant and was sumptuous. Unfortunately, only one parent was able to go for dinner as the other one had to babysit our little boy who had decided to fall asleep for the night.
Bedding was comfortable and the kids bed was the sofa (couch) that turned into a bed. The housekeeping service had thankfully prepared all our beds before we came back.
Before checkout next day we decided to wander around the hotel. The Marina Mirage shopping centre next door is full of designer fashion and boutique labels and it took us hours to just look around. While the Versace hotel has this shopping centre on one side, on the other (few steps away) side, is the Seaworld theme park.
Thanks to a late checkout, we were able to wander around for longer than normal. It also allowed our daughter to finally finish her coveted activities book and present it proudly at the checkout for her new favourite teddy bear!
Our review in a nutshell –
The good –
Fantastic service. From the valet at the front door to the housekeeping staff to the wait staff in the restaurant. More than the glitz and glamour, the service is the hallmark of this hotel. The staff are always smiling, always helpful, always attentive. You will feel like royalty.
The rooms and the architecture. Resplendent Italian architecture and bespoke furnishings. Everything seems and is well crafted and individual. You will not find the same thing any where else in the world (till they finish the Palazzo Versace being made in Dubai at least).
The man made lagoon beach. Perfect for kids entertainment. Feels safe and secure.
Maintenance. Even after 10+ years, everything looks fresh and new.
Access to Seaworld and Marina Mirage shopping centre. Both are walking distance.
Year round activities for kids.
The not so perfect –
Food. We tried the high tea and the seafood buffet. Although well within the realms of a luxury hotel, they were not extra ordinary. The high tea in particular was a disappointment. You could make out that the cakes and scones were from a fridge. The seafood buffet was extensive (and fresh), but the hot food that accompanied it lacked flavor. The deserts were an uninspired selection of cakes and odd choices.
Lack of a dedicated kids activities room.
Quality of plastic glasses sent to our room on request. They had seen better days and had lots of scratches.
Our overall verdict? Food might need slight improvement, but if you want to mix a stylish luxury holiday with family friendly accommodations then you can’t go past the Palazzo Versace.
We stayed and reviewed the Palazzo Versace as guests of the hotel.