Imperial Hotel Gold Coast

Location wise very good. Enjoyed our stay as we have on previous occasions. Fantastic buffet breakfast and very helpful/ professional staff

Manager cannot upgrade the room even if the occupancy rate is less than half, called receiption during night and waited for long time for a staff to pick up call

First off, I read all the other reviews here and was bracing myself but having been there now I can confidently say that some people will complain about anything. The Imperial was gorgeous and was definitely a 5-star experience. We arrived and the helpful valet took our luggage. The check-in process was a comfy seat-and-desk experience and was a breeze. Our luggage was quickly delivered to our room and the room was perfect: exceptionally comfortable with soft king size bed, couch, extra chairs, lovely bathroom area and jetted soaking tub. The room was super clean and well maintained. Holly and her staff were so friendly and attentive. We loved the breakfast buffet with delicious eggs cooked multiple ways, bacon, sausage, waffles, pancakes plus so many more options for yogurts, toasted breads, savoury options and sweets. It was delicious. Their barista coffee hit the spot The seafood buffet on Saturday night was excellent with a great selection of seafood plus a delicious carving station and other amazing options. Well worth the price. We had great weather so we booked a cabana package and had a lovely relaxing day near the pool. In the evenings we loved having wines with a sunset view towards the water. The hotel was super clean, comfortable, and just overall amazing. I feel bad for the complainers because it seems they probably won't be happy anywhere if they found faults here.

Once celebrated as Australia’s first - ever luxury branded hotel, Palazzo Versace was a fashion icon of luxury and elegance. Its transformation into the Imperial palace marked a pivotal moment - a chance for the hotel to reinvent itself and redefine its identity. Sadly it seemed that the opportunity was missed. Instead of embracing change and elevating the guest experience, it appeared the hotel chose to lets its potential slip away. Starting my Hotel Tour in the Gold Coast my first stop was at the Imperial, the grand entrance was truly stunning, boasting an Italian - inspired design that immediately caught the eye. A large crystal chandelier hung majestically above, perfectly complimenting the luxurious gold accents throughout, creating an impressive first impression. Upon check-in I was somewhat left with an underwhelming first experience. No information was provided about the Hotels amenities or service and the process felt rushed and unwelcoming. My room was delightful offering stunning views overlooking the pool, making it a peaceful and relaxing retreat. The Italian inspired decor was charming and elegant, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. I decided to start my journey around the hotel by visiting the gym, I was met with the corridors torn - up carpets that created an unsettling and neglected feeling, which detracts from the overall ambiance of the space. The gym was closed due to water damage which was not mentioned upon check-in, however I was determined to over look a minor inconvenience. I woke up fresh the next morning ready to seize what the Imperial had on offer. The breakfast buffet had a wide variety and plenty to offer, whilst the taste was a delight the visual presentation fell short of a five - star restaurant. In fine dining presentation is almost as important as flavour, and unfortunately some of the dishes lacked that polished, upscale look that elevates a meal to the next level. The pastry buffet in particular could benefit from from more elegant display arrangements and better attention to detail rather than an over-site of uncovered wires giving the feel of a workers bench top, than there is the health and safety element that is overlooked when milk is left out for guest to help themselves to with no means on the proper guidelines on keeping it cold and within safe temperature range. I did some investigating journalism when seeking out answers with staff and was met with answers like “ Management know they just don’t care and told us not to care”. Seems like employees have lost their passion due to their employers - sadly speaks volumes. When it comes to traveling there is no budget constraints, I fully intended on indulging in a relaxing day by the pool, my experience was unfortunately marked by frequent inconveniences that diminished my overall enjoyment. Each time I sought a drink, food or towel I was required to leave the pool area and walk to the lobby lounge, which was both time - consuming and disruptive to my relaxation. This inefficient setup not only affected my comfort but also resulted in missed revenue opportunities for the establishment. Regrettably, it appeared that guest convenience and a seamless, five - star experience were not prioritised by management. Your Hotel summary is very misleading - it quotes that you have multiple award winning restaurants, however you have one operating restaurant and one lobby lounge that seemed to be sectioned off and operational only to Management and not your Guests. Most your outlets like Vanitas and your wellness centre has been closed almost as long as your hotel has been operational. Furthermore the claim that the property is one of the worlds top 5-star resorts in inaccurate and misleading. My final assessment of the Hotel is that it would greatly benefit from new ownership committed to delivering true 5 - star service. The current management team appears to lack the responsiveness and solutions oriented approach expected at this level, often providing excuses rather than addressing issues effectively. I strongly encourage a review of the hospitality and tourism 5-star code of conduct guidelines, as adherence to these standards is essential for genuine excellence. Additionally, listening attentively to employees who are a reflection of of their employers values and treatment - is crucial. Revitalising the passion and commitment within the team will not only enhance guest satisfaction but also positively influence online reviews and overall reputation. Good Luck Imperial

Honestly, there is so many disappointments with our stay, I should list them in bullet points. *Internet does not work in rooms properly, had to call technician multiple times to reset - in the end had to go down to lobby to send messages *Room dated, but clean. Had to remind cleaner to refil the soap pumps *Hotel manager decided to conduct new staff interviews in high tea area and cordonned off the area whilst interviews took place! Guest could not relax in that area. *Each and every day the lobby sitting area had RESERVED signs, so guests could not use, except for one place only. *Paid $100 each for a seafood buffet meal, where seafood was below average, except for the sea scallops. Seafood defrosted and no taste. All desserts had the same flavour. *During breakfast, tried to get the attention of the chef for some sauce (female, late 30, early 40s, dark hair in ponytail) who you could see out the back watching tv on her mobile eating! Gave up in the end! *Room alloted faced main road with traffic noise - we stared longly at the Sheraton Grand across the road wishing we booked there *Raining whilst there, no spare umbrellas offered by doormen *Reception staff, although very nice and professional, have unclear communication. EG - I asked about gym access, no closed due to water damage. Next day I mentioned to another reception staff member, they said we have guests passes to the gym next door! *Had a friend come to visit us at the hotel, took him for drinks, no nibbles offered with the overpriced glasses of wine *Branding is none exsistant for a highly regarded establishment *Pool area, pool bar unattended, pool area not very tidy, found used glasses in the sand area *I leave the WORSE till last. On arrival, as you expect, the hotel wants a bond/deposit. $500 was held on my account from 28 March until 02 May. Those funds were unable to be used for our complete holiday. Other hotels we stayed in during that time had kept the bond for less than 5 days max. So warning to all, do not use a DEBIT card for bond at this hotel, only use an AMEX or 3rd party credit card! The good things? Not many: *Breakfast was good, floor clearing of plates staff were very very nice and friendly. *Reception staff, very friendly, and you could tell they were constantly dealing with complaints. In summary, bad experience and extremely disappointed with it being the beginning of our holiday and not to mention money wasted. Don't only go by my comments - you can believe all you read with other disappointed guests on this website.

Italian interior decoration is perfecto! I like the fact it is only 3 story. Dislike highrise tall tower buildings.

Fabulous stay at the Imperial Hotel. Our room over looked the pool, was very spacious, clean and well furnished, with a spa bath and a shower. The pool area was awesome with a sandy beach that dropped into the pool. The food we had was enjoyable and after our evening meal we listened to the live piano and singing entertainment which gave the bar area a great vibe. The one disappointment was the lighting in the bathroom which was very dull and made it hard to apply make up. I will definitely be returning for another stay.

Great location for what we were after.

All good

If you're looking for luxury, elegance, and world-class service—keep looking. The Imperial Hotel Gold Coast is where overpriced delusion meets a complete operational breakdown. Room service? More like hide and seek. You’ll wait forever, get forgotten, and when you dare ask where your order is, the staff act like you’ve personally ruined their day. Bold strategy. “Exclusive areas” = closed for no reason. Want to enjoy that picturesque cabana or bar area you saw online? Too bad. It’s blocked off—because... no one knows why. Maybe just to keep expectations low. Management 101: Blame the guest. The manager handles complaints like a moody school principal from the 1950s—curt, condescending, and allergic to accountability. Staff experience: 3 days (combined). The people running the show seem to have just finished orientation—if that. Every request is a guessing game, and no one has a clue what’s actually on offer. Disconnect deluxe. The website promises the world. The staff haven’t read it. So when you mention an advertised service, be prepared for blank stares and awkward apologies. Faded glam. The place is tired, worn, and desperately in need of a refresh. It’s like staying at a Versace museum exhibit that’s been looted and left to rot. If you like overpaying for confusion, condescension, and the privilege of being treated like a nuisance—this is your spot. Otherwise, book literally anywhere else.