The Imperial Hotel on the Gold Coast plagued by one-star reviews
In the wake of reports that a five-star hotel on the Gold Coast was “rotting from the inside”, multiple more visitors have shared their horror experiences.
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In the wake of reports that a five-star hotel on the Gold Coast was “rotting from the inside”, multiple more visitors have shared their horror experiences.
A slew of negative reviews recently battered Main Beach’s The Imperial Hotel, which was known as Palazzo Versace before its rebrand in 2023.
In response to the scathing one-star reviews an Imperial Hotel spokesperson said they were “undergoing extensive renovations to enhance our guests’ experience”.
Former Imperial Hotel guest Brian Cee claimed when he stayed at the hotel the “passages stunk of stale water”.
“The room had mould in the shower, the brass taps were really badly oxidised, the spa bath had an issue and they refused to move us to a different room,” he said.
“Never had any thoughts of ever going back again.
“Yes, the foyer and bar areas downstairs come across as luxurious but the rooms were third class.”
A Bulletin reader called for the building to be “demolished” despite the hotel’s promise for a revamp.
Multiple other Gold Coasters shared their disappointed over the news and said it was a “sad” moment for the city’s history.
“What a sad demise of a once fabulous and iconic hotel and to the amazing staff who made it a destination hotel in its heyday as the Palazzo Versace,” Paul Papanicolaou said.
Clara CJ added it was “such a shame because it used to be so amazing and the last five years its has just been a slow decline”.
‘Rotting, outdated’: Inside ‘tired’ five-star hotel on the Gold Coast
Negative reviews battering a five-star Gold Coast hotel - once iconically branded as fashion house Palazzo Versace - include a visitor saying it’s “literally rotting from the inside out”.
But Main Beach’s The Imperial Hotel, formerly known as Palazzo Versace before its rebrand in 2023, is responding to the slew of negative reviews by saying in a statement the hotel was “undergoing extensive renovations to enhance our guests’ experience”.
The Imperial Hotel received several one-star reviews from visitors during the recent holiday period.
Visitors said they spotted mould on mattresses and sunbeds, broken sinks and TVs, rotten wood in the corners of the room and complained about the hotel feeling “tired”.
One visitor claimed they would never stay at the hotel again after their $999 three-night holiday in December.
They claimed they were “surprised” the “rooms looked very old with damaged furniture”.
They claimed they were given a mouldy mattress and spotted mould on the sun beds near the hotel’s luxurious pool.
“I would be embarrassed to recommend my friends to stay at The Imperial Hotel.”
They said they took their complaints about the mouldy mattress to the staff and were pleased with the response.
“The young girl on reception was very nice and apologetic when I told her”.
In its statement, the Imperial Hotel said: “Our pool area has been completely updated, with new furniture in place, providing a fresh and relaxing atmosphere.
“Other areas of the hotel are also being revamped, and we can’t wait to share the results with you and our guests.
“The Imperial Hotel, with its grand lobby, stunning meeting spaces, exquisite lagoon pool overlooking the Broadwater, and dedicated staff, continues to be an iconic luxury hotel on the Gold Coast.
“We look forward to welcoming both returning and new guests to experience timeless elegance with us.”
Rosemary Proum shared a startling one-star review on Google after her stay over New Year’s.
“I was so excited to stay here for New Year’s Eve with my husband and kids but it was such a let down,” she said.
“The rooms are really old and outdated, room service would forget to clean our room and would only make the bed.
“For the money you pay to stay at the hotel it’s definitely not worth it.”
Luke Gilbert, staying for Christmas, claimed it was the “worst stay in recent memory”.
“Everything about this place is dilapidated and broken, the sinks, the doors, the TVs,” he said.
“We have stayed at this property many times over the years and have always had pleasant stays. Save your money and find somewhere else at this point.”
Te Hana lodged a one-star review on Google after her November stay, claiming the hotel was “literally rotting from the inside out”.
“I found mould and rotten wood in the corners of our room near the windows and a decaying wall in the hallway,” she said.
“The carpets throughout the hotel are also filthy
“Very disappointing at $425 per night. I won’t be staying there again.”
Some visitors said the negatives didn’t dampen their experience.
Rod Morrison said while the hotel was “a little tired”, staff were “outstandingly helpful and friendly in every area”.
“Not much seating beside the pool and the pool lounge covers are very tired and torn but the pool is nice and well maintained,” he said. “Certainly worth it.”
A one-night stay ranges from $380 to $2000.
Originally published as The Imperial Hotel on the Gold Coast plagued by one-star reviews
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