Gold Coast’s Palazzo Versace now one of few Australian dog-friendly five-star hotels

YOU’LL never guess which iconic hotel has opened its doors to VIPs (that’s Very Important Pets) like Baby, here.

Melissa Brown is thrilled her maltese terrier Baby is welcome at the Palazzo Versace on t

FOR a dog’s life, this sure isn’t too ruff.

Maltese terrier Baby is among a new breed of VIP (Very Important Pet) guests at the Gold Coast’s Palazzo Versace hotel.

The swish Main Beach establishment has become one of the few dog-friendly five-star hotels in Australia.

Versace crystal food and water bowls, posh pet pillows and the chance to chow down in the waterfront fine-dining ­restaurant Vie are all part of the upmarket experience for pets.

Palazzo Versace general manager Russell Durnell, himself a dog lover, introduced the initiative to cater for guests who can’t bear to be parted from their precious pets while on holiday.

Versace’s $500-a-night “Palazzo Pooch Package” also includes a “Superior Pet Room”, optional doggie-treat room service and pet-sitting. Canine customers aren’t allowed in indoor restaurants or around the pool and dogs must be under 20kg.

Gold Coast woman Melissa Burrows celebrated her birthday at Versace this week with seven-year-old Baby. “She’s like my daughter,” Ms Burrows said.