REVEALED: What Palmer Coolum Resort looks like now

PHOTO GALLERY: Step inside Clive Palmer's Coolum resort to see its transformation from "embarrassing, rundown eyesore" to "the best resort on the Coast".

Clive Palmer says he has no plans at the moment to sell Palmer Coolum Resort. Picture: Brett Wortman

CLIVE Palmer says his Coolum resort in its current state is the best on the Sunshine Coast.

The businessman and former politician said he was disappointed by reports last week that described Palmer Coolum Resort as an "embarrassing, rundown eyesore".

Mr Palmer said maintenance work had been done on the resort over the past week-and-a-half as a part of an annual program.

He said the resort was at "95 or 96 per cent" of what it was when it was fully operational and was providing accommodation for guests.

However, he said those guests were not commercial guests.

"At its current state it is better than any resort on the Sunshine Coast," Mr Palmer said.

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He was at the resort earlier this week "making sure everything was going well".

When asked if he had any plans to sell the resort he replied "not at this stage".

"I like the resort."

"I think it is a great place to be."

He said the decision to close the accommodation option for the public came after running at a loss of between $15 million to $20 million a year for about three or four years.

But he said reopening that option would be "just a decision from me".

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He said the development of the Sunshine Coast Airport "probably" increased the value of his resort.

The maintenance efforts have not gone unnoticed by resort villa part-owner Maree Frecklington.

Ms Frecklington said swimming pools had been cleaned and refilled, cleaners had been working in some long-closed bars and restaurants and Christmas wreaths decorated outdoor furniture.

"It looks good," Ms Frecklington said.

"I had no idea it would come up as good as it has."

She said it looked like the resort was getting ready for business.

"I'm seeing with my own eyes the transformation of this grand old lady."

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said he hoped Mr Palmer would sell the resort to someone who wanted to redevelop it to its former glory.

Cr Jamieson said it was "tragic" the resort had dropped from its former high standard.

"It's a very important asset," Cr Jamieson said.

"It was such a great brand for us."

He said about half a dozen different people or groups had been in touch with him in the past couple of years expressing interest in purchasing the resort.

"They come to see what council's view might be on what they are proposing."

Cr Jamieson said he hoped it would be sold.

"It is just such a waste of a brilliant resource."

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Originally published as REVEALED: What Palmer Coolum Resort looks like now