The Gold Coast has revamped its appearance, opting for a chic and refined look that’s less colorful and more sophisticated
Earlier this week, a friend of mine who resides in Brisbane gave me a phone call. He usually pays occasional visits to the Gold Coast, whether it’s just for a day trip or a longer weekend stay. Whenever my hometown is featured in the news, he tends to take a keen interest.
He criticized the global fashion house for not renewing the branding of the luxury Palazzo Versace hotel, which it had maintained for almost 25 years, saying, “It appears that the House of Versace is pulling out of the Gold Coast.”
The situation seems unfavorable as it appears that the Gold Coast’s era of magnificence and allure might have come to an end.
Upon hearing such a perspective, I couldn’t help but shake my head in disbelief at the lack of awareness some individuals possess. If one genuinely believes that the Palazzo Versace is the epitome of the Gold Coast’s greatness, it’s highly probable that they have been out of touch with the city’s development, much like my acquaintance.
Let me clarify – back in September 2000, the Palazzo Versace was an appropriate choice of hotel for the city it was situated in. It was extravagant, showy, and excessive – you can pick whichever term you prefer. The hotel was adorned with numerous Medusa tiles, copious amounts of marble, and a striking chandelier once owned by Gianni Versace himself. It also drew in a continuous flow of A-list celebrities who indulged in its self-proclaimed six-star opulence, such as Bono, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Pamela Anderson, and even Snoop Dogg.
Described as a dream location, the multimillion-dollar project aimed to replicate the colorful and diverse atmosphere of Europe on the Gold Coast. Regina King, a well-known social columnist on the Gold Coast, attests to its grandeur and has spent numerous days and nights at its top-notch establishments.
Entering the foyer and witnessing the intricate tiles and the Milanese crystal chandelier suspended overhead was a breathtaking experience. The luxurious atmosphere perfectly complemented the Gold Coast’s aesthetic during the early 2000s, but in all honesty, the Versace brand was more significant in the 80s, 90s, and 00s and has lost some of its relevance in recent times.
The Gold Coast has a unique characteristic of reinventing itself every decade, akin to a snake shedding its skin and transforming into something new.
The Gold Coast is often the subject of criticism, as residents are aware. The city is associated with bikies, bikinis, and a noticeable bogan population. Additionally, it has an excess of reality TV stars per capita, which is more than any city should have or desire. Furthermore, the Gold Coast’s only Versace-branded hotel was in operation for 23 years, making it a noteworthy story when it came to a close.
However, the contemporary Gold Coast is more than just Medusa tiles, as some might assume. The city’s reputation is not as loud and flashy as it’s made out to be by some in Brisbane.
In the past, prominent figures would head straight to the Versace hotel upon their arrival in the city. However, nowadays, they have their sights set on the southern postcodes of the Gold Coast.
During his recent tour, Harry Styles is reported to have thoroughly enjoyed his stay at The Langham. While filming Elvis in the city, Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, resided in Broadbeach. Permanent residents of the Gold Coast can usually be spotted dining in suburban areas such as Nobby Beach, Chirn Park, or Palm Beach, rather than the bustling Surfers Paradise.
