Five great reasons to escape to The Star Gold Coast

The hype is building as the countdown begins for the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast next year. The good news for travellers looking for a bit of sun and sand on our most famous beach strip is all the action taking place with hotels upgrading or being built - none more impressive than mighty The Star Gold Coast, formerly known as Jupiters. Best of all, once collecting your Gold Coast car rental there's only a quick 15 minute drive north and The Star Gold Coast will have you checked in within a flash.

What's all the fuss about? Plenty. The Star Gold Coast is in the midst of an $850 million remake. Since 2014 this star of the show in beautiful Broadbeach has already undergone some serious make over work, including the snazzy refurb of more than 590 rooms refreshed Lobby area and much more. Try these five great reasons to escape to The Star Gold Coast - no matter where you're from.

One... The rooms are dreamy

Any hotel refurbishment generally means rooms are going to hit a certain standard with a beautiful fresh look and new feel, but The Star Gold Coast has put a lot of consideration into this. Ours was a King Superior Deluxe Room, spacious and super functional. Think blinds that automatically open upon entry, strategic bedside-placed switches and buttons for lighting, aircon and other functions, all complemented by beautifully inviting interiors. But the winning move is a specially designed pillow menu and ‘The Cloud’ mattress topper exclusive to The Star and bathing amenities by L’Occitane.

Two... The food!

The locals tell me food has always been top quality at the venue, but the reinvention of The Star has introduced some world-class stunners in restaurant terms. Elegant and oozing a dimly-lit atmosphere is incredible Kiyomi, a multi-award winning hatted Japanese restaurant infusing a tapas-style approach to small dishes with intense flavours and immaculate presentation. The menu is packed with sashimi (raw), izakaya (small plates), tempura (fried), binchotan (grill), other sushi, salad, soup and desserts as well as degustation and set menu alternatives. Other newbies include scrumptious new Chinese restaurant Imperial (brand new, in fact), the earthy and spectacular Garden Kitchen & Bar, complete with huge outdoor dining and party area with a giant big screen, more Asian influence with Mei Dumplings restaurant, Cucina Vivo, and Food Fantasy, one of the best buffet experiences you'll ever have for either breakfast or dinner. The smorgasbord offers more than 80 dishes from around the world, including an irresistible hot and cold buffet selection, roast meats and salads.

Three... Entertainment

Yes, there's still a casino and all the fun one can have with top bars, roulette wheels and card tables, but there's a lot more these days including a bold and bright theatre being the perfect platform to showcase some of the world’s best performers, stage shows and exclusive film premieres. Its modern architecture and cutting-edge technology make it a leading entertainment venue.

Four... Broadbeach

Literally 5 minutes walk over the bridge is Broadbeach central with loads of bars, food options, shopping and a beautiful beach to soak up the sun, sand and surf or catch a friendly game of beach volleyball in full swing. Surfers Paradise is only a 15-20 minute walk away, too, so everything's quite close.

Five... Day trips

Take your pick. Want to head for the hinterland and more alternative charms of Byron Bay in the south? Or how about heading north for some theme park action at all the worlds including Wet 'N' Wild, Movieworld, Seaworld, Dreamworld and more? Head even further north and you'll be in Brisbane. It's a beaut location with lots to do nearby with a comfy and exciting hotel to come back to for dinner and snooze in sublime comfort.