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LXR Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Australia with New Signing in South‑East Queensland, continuing Hilton’s Expansion in the Region

Imperial Hotel Exterior
Commanding a prime position on the Gold Coast’s Southport Spit, the hotel will welcome guests from early 2027

SYDNEY, Australia - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the signing of an iconic Gold Coast hotel with Islander Hotel Trading Pty Ltd. The property will introduce LXR Hotels & Resorts to Australia in early 2027 after a renovation. The new hotel marks a significant milestone in Hilton’s expansion in Australia, bringing LXR Hotels & Resorts bespoke personal service and timeless pursuit of adventure to the South-East Queensland coast.

“The Gold Coast provides an ideal setting for LXR’s distinctive approach to luxury, where place, design and experience are deeply connected. The property holds one of the most alluring positions along the city’s main coastal corridors and will introduce the independent spirit of LXR to the Australian market. We are proud to work with our partners to bring this exceptional destination to life and to continue expanding Hilton’s presence in one of the region’s most dynamic resort markets,” said Tushar Raniga, director, Development, Australasia, Hilton.

Launching under the LXR brand in 2027, the hotel formally known as Palazzo Versace and currently operating as The Imperial Hotel, will feature 200 rooms with a striking blend of grand neoclassical architecture and Italian-inspired interiors, offering guests direct access to the Gold Coast Broadwater and proximity to key attractions including Marina Mirage.

Imperial Hotel Pool facing the exterior of the hotel, palm trees, pool lounge seating
Imperial Hotel Pool

As the brand’s first Australian property, this hotel will be a natural addition to the hand-picked collection that makes up LXR Hotels & Resorts. Each LXR property celebrates the unique heritage and essence of its locale to deliver truly one-of-a-kind experiences. Guests will discover bespoke service, captivating design, and immersive cultural experiences set within Australia’s premier leisure destination.

Globally, LXR Hotels & Resorts has 36 properties either operating or in the pipeline. The brand recently celebrated the openings of Cameo Beverly Hills and first entry into France with the opening of Sax Paris, and will open another highly anticipated property with Sandblu Santorini in Greece alongside The Den in India later this year. In the next three years, the brand will continue to expand across Asia Pacific in sought-after destinations such as Niseko, Phuket and Da Nang, building on the success of ROKU KYOTO –the brand’s first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel—and Umana Bali.

“The arrival of LXR Hotels & Resorts in the Gold Coast marks an important step in the evolution of the luxury hotel offering in Australia. This hotel will meet the growing needs of a more discerning traveler who is seeking exceptional quality, while still wanting experiences that feel authentic, personal and deeply connected to place. LXR Hotels and Resorts is a collection of hotels that strikes the balance between refined luxury and local character, and the Gold Coast is the perfect example of this, a destination defined by energy, nature and adventure. Guests will discover a luxury experience that feels both elevated and unmistakably local, while embracing the sense of exploration that defines every LXR stay,” said Candice D’Cruz, vice president, Luxury Brands, Asia Pacific.

“As the proud owner of the former Palazzo Versace Gold Coast, we are honored to partner with Hilton to introduce the first luxury brand, LXR Hotels & Resorts to Australia. This transformation represents a new chapter for the property — one that respectfully preserves the hotel’s iconic design heritage while elevating it through a comprehensive refurbishment. Together, we are committed to delivering a reimagined luxury experience that blends timeless elegance with a heightened sense of place, service and sophistication, setting a new benchmark for the Gold Coast” said Li Xu, director, Islander Hotel Trading Pty Ltd.

LXR Hotels & Resorts will join Hilton’s growing collection portfolio in Australia alongside Curio Collection by Hilton and Tapestry Collection by Hilton, further strengthening the company’s presence in the luxury and lifestyle space and offering guests a wider range of distinctive, locally inspired stays across the country.

The hotel will be part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton's 26 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi, and the Hilton Honors mobile app.

Read more about LXR Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com.

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About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 26 world-class brands comprising more than 9,100 properties and over 1.3 million rooms, in 143 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 4 billion guests in its more than 100-year history. Named as the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune, Hilton aims to create the best culture for its 500,000 team members around the world. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 243 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.


About LXR Hotels & Resorts

LXR Hotels & Resorts is a growing collection of nearly 40 trading and pipeline luxury properties that celebrate the timeless pursuit of personal adventure. Found in the world's most alluring destinations, each hand-selected property boasts its own storied past and is infused with the essence of its distinctive locale, providing a luxurious hub for the discerning adventurer. As part of its commitment to enriching the guest experience, LXR Hotels & Resorts celebrates experiential travel with the Pursuit of Adventure, a new brand signature that immerses guests in authentic, curated experiences that reflect the unique culture and character of each destination. LXR Hotels & Resorts is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Each property benefits from the strength of the Hilton enterprise and its award-winning Hilton Honors program. Experience an inspiring stay at LXR Hotels & Resorts by booking at lxrhotels.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about LXR Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/lxr and follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook.