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

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

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.

Nothing but the best for maltese terrier Baby - pictured with her owner Melissa Burrows - during her stay at Palazzo Versace

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.

Baby the maltese terrier lives it up at Palazzo Versace

Source:  Herald Sun - 9th April 2014