On the upswing – renewed glory par for the course as Mercure Gold Coast Resort completes multi million-dollar update

One of Australia’s original prestige golf-resort addresses, the Mercure Gold Coast Resort, is set for a major renaissance following the completion of a dramatic multimillion dollar hotel upgrade thismonth.

The extensive redesign and upgrade is the first major renovation at the property since it opened its doors almost 17 years ago amidst the Gold Coast’s “Green Belt” and five affiliated championship golf courses – Lakelands, Palm Meadows, Robina Woods, Colonial and The Glades.

The hotel’s General Manager, Jamie O’Donnell, who has meticulously overseen the rejuvenation project, says the enhancements reinforce Mercure Gold Coast Resort’s strong position in driving a new generation of sports tourism and business for the region, beyond the beach and hinterland.

“Astounding guests with the transformation and restoring the hotel to its former glory is a project I’ve been very proud to lead,” said Mr O’Donnell.  “We’re delighted with the result, and Mercure is now poised to reclaim its place as one of the region’s premier sports, events and leisure destination hotels”.

The dramatic transformation of the Mercure Gold Coast Resort was completed in consultation with one of the country’s leading hotel refurbishment interior design teams In Design International, led by designer Penny del Castillo.

The redesign extends to major central facilities and guest rooms, and soft furnishings and AV in the conference space.

The concept theme development was strongly influenced by the geographical location and surrounding golf course, both of which played a major part in determining the approach to design and finishes to achieve casual yet chic interiors.

Renovations in rooms and suites include all furnishings and fittings, and for a contemporary and relaxed resort vibe, boast a modern colour palette with hints of en trend orange in trimmed scatter cushions and designer, deck-chair style fabrics adorning bedheads. The use of natural timber with local Queensland-style horizontal groove and slim line furnishings adds a laid-back yet sophisticated appeal for guests.

Mercure’s inspiring public area update is punctuated by a new-look lobby, state of the art reception area, and modern restaurant and bar. Smart and edgy “screenwood” timber battening now envelops the reception area bulkheads and back wall, providing architectural ambience to the space, while new stone cladding on check-in counters add sophistication and elegance.

In an Australian hotel first, oversized extra-large “Deltalight Metronome’’ pendant lights – a massive 2100mm x 1400mm in diameter – have been installed and take pride of place in the double story entrance lobby. An equally enormous custom designed inlaid rug further adds to the Mercure’s revived ‘sense of arrival’, setting the scene for a mix of resort style furniture  and stylised botanical imagery to complement the existing architectural curves of the mezzanine level above.

Other additions include a private dining room overlooking the pool, and new walls and banquette seating in the restaurant to make way for a broader variety of dining and catering options – a departure from the previous open plan style restaurant, and created in response to demand from conference groups and local guests looking for more intimate options.

Mercure Gold Coast Resort is regarded as an iconic sports tourism hotel for the region with a strong track record in supporting major events – not least of all, with the adjacent world-class Palm Meadows course, which has hosted a wide range of international tournaments over the last 25 years.

Mr O’Donnell said, “Our challenge was to build upon our existing infrastructure and history, and we made a strategic investment decision to revitalise and enhance our appeal, in order to capitalise on the hotel’s location in the heart of a burgeoning sporting hub.

“This decision was further supported by the hotel’s close proximity to the Cbus and Metricon Stadiums, attracting NRL and AFL business, which has allowed us to broaden our cache as a true sporting destination in recent years aside our significant golf course offerings.”

Opened as the Radisson Gold Coast Resort in December 1997 and rebranded by the Australia’s largest hotel operator, Accor, in November 2012, the Mercure Gold Coast Resort is ideally situated between the Gold Coast’s legendary beaches and the rainforest retreats of Springbrook and Mt Tamborine.

Guests have access to the hotel’s extensive resort facilities, including a day spa, driving range, two outdoor pools, four floodlit tennis courts, a fully equipped gymnasium, sauna and an outdoor spa.

The resort is particularly well designed for conferences, events, incentives, weddings and other functions, with a capacity for up to 700 delegates. Facilities include 7 versatile conference rooms and numerous outdoor venues.

SPECIAL RELAUNCH OFFER

Rates to stay at the Mercure Gold Coast Resort start from $129 per room per night. To celebrate the completion of its renovation, Mercure will include a free breakfast on all new accommodation bookings made stay at the hotel before the 23^rd of November 2014. The offer is subject to availability and terms and conditions apply.

CONFERENCE OFFER

To celebrate the relaunch, Mercure Gold Coast Resort is offering organisers who book and pay for 10 conference packages an 11^th delegate package for free. The offer is valid for new bookings made before 23^rd of December 2014 for events in 2015 (subject to availability and terms and conditions apply).

For more information on both offer, visit www.mercuregoldcoastresort.com.au or contact the resort on 07 5555 7700.

Source:  Global Travel Media - 13th November 2014