Luxury Hotel Brands Ink Signings in Australasia

Australasia, the southwest Pacific Ocean region including Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and other nearby islands, is attracting more big-name luxury hotel brands to its scenic mountainous and oceanside destinations. 

This week Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts and Marriott’s St. Regis Hotels & Resorts announced new signings for properties in Australia and New Zealand, respectively. It will be the brands’ debuts in both countries. Here’s what we know so far about each hotel, both set to open sometime in 2027. 

LXR to Take Over Palazzo Versace in Queensland, Australia 

The hotel formally known as Palazzo Versace, and currently operating as The Imperial Hotel, will reopen in early 2027 after renovations as an LXR property, marking the brand’s entry into Australia.  

Located on the Gold Coast’s Southport Spit, the hotel will feature 200 rooms and offer access to the Gold Coast Broadwater and proximity to popular attractions on the South-East Queensland coast, such as Marina Mirage. 

“The Gold Coast provides an ideal setting for LXR’s distinctive approach to luxury, where place, design and experience are deeply connected,” said Tushar Raniga, director of development for Australasia at Hilton. “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.” 

The St. Regis Queenstown to Mark Brand’s New Zealand Debut 

Expected to open in late 2027, The St. Regis Queenstown will be a new-build property occupying a busy street corner of central Queenstown. 

The hotel will feature 145 rooms and views of The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu, as well as The St. Regis Spa, dining venues such as The Drawing Room and The St. Regis Bar, an indoor heated pool, a fitness center, and the brand’s signature butler service. 

“This latest signing is another example of Marriott’s leadership as the world’s largest operator of luxury hotels, a rapidly growing segment in the industry,” said Richard Crawford, vice president of hotel development for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific at Marriott International. “The St. Regis Queenstown is set to be undeniably the destination’s finest hotel offering and will further elevate Queenstown’s status as a must-visit destination.”