Back in the eighties, The Star Gold Coast (or Jupiters as it was know back then) was the place to come for sophisticated locals and international travellers, and the same is true again today. This iconic Gold Coast hotel is shining brighter than ever before with multiple accommodation options including The Star Grand, The Dorsett and The Darling. While this is an impressive hotel, it is not for everyone. If you are seeking a fun holiday with the kids, you may be better staying elsewhere as The Star Gold Coast is a 15 minute walk to the beach (with several major intersections to cross) and has no children’s facilities. However, it is the hottest destination in town for grown ups.

Free live music, fabulous restaurants, world-class shows, concerts, comedians, cool DJs – it’s all here. With great dining and entertainment options and Pacific Fair located less than a five minute stroll away, there is little chance of getting bored. The Star Gold Coast’s hotels are also the closest accommodation option for those attending an event at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, making them a convenient choice for business travellers as well.

With tones of white, green and blue and touches of chrome, the rooms at The Star Grand are sleek and sexy with a refined nod to the surrounding ocean. High tech touches include an integrated control system for the lights and curtains which opened automatically when we walked in to reveal beautiful hinterland views (opt for the hinterland outlook rather than an ocean view, it’s stunning watching the sun go down behind the mountains). There is a soft-as-a-cloud king size bed, twin reading chairs, a large smart TV, minibar, coffee pod machine and soft bathrobes with slippers. The biggest change we noticed was the bathroom which had been completely remodelled with new fittings and a more contemporary design. Turn down comes with a treat each evening; we received a cute miniature tube of L’Occitane hand cream.

Our Executive Deluxe Room included access to the Executive Lounge next to reception and benefits such as complimentary valet parking, buffet breakfast for two at Food Fantasy, pre-dinner drinks and canapés, and complimentary light pressing of two garments upon arrival. The Executive Lounge has no view except for an enormous television screen but the offerings were impressive. A tempting selection of cakes and sweet treats were available for afternoon tea. There are also high end wines and sophisticated Pan-Asian inspired canapes offered during the cocktail hour with friendly and attentive service provided by a dedicated staff member.

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Dining is a highlight with options ranging from relaxed café dining at M&G Café (which deserves a mention for its excellent coffee), the famous Food Fantasy buffet, Garden Kitchen & Bar, Italian fare at Cucina Vivo and a hawker style dumpling bar. However, we were here to try the award-winning Japanese restaurant Kiyomi. A word of warning: you should definitely book for Kiyomi, even if you are dining mid week. The restaurant which offers two sittings and is very popular (and deservedly so).

We sat at a high bench overlooking the casino entrance and were treated to some superb people watching. There is a dazzling selection of rolls, sashimi platters, sushi and tempura on offer but we focussed on the izakaya and binchotan sections of the menu. King brown mushrooms with truffle poke and lime were a highlight and followed by grilled prawns with nori butter that challenged our chopstick skills.

Organic duck with umami puree, crispy brussels sprouts and citrus duck jus was superb as was the restaurant’s signature dish, a 9+ Wagyu inside skirt steak from multi-award winning producer David Blackmore which is only available at Kiyomi.

“To prepare this steak, I like to marinate it quickly in a Japanese fermented rice malt (shio koji) as this helps to break down the tissues of the meat and draws more natural umami flavour into the protein, leaving you with a melt-in-your-mouth texture,” says Executive Head Chef Chase Kojima.

“I then grill it to medium rare on Japanese binchotan charcoal and serve it with fresh Tasmanian wasabi. It’s an incredibly simple dish but so delicious and lets the produce do all the talking.” It is his favourite dish on the menu and was ours too, although the mushrooms came a close second.

Overall The Star Gold Coast is a stylish and well-appointed hotel with plenty of bells and whistles and loads of entertainment options. If you want to listen to live music, have a flutter at the casino, sip cocktails by the pool, kick up your heels and enjoy some of the Gold Coast’s best dining – all without leaving your accommodation – this is the place to be.

Disclosure: The writer stayed as a guest of The Star Gold Coast.

Looking for some Gold Coast accommodation? Read our reviews of the Hilton Surfers Paradise, Oaks Calypso Plaza, The Darling, Surfers Paradise Marriott, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, The Star Grand, voco Gold Coast, Wyndham Hotel Surfers Paradise, AVANI Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences, Rydges Gold Coast Airport, Oaks Gold Coast Hotel, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, and the retro La Costa Motel. If you’re visiting the Gold Coast, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to the Gold Coast.