Hotel races to be ready

THE Gold Coast’s newest luxury hotel will open in March and welcome its first guests just weeks before the Commonwealth Games begin.

The finishing touches are being put on the 17-storey The Darling tower at The Star casino weeks after it was initially expected to open.

However, The Star said a staged opening will take place following the completion of construction in December, as the fitout continues.

A Star spokeswoman said both the hotel’s 57 luxury suites and its $20 million rooftop bar will open in March ahead of the Commonwealth Games beginning in early April.

“The Darling and the rooftop restaurant and bar are progressing as planned, with a staged opening for The Darling having commenced in December,” she said.

“The rooftop restaurant and bar will welcome its first guests in March 2018, with both set to be fully operational before the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.”

A new sports bar will open in the tower ahead of the Games. It will feature large screens which will show events during the Games.

Local DJs are also expected to play at the bar.

The fitout continues on the rooftop bar, which will be managed by acclaimed restaurateur Simon Gloftis and entertainment guru Billy Cross.

It will feature a 110-seat dining area connecting to an infinity pool, providing views of the Broadbeach dining and entertainment precinct.

The bar will be able to accommodate between 300 and 500 patrons.

The new tower’s suites range from 70sqm to 328sqm and are aimed at the boutique market.

Following the opening of The Darling, the existing casino hotel will be rebranded as The Star Grand.