The basics
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Jupiters Hotel and Casino
Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
P: 07 5592 8100
E: jgcrooms@echoent.com.au
W: www.jupitersgoldcoast.com.au
Cost: It’s possible to get rooms mid-week as low as $150, but they jack up to around $200 on weekends. Rack rate is $550 but those willing to splash that sort of cash around will get their foot in the door of the executive suite where there’s room for a party.
Jupiters remains one of the biggest hotels on the coast with 592 rooms, including 29 suites and two penthouses with private sun terraces.
The room
Jupiters celebrates its 20th birthday in 2014, and the rooms still hold their charm from when they opened, particularly when it comes to decor.
Rooms are clean, beds in tip top shape, and it’s always a key indicator that the hotel is looked after when the bathrooms are spick and span. Gold finishings on black tiles add a regal touch.
If it’s a special weekend, consider the executive suites. The penthouse has a dining room table for eight, a lounge room, and a large private terrace which would comfortably host a party of 20 – although it might be worth telling the hotel that’s what you’re planning before you do it.
The bed is a four-poster, and there are a couple of televisions. Normal advice would be to stay away from the mini bar, but there’s something very cool about strolling over to the bar, pouring yourself a martini, and plotting how you’ll go about catching the bad guys – as you overlook the waterways of the Gold Coast and hinterland mountains to your right, and the coastline to your left.
The executive floors also provide access to the executive lounge where there are snacks and refreshments throughout the day.
The Food
There’s a Chinese restaurant, Italian a la carte, western buffet, modern café and high-end pub grub – the 24-hour mini city spoils its customers for choice.
Zen serves up authentic Chinese. The menu is void of westernised deep-fried bain marie-style food. The chef here prefers to draw the menu from Hong Kong and mainland delicacies. This is a good thing. And don’t be surprised if they show you your meal in its live form before they cook it.
The pick of evening fare is Osterio Vivo, where you’ll swear the tomatoes came straight from the vine. The restaurant prides itself on fresh ingredients and crumbed veal on the bone is a great option. Another laid-back option would be the PA Pub which does burgers and other pub-style food with a modern twist.
The favoured breakfast option is the aptly-named Food Fantasy, where all the normal hot goodies and fresh fruits are laid out. Don’t forget to order a freshly-made omelette.
The Activities
Contrary to popular belief, the casino isn’t all about gambling. Sure, there are Blackjack tables, roulette wheels and poker machines. But it’s much more than that.
The resort pool is one of the better ones on the coast – vast in size, and surprisingly not over-crowded.
Touch Therapy is the on-site spa, where therapists are contracted to cover round-the-clock shifts – the only place on the coast to do so. They’ll ease away any tension gained on the poker tables, or niggles attained during the week at work. Couples might like to order a bottle of champagne with a few chocolates to add to the decadence.
There’s also a hair studio, and a few shops. And shows are lined up throughout the year in the Jupiters theatre. Then, there’s an opportunity to don the dancing shoes for a visit the lobby bar.
The Weekend
Eat, play, stay. The theme’s almost clichéd, but there’s certainly no shortage of things to do at a place which over 20 years has become a favourite for those wanting to put the emphasis on the “play” component of their getaway.
It’s possible to venture outside the walls of the hotel and casino complex. Pacific Fair is across the road, and Broadbeach is a block the other way. But who’d have the time?
Gamblers will schedule in some time for their game of choice, but others will be happy eating their way through a variety of menus, catching entertainment, relaxing on a massage table, and lazing by the pool.
It’s not quite Vegas, but it arguably takes the prize for the most progressive casino in Queensland – and remains ideal for a one- or two-night stay.
- Simon Holt was a guest of Jupiters Hotel and Casino.
