Saturday Briefing

By Dave Lawrence

Just twelve months since Outrigger Hotels & Resorts took over management of the two accommodation towers at the landmark Twin Towns Resort in the Gold Coast’s flourishing Coolanagatta/Tweed Heads tourism precincts, the property is embarking on a significant makeover of the original Ocean Tower.

Ocean Tower model bedroom - the bedrooms in the Ocean Tower will receive elegant new furnishing and original artwork by local artists

When we re-branded the property Outrigger Twin Towns Resort late last year, one of our main priorities was to upgrade the Ocean Tower’s rooms and public areas to complement and reflect the Outrigger brand and adjoining Harbour Tower. Built in 1999, the Ocean Tower is now undergoing a $1.2 million (AUD) refurbishment that will bring all 116-rooms and lobby areas in line with the quality of the newer 4.5 star Harbour Tower built in 2006.

As part of the project, all Ocean Tower hotel rooms will receive elegant new furnishings, bedding, artwork, and fresh contemporary colour schemes. State-of-the art appliances and electronics including large LCD flat screens will be standard throughout all rooms, as will luxurious leather sofas and solid timber furniture. Balancing the rich timber tones will be textured fabrics and soft furnishings in vivid splashes of cobalt, burnished reds and olives. Original artwork has also been commissioned showcasing tropical flora in similar colour schemes.

Ocean Tower model living area - the living area in the Ocean Tower rooms will feature luxurious leather furnishings and state-of-the art electronics

Capping off the refurbishment will be a striking new main lobby and porte-cochere area, which is shared by both accommodation towers. The main lobby improvements will be completed in late October 2008 and immediately followed by an upgrade of Signatures’ a-la-carte restaurant beside the lobby. While Signatures’ is being upgraded, guests will have access to a range of other dining and entertainment facilities at the adjoining Twin Towns Services Club plus a growing cluster of restaurants within walking distance of the resort.

Together, the Ocean Tower and Harbour Tower offer 355 hotel rooms, suites, and deluxe suites, along with a host of resort and entertainment facilities. As one of the largest resorts in the region, it is important we maintain the quality and standards that our leisure and business travellers know us for around the world. The Ocean Tower’s upgrade will make us even more appealing in the marketplace.”

The refurbishment is being staged to minimise any impact on guests and is due for completion in mid-December in time for the busy holiday season.