The Star Gold Coast has been named Queensland's most luxurious and prestigious place to stay and dine, after being handpicked for two top awards at the hugely respected Queensland Hotels Association Awards for Excellence overnight.

Multi award-winning Japanese restaurant Kiyomi once again thrilled the judges with its cutting-edge approach to dining, claiming Best Prestige Restaurant for the second time in just three years.

The recently refurbished hotel also celebrated its first award-win since the completion of one of the most comprehensive and highest value hotel refurbishments ever undertaken in Australia, earning the title of Best Deluxe Accommodation.

The Star Entertainment Group Managing Director Queensland Geoff Hogg said the state-wide awards were a huge honour, shining the spotlight on the evolution of one of Queensland's most iconic destinations.

“Having played a pivotal role in shaping the face of the Gold Coast for the past 32 years, we have committed to remaining true to our Coastal roots while continuing to bolster Queensland's hospitality and tourism industries to ensure our state remains the premier tourism destination in Australia,” Mr Hogg said.

“While the award-wins are testament to the work we have completed to date, they wouldn't be possible without an incredibly talented team of dedicated and hardworking individuals who come to work with a passion for excellence.

“It's their drive that continues to deliver the highest quality products and exemplary service to the more than one million people who stream through the property's doors each year, and we look forward to continuing to deliver on our promise to deliver unique and inspiring experiences for our guests.”

Best Prestige Restaurant – Kiyomi, The Star Gold Coast

With an internationally trained and renowned chef at the helm of a team of passionate and extremely skilled staff, it's no wonder that Kiyomi continues its reign at the top of Queensland's elite foodie scene.

Since its launch in late 2014, Restaurant Executive Chef Chase Kojima and his team have created an exceptional 'Izakaya-style' menu and experience which features a creative blend of Japanese and Australian flavours, as well as the extensive use of fresh citrus throughout the menu, a direct reflection of Chase's signature style of using traditional knowledge with creative flair.

“The opening of Kiyomi in the first part of our transformation heralded a new era for The Star Gold Coast, raising the bar for restaurants in Queensland, and highlighting our investment in the culinary space,” Mr Hogg said.

“Fast forward two and a half years and Kiyomi is consistently showered with accolades, receiving remarkable reviews from industry, local and international guests who know they are going to get a five-star experience each time they visit.

“It is a tribute to the innovation and hard work of the talented team to be recognised in this manner up against the best restaurants in the State,” he continued.

It's this mixture of old and new that has birthed the flavours and signature food expression that has become synonymous with the Kiyomi name with the restaurant the recipient of consistent industry praise, numerous award wins, and the prestigious one chef's hat.

Best Deluxe Accommodation – The Star Gold Coast

More than 50,000 square metres of wallpaper, 180 kilometres of electrical cable, and 424,940 man hours contributed to the revitalisation of The Star's 596 recently refurbished hotel rooms.

An opulent Penthouse, lavish suites boasting spacious outdoor terraces, Executive Deluxe Rooms, and Superior Deluxe Rooms are among the enhanced offering, which are designed to align to the Gold Coast's luxurious coastal lifestyle.

Each room cleverly combines the ultimate in luxury with stunning contemporary design, exuding coastal elegance from the moment you step in the door. 2515 pieces of locally commissioned artwork provide each room with a unique personality, while only the finest finishes have been used, sourced both locally and from around the world.

No expense was spared on electronics, affording guests the opportunity to customise lighting, drapery, temperature and service preferences through the use of fully integrated technology. The sophisticated rooms include multiple USB ports which support all modern devices, complimentary WiFi, and zone control.

Guests are also treated to a specially designed pillow menu and 'The Cloud' mattress topper, produced by the best specialist mills from around the world and exclusive to The Star Entertainment Group properties, and an array of bathing amenities by leading International brand L'Occitane.

Mr Hogg said The Star's latest award-wins demonstrated strong confidence in the property's capital investment program.

“Through the recent redevelopment, we have embraced our coastal lifestyle, opened up the existing property to celebrate our sub-tropical climate and created an array of premium experiences that are reflection of the Gold Coast coming of age,” he continued.

“We really wanted the refurbished rooms to be a place where guests could feel at home, while also experiencing the luxury of a five-star hotel and the excitement of being on holidays, so it's fantastic to see that recognised by the peak industry body for the hotel and hospitality industries in Queensland.”

The Star's award wins are yet another superb accomplishment for Broadbeach Island property which is investing up to $850 million in its transformation.

Seven new food and beverage experiences are among the already completed offering, while a destinational bar branded Cherry, a highly anticipated new Sports Bar, and cafeteria-style eatery Food Quarter to open before the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Those attending the Games will also be greeted by a refreshed arrival experience, additional meeting room space and new health and wellness facilities within the existing five-star facility. A new luxury suite hotel with a stunning rooftop restaurant, bar and infinity pool will also open within the next few months.

Preparatory works for the property's first mixed use residential apartment and hotel tower are expected to commence after the Commonwealth Games, pending satisfactory pre-sales of the apartment component, The Star Residences. The 53-storey tower forms part of a joint venture with The Star Entertainment Group's Hong Kong-based partners Chow Tai Fook and Far East Consortium.

The Queensland Hotel Association Awards for Excellence gala dinner celebrates the 'cream of the crop' of the hospitality industry.

With more than 1100 guests in attendance for the awards' 25th anniversary, the 2017 event was recognised as the largest yet and a brilliant showcase of the sunshine state's best.

For a full list of award-winners visit http://www.qha.org.au/qha-awards-for-excellence.html

For more information on The Star Gold Coast visit thestargoldcoast.com.au