Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences has revealed the first stage of a planned $9 million refurbishment, the biggest update in the Gold Coast hotel’s eight-year history.

Doubling its capacity for meetings, the hotel now features four event spaces, including the new pillarless Promenade Room, which caters for up to 160 guests.

As part of the first phase, the hotel has also opened a new executive lounge and converted the existing lounge into nine additional executive guest rooms.

Hilton Surfers Paradise commercial director Max Houri said the first stage of the project is focussed on attracting conference and events business.

“The business events space is worth around $540 million a year for the Gold Coast and we are committed to doing all we can to attract even more domestic and international groups to our city,” he said.

“We’re working with Destination Gold Coast to encourage as many delegates as possible to hold their business events in Surfers Paradise, considering this segment of the tourism industry plays a vital role in boosting the local economy.”

The refurbishment will continue to unfold across multiple stages and will include a full renovation of the lobby, plus the opening of a casual bar and all-day dining area and an art gallery.

Hilton Surfers Paradise general manager Fiona Pryde said the hotel is looking forward to showcasing the new-look spaces to business events delegates and executive visitors.

“As the only hotel on the Gold Coast that offers a full-service executive lounge, our executive visitors love the opportunity to enjoy their own personal space,” she said.

“Aligning our design to our location is at the heart of our refurbishment with our new lounge embodying the coastal feel of the Gold Coast, a perfect blend of indoor and outdoor spaces ensuring those lucky enough to visit this special area are able to unwind amid luxury and seclusion.”