One of the first things we noticed from our room on the ninth floor was the outlook towards the waterfront and nearby Polytec Stadium. Wrap-around windows and a private balcony provided a unique perspective of Gosford.
The room itself felt warm and inviting, with modern furnishings, a comfortable king-sized bed and contemporary bathroom. A stylish tea and coffee station and calming colour palette created a space that was easy to settle into.
Just before sunset, we made our way to Astra on the 28th floor. The Japanese-inspired rooftop venue is one of the hotel’s standout features, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Brisbane Water and the surrounding coastline.
Among the highlights from the menu was the Ora King Salmon, while the Fleur De Lotus was a standout from the signature cocktail list. For something a little different, The Gulf of Brisbane, Astra’s vibrant blue take on a margarita, pays tribute to the region and was as visually striking as it was enjoyable to drink.
Dinner followed at Paolo’s Pizzeria on the ground floor. In contrast to Astra’s rooftop atmosphere, Paolo’s offers a relaxed, casual dining experience.
We started with Mushroom Arancini before moving on to Squid Ink Fettuccine with king prawns and Pappardelle with slow-cooked Wagyu brisket, porcini ragu and gremolata. Weekly specials included the Negroni di Paolo cocktail and a bottle of Riff Ramato Pinot Grigio from Italy’s Venezie region.
While exploring the property, we also discovered additional dining venues, including Archies, giving guests several options without needing to leave the hotel.
Breakfast at Saltfire Buffet featured an impressive selection of cold items, including prosciutto, smoked salmon, cheeses, fresh fruit and continental favourites. There was also a generous selection of pastries, cereals and hot breakfast dishes, with eggs cooked to order.
Before checking out, we spent time at the fifth-floor pool, heated to 23 degrees and overlooking the Gosford waterfront. With in-pool seating, a beach-style entry and plenty of lounge chairs, it’s an inviting space to unwind. The fifth floor is also home to the hotel’s gym and sauna.
What remained most memorable about our stay was not just the quality of the facilities, but the consistency of the service.
From check-in to breakfast, every staff member we encountered was friendly, professional and genuinely focused on making guests feel welcome.
Combined with excellent dining, comfortable accommodation and impressive views, Voco Gosford delivers an enjoyable stay that we’d happily recommend.
Visit: www.ihg.com
