For the first time in 15 years, the Central Coast has welcomed a new hotel. Here’s a first look.

Located in the central hub of Gosford, luxury hotel voco Gosford has finally opened its doors after much anticipation. Part of the $375-million Archibald Precinct – a project locals and industry folk alike have been watching closely – voco Gosford is the region’s first new hotel in 15 years. Spanning two towers, this development has transformed the skyline of Gosford and aims to kickstart the revival of this waterfront city with ample potential that has seen some great new dining venues and breweries open in recent years. The voco is Gosford’s most exciting development to date.

I checked out the new hotel, which launched with incredible fanfare in early December.

Where is voco Gosford?

The voco Gosford is in the heart of Gosford on the Central Coast, around an hour from Sydney and 90 minutes from Newcastle by car, and just nine minutes’ walk from Gosford railway station. The property is also a short walk from the waterfront and Polytec Stadium, home ground of the Central Coast Mariners and host to many other sporting matches and events, such as NRL games, music concerts and community events.

Within 15 minutes’ drive of the hotel, you can explore Somersby Falls, the Australian Reptile Park, and the beachside towns of Terrigal – the new Terrigal Pavilion is a must-visit – and Avoca.

What is the style and character of voco Gosford?

Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, voco Gosford is a premium property inspired by the Central Coast’s laidback but playful spirit. It hits the brief with a calming colour palette of neutrals, soft greens and blues is a nod to the coastal locale, with gold and timber fixtures adding warmth.

The hotel is a luxury offering but doesn’t feel pretentious, with friendly staff and relaxed dining venues. Nods to the local area are given throughout the hotel, including the artwork and photography (the guest room hallways feature black and white images of places around Gosford, for example).

What are the rooms and suites at voco Gosford like?

The property features 130 guest rooms, including standard rooms with a king bed, premium rooms with a king or two queen beds and a balcony, and spacious suites with a king bed and balcony. All rooms feature walk-in showers and views over the bay or city.

Our premium king room is spacious, featuring a plush king bed with a mint green fabric headboard and subtle pastel-hued artworks above. The luggage bench and bedside tables are topped with a gorgeous Terrazzo, and the mini bar is housed within a chic freestanding mint green and timber cabinet (complete with L’OR pod-coffee machine). We have a corner lounge and table for enjoying room service (I order a delicious pumpkin and haloumi salad with grilled chicken for a late lunch), a small balcony with furniture and a huge television.

Hotel bathrooms are getting more attention these days, and ours is no exception. With a gorgeous powder blue vanity, taupe-coloured walls and floor with a dark blue feature tile, a spacious walk-in shower, gold tapware and a gold-framed backlit mirror, it’s the type of bathroom you want to get glam in. The shower and basin are stocked with large refillable Apotheke products.

What facilities does voco Gosford have?

The hotel is located within The Archibald Precinct, the Central Coast’s newest drinking and dining destination. The Lobby Bar is a stylish spot for a coffee or a pre-dinner drink.

Up a short flight of stairs, Archies is a contemporary space that comprises a sports bar and Ironbark, a pub-style bistro. The menu features classics such as burgers and chicken parmi, as well as a selection from the grill including an exclusive dry-aged cabinet (think striploin and tomahawk). There’s plenty of seating for large groups, including comfy leather booths and a fireplace in the centre. Next door, in a cosy space, Paolo’s Pizzeria serves antipasti, handmade egg pasta and woodfired pizza.

The jewel in the crown, quite literally, is Astra. Perched 28 storeys above Gosford, Astra is a sophisticated restaurant and bar that serves fire-licked Japanese-inspired fare and cocktails with a killer view of Brisbane Water. With Michelin-trained executive chef Maxime Chasseriaud at the helm, the menu includes a raw bar selection and yakitori. This elegant space is centred around a striking green marble bar and filled with blush pink velvet furniture, which matches the sunset on the evening we visit.

On Level 5, there’s a well-equipped gym, a glittering resort-style pool with views and Saltfire Buffet, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Saltfire’s extensive bar backs onto the hotel pool, so you can enjoy swim-up cocktails like you’re truly on holiday. The buffet breakfast has plenty of options including hot and cold dishes (eggs, bacon, salmon, cheeses, pastries, yoghurt, moreish granola and more). Low expectations are usually kept for hotel buffet coffee – but I am delightfully surprised. A huge tick.

As far as sustainability initiatives, the hotel is single-use plastic free and there are filtered water stations on each level. Parking is available below the hotel at $35 per day.

Does voco Gosford have access for guests with disabilities?

The hotel has flat terrain between the carpark and hotel entrance, accessible parking, and ramp access to restaurants and leisure facilities. Wheelchair accessible rooms, rooms with handrails, grab bars and handheld shower heads are available. Service pets are permitted.

Is voco Gosford family-friendly?

Yes, the hotel has rooms that can sleep up to four guests. Archies, Paolo’s Pizzeria and Saltfire Buffet are all child-friendly dining venues. Archies also has an indoor playground for children to enjoy while adults relax.

Details

Best for: This sophisticated hotel is the new darling of Gosford. It’s perfect for visitors who want to enjoy a luxe stay on the Central Coast with drinking and dining at their fingertips. It’s also convenient for those attending an event or sporting match at Polytec Stadium.

 Address: 108 Donnison Street, Gosford

Price: From $299 per night.