RAPTIS Group's new-look Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise is the way of the future for the developer as it sets its sights on renovating older-style CBD buildings.

The Holiday Inn is the result of a $15 million refurbishment of the former ANA Hotel. The 12-month renovation has breathed new life into the exterior and interior of the iconic hotel, one of the most recognisable on the Gold Coast.

Raptis Group bought the 22-storey high-rise in May 2005 for $105 million before undertaking the refurbishment - the first since the hotel opened in August 1986.

It involved all guest areas including the lobby, porte cochere, restaurant, day spa, conference facilities, business lounge and 404 guest suites.

Raptis Group chairman Jim Raptis says the new-look Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise delivers a contemporary design to match the evolving Gold Coast tourist hub.

"Surfers Paradise has undergone a major rejuvenation in recent years and this renovation is in-line with the changing face of the suburb," he says.

"There have been massive changes to the visual look and architecture of the hotel, from the stylish sense of arrival at the porte cochere to the striking mezzanine floor, continuing to each of the suites, the new Sirocco Restaurant and Bar and conference facilities," he says.

"The Gold Coast welcomes more than 10 million visitors each year and the numbers are rising. Visitors want quality accommodation and we need to ensure we continue to provide it."

Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise was the first in Raptis Group's growing portfolio of premier location tourist properties, which now comprises several resort hotels, including the Gold Coast International and the Sheraton Mirage.

"This is the first major refurbishment program Raptis Group has undertaken and I am pleased it has been so well received," says Mr Raptis.

Holiday Inn general manager and IHG regional general manager Greg Cox says the hotel stayed open during the renovations.

"We were faced with some challenges during the refurbishment - including stopping and starting work over peak periods such as Indy and the Christmas holidays, when we were fully booked - but the team worked hard to ensure guest satisfaction," he says.

"The end result has been fantastic and the feedback from our guests has been phenomenal. The renovation has given the hotel a whole new look and feel."