In the lead-up to the G20 leaders' summit in Brisbane, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the government was rolling back the red carpet.

World leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin would be hosted in five-star luxury, but the government would not implement Labor's multi-million dollar plans to temporarily remodel hotel suites to make the stay of leaders and their entourages that little bit more comfortable.

Costly cuddle: Questions have been raised about the costs of the Brisbane G20 meeting. Credit:Andrew Taylor

But documents released by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet suggest spending on refits for summit venues – including temporary work at 11 Brisbane hotels – got away from the Coalition nonetheless.

A $6.4 million bill for fit-outs has blown by 50 per cent, according to tender documents released months after the event.