Brisbane is a lovely place to see, and an equally lovely place in which to have fun. In case one day—or night—isn’t enough for you, we’ve come up with a list of the top 10 hot hotels to make your stay in Brisbane a truly memorable experience.
Want to know how it feels to live like royalty, even for a day? The Brisbane Marriott Hotel is the ultimate in absolute luxury. Located along Queen Street, the hotel affords a fantastic view of the river and the city, and each facility assures you of much-deserved comfort, convenience and renewal. Rooms are guaranteed to be totally clean, bright and airy, and equipped with fluffier pillows and high speed internet. An exceptionally helpful and efficient staff is what the hotel is especially known for, and they pilot the housekeeping and 24-hour room services. The elegant Petries Brasserie & Bar are manned by an excellent crew, and offer the best lamb shanks. Amenities include an onsite spa and indoor pool, plus a fitness gym so you can get prepped up for that official out-of-town business meeting. Classy restaurants and shopping centres are within walking distance, as well as walkways along the river.
This elegant edifice doesn’t just offer a picturesque sight from the outside—most guests are awestruck at the grandeur that meets them once they take that step into the hotel. The Conrad Treasury offers contemporary services with old world charm. Furnishings and fixtures are reminiscent of a bygone yet majestic era, giving the impression of being in another time. Rooms are quite inviting—tastefully furnished, cozy but spacious and well-padded—assuring the peace, privacy and comfort every guest deserves. Fully-equipped gym and sauna are available for use. The staff is extremely courteous and attentive, living up to their reputation for Excellence in Service under the Queensland Hotels Association Hall of Fame. Strategically located in the CBD, it offers a magnificent river view, and the locally famous bars and restaurants are a walking distance away, as well as the Queen Street Mall which is the city’s main shopping centre.
Enjoy a world all your own! Quay West Suites not only grants you a perfect view of the Botanic Gardens, Brisbane River and the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, but each hotel apartment also provides you with a private furnished balcony where you can fully take in that breathtaking scenery. To complete the effect, the room is outfitted with the appliances for everyday convenience—much like being in your own home. Only difference perhaps, is that you have an accommodating and friendly staff waiting hand and foot to give you the complete services you need in a temporary setting. And like any 5-star hotel, amenities include a resort style swimming pool, fully-equipped gymnasium, spa and sauna. Best of all, the tradition of High Tea lives on in the hotel’s onsite McMahon’s Restaurant. For an all-encompassing taste of Brisbane, one need only take a short walk to the nearby restaurants, cafes and bars, particularly those that line the riverside.
A stay at the Stamford would definitely be a balm to the senses. Close enough that one can just stroll over to the nearest shopping centre or business establishment, but fairly distant from the hustle, bustle and noise of the financial district, Stamford Plaza is ideally located in the corner of Edward & Margaret Streets, alongside the Brisbane River and with the Botanic Gardens as its nearest neighbor. Flanked by riverside bars, restaurants and cafes offering the best food and drink in all of the city, it creates a dream-like and tranquil setting… perfect to set a romantic mood or for simple relaxation. The hotel itself houses an outdoor heated pool, fitness centre, spa and sauna, and also provides spectacular views of the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point cliffs.
If you’re after the comfort, convenience and cheer that the city can bring, then the Hilton is the place to stay when visiting Brisbane, located right at the heart of the CBD. Your room guarantees a full view of the financial district, and is furnished with separate seating and work areas so that you can fiddle with your notebook and deal with business matters in relative peace using high-speed wireless internet. After a while, relax and entertain yourself with the in-house Playstation equipped with the room, or try out the hotel amenities which include a heated pool, tennis court and fitness centre. Reward yourself after a whole day of meetings with a sumptuous meal of Australian and international cuisine at their Atrium Restaurant, or celebrate with your business associates at the Below 7 Lounge bar. Other night spots can be found conveniently within walking distance of the hotel.
Another hotel located within city limits is the Sofitel Brisbane, locally known as the first international hotel in Brisbane and much loved for its Club Sofitel, reputed to be Australia’s largest executive club lounge. Positioned at the 30th floor, Club Sofitel offers excellent views of the city, sophisticated lounge areas, plush suite rooms with the French inspired MyBed, high-tech office facilities, all-day refreshments, and an entertainment area where one can give in to the Playstation or watch a ballgame on full surround sound. Amenities within the hotel include a 12-meter heated pool, fitness gym and spa. The onsite Cuvée Lounge Bar is a great hangout, while the Thyme2 Restaurant’s open plan, interactive kitchen provides the perfect background for an innovative dining experience.
Mantra South Bank Hotel is the ideal getaway for families, as well as the corporate travelers who wish to temporarily distance themselves from the hectic city life in the CBD. This absolutely stylish structure works much like a home away from home, as each room is furnished with a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities, plus the luxury of broadband internet access. It also offers the convenience of an outdoor heated lap pool, fitness gym and the onsite Stone Restaurant and Bar. Easily located just a few minutes away from the financial district, it is likewise within close proximity to local premium attractions such as the Queensland Performing Arts Complex and the State Art Gallery and Museum. Right across the hotel one can take a swim at the city beach, or go for a stroll along the main markets and shops.
The heritage listed Royal Albert is a boutique hotel, and considered one of the best in Brisbane due mainly to its location. Situated right smack in the middle of the CBD, it is surrounded by the city’s most popular sights. The classiest stores, shops, night spots, cafes, bars and restaurants are within easy reach; and then after all the excitement, one can find relief, comfort and tranquility just a stone’s throw away. The hotel’s old-world atmosphere lends it an extraordinary ambiance, and the friendly and efficient staff promise impeccable service. Rooms are known to be quite spacious and airy, and tastefully furnished.
If names were to be taken literally, the Holiday Inn would be living up to its title. This hotel is the ideal getaway for the out-of-town business executive who travels frequently, or the typical family guy who’s just out to take his loved ones for a break. Located not far from the Roma station, it is quite easy to find. It’s a safe distance away from the bustling financial district, with its shops, restaurants and night spots, and near enough to be able to visit the local attractions like the State Museum and South Bank Park. Efficient and straightforward service is guaranteed through its capable staff and modern amenities, such as a fully-equipped health and fitness centre and spa facilities. Rooms are comfortable, clean and spacious, and the onsite MJ’s Restaurant and Bar provides the perfect setting while having a tasty Australian meal.
The Novotel is an ultra-modern, no-nonsense business and leisure hotel that offers warm and friendly service in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Efficient staff provide straightforward service, with just the perfect touch of Australian charm. The contemporary and stylish yet functional furnishings and décor that welcome you at the entrance of the hotel all the way to your room assure you of a sense of belonging even when you may be far from home. Amenities include the modern necessities such as an outdoor lap pool, fitness gym and sauna. The onsite Cilantro Restaurant and Terrace, eat@astor Café and the Spring Bar and Terrace all give you a taste of modern Australian cuisine. Comfortably located along the edge of Spring Hill, it provides a great view of the city, and is a few minutes walk away from all the hot spots. Overall, a great place especially for first-timers in Brisbane.