You Can Bank On The Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane

Adina’s marquee Brisbane property is the best part of both a modern unfussy hotel and a heritage-listed property.

The Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane in the 1920s former Queensland Government Savings Bank has great bones. Solid walls, an atrium with enormous high ceilings and a historic wooden staircase with wrought iron balustrades.

Whenever those concerned that the repurposing of these heritage masterpieces into fine hotels is destroying the utility and heritage voice their fears, they should cast their eyes over the rather delicate and restrained way TFE Hotels have brought this building back to life.

So careful was the restoration completed in 2018 that the Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane is in excellent shape today.

Location

City or river is the age-old question for Brisbane visitors. Well, on the top floors, Adina Brisbane serves up both. The hotel is right on the corner of George and Elizabeth Streets opposite the casino and the Queens Garden Square.

A block from the Queen St Mall and easy access to most of the business towers in the CBD, the hotel is ideal for a city break. The gardens across the road give the George St-facing rooms a welcome and refreshing verdant vista.

the Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane Exterior — The Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane building has great bones.

Style and character

The careful restoration presents the original heavy wooden doors (this was a bank after all) which open to reveal a lobby of elegant beauty.

Gorgeous high ceilings and chequerboard black-white tiles evoke all the glory of the roaring 20s and the enormous wrought iron windows that reach to the lofted ceilings give not just natural light but an additional oversized sense of grandeur for what is in reality not a massive space.

Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane lobby — Gorgeous high ceilings and chequerboard black-white tiles evoke all the glory of the roaring 20s.

The highlights of the lobby are the dusty pastel hand-painted de Gournay panoramic wallpaper artworks. These verdant landscapes along with the careful restoration of the ornate ceiling roses, Tiffany duck egg blue walls and duotone geometric tiling lift the lobby ambience to a somewhat magical milieu.

The Art Deco styling is found throughout the public spaces; the carpet is geometric bronze and black and opposite the lifts on all levels are full-length mirrors.

The compact heated pool is enclosed on all sides by the hotel building to give a sense of being confined when in fact it is open to the elements. But look up and enjoy the Joan Miro-esque Oogie Boogie mobile artwork.

Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane Pool — Enjoy the Joan Miro-esque Oogie Boogie mobile artwork above the pool.

Facilities

The Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane has a pool, gym, 24-hour front desk and onsite parking with direct access to the hotel.

Rooms

There are 220 rooms, all with a kitchenette. The rooms vary from studios, one- to three-bedroom apartments and suites across three room categories: standard, premier and balcony. The top floors naturally have the best views of the river and South Bank.

The rooms in the original structure (not the top five floors which have been added) benefit from the high ceilings and even the studio’s floor plan is carefully designed to maximise space – a chaise lounge and table and two chairs from which to work or eat are on hand.

The room palette embraces a rich British racing green and turquoise soft furnishing. White subway tiles in the bathroom are contrasted with black floor tiles and Ink & Water toiletries.

Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane room — The rooms vary from studios, one- to three-bedroom apartments and suites across three room categories: standard, premier and balcony.

Food and drink

There are three outlets within the hotel, each for a different occasion.

The highlight is Donna Chang , tucked into the Elizabeth St side of the lobby. The Cantonese-inspired restaurant has reportedly the best dumplings in the city and a Kung Pao Chicken the envy of some of the best Cantonese eateries in the country.

People dining at Donna Chang in Brisbane — Donna Chang is a highlight.

For coffee and a quick breakfast, the St Marks Road Co. is set in a small nook on the George St side of the lobby.

And in the basement, the Boom Boom Room is a Japanese bar and restaurant with a plethora of Japanese whisky, sake and beer.

The Boom Boom Room in Brisbane — Enjoy Japanese whisky at the Boom Boom Room.

Accessibility

Accessible rooms are available in the studio and one-bedroom apartment categories. The accessible one-bedroom apartments have an interjoining door to a studio next door and therefore can be converted into a two-bedroom apartment for travelling carers or family.

Is Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane family-friendly?

Yep – the Adina brand is synonymous with space, multi-room apartments, kitchenettes and laundries. All are highly appreciated by families on the move.

Details

Best for: Business travellers, long-stay travellers and couples.

Address: 171 George St, Brisbane QLD 4000

Phone: +61 7 3155 1000

Cost: Rates start from $321 per night.

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

You can bank on the Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane