Known for its sunny disposition and a welcome as warm as the weather, Queensland’s subtropical capital is going through a renaissance. There’s a vibe in the air and Brisbane’s glorious sunshine has nothing to do with it. (Well, it might have something to do with it).
A wave of great new cafes, restaurants and bars, a thriving culture scene, a jam-packed events calendar, and all in an environment that inspires relaxation and outdoor living – Brisbane is a city transformed. As part of the revival, the Queensland capital has welcomed more than 25 new hotels in recent years, adding further appeal to an already cosmopolitan city.
Here are six of the best Brisbane hotels to bed down in luxury.
The Westin Brisbane
Swim-up pool bar? Don’t mind if I do. When The Westin Brisbane opened its doors in November, it delivered on its promise to provide a relaxing retreat in the heart of the city. Pool bar aside, the Westin’s trademark focus is on wellness which is evident with Australia’s first Heavenly Spa by Westin, a full-service day spa with five treatment rooms, a steam room and blissful relaxation pods.
Add the fully equipped WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio; the renowned RunWESTIN program, which includes access to a running buddy, if you so desire; and Eat Well, the brand’s commitment to providing nutrient-rich and, of course, delicious culinary options, and you have yourself a dream destination.
The Nautilus Pool Bar at the Westin
FV by Peppers
For a slice of New York City on the Australian east coast, throw off your Manolo Blahniks and put your feet up at FV by Peppers. A luxe $600-million-dollar project, FV by Peppers was inspired by New York’s flatiron building and the iconic triangular shape cuts a fine figure in Brisbane’s hip Fortitude Valley. The Big Apple influences continue throughout the hotel and the heated U-shaped skyline pool, complete with spectacular views and in-pool seating overlooking the Brisbane skyline, is a glam example. There is also a moonlight cinema, yoga retreat, fully equipped gym, and three VIP private spa lounges available to hire.
FV by Peppers IS the point of difference.
Ovolo The Valley
Still in Fortitude Valley, design-led hotel group Ovolo has also moved into the neighbourhood, further enhancing the suburb’s creative cred. Renowned for boundary-pushing boutique hotels, Ovolo celebrates the eclectic culture and rich history of its new inner-city home with a frenzy of colour and playful design. Wild wallpaper, eccentric furniture and eye-catching art combine to tell the story of the Valley while plush rooms and suites, a rooftop swimming pool, gym, sauna and a unique meeting room make for a fabulous stay. And keep watching this space. A bar and kitchen concept is in the making and slated for a mid-year opening. With collaborating chef Justin North and interiors firm Luchetti Krelle behind the project, it promises to be something special.
Unique and mouthwatering dishes are coming soon to sate your appetite.
Ovolo Inchcolm
Such is the lure of Brisbane, Ovolo brings you not one, but two options in the Queensland capital, the second instalment located in Spring Hill. Exercising the hotel brand’s quintessential quirk, Ovolo Inchcolm, manages to pay homage to the building’s 1920s heritage while creating new and curious stories that spark the imagination. You have stylist Anna Roberts to thank for that.
Sleep well in ultimate comfort
Led by chef Andy Ashby, Ovolo Inchcolm’s signature restaurant and bar, Salon de Co, is an Art-Deco dream and the perfect spot to indulge. PS: All Ovolo hotels include free breakfast, free WiFi, free in-room mini bar, free laundry and free daily happy hour drinks. Who doesn’t love a freebie?
The Calile Hotel
A subtropical oasis in the thick of Brisbane city? Welcome to The Calile, the $100-million urban resort on Fortitude Valley’s famous James Street. A destination in its own right, The Calile pool is the epicenter of the hotel, a place where the bustle disappears and sky-gazing from plush cabanas is king.
Spend a lazy day around the pool.
Leave the pool if you must, but there’s no reason to leave the resort. Create an in-room sanctuary with complimentary new-release movies and motorised block-out blinds, or satisfy any hunger, from breakfast through to dinner, at either The Lobby Bar or in-house restaurant Hellenika, the second chapter of a Gold Coast institution. Plus, ground-level shopping precinct Ada Lane offers retail heavyweights such as Bassike and Dion Lee.
Emporium Hotel South Bank
The Emporium Hotel has been reborn and the new incarnation is already a riverside star. Twice the size of its Fortitude Valley predecessor, the Emporium has bolstered South Bank’s glamour factor thanks to its 143 luxuriously appointed suites, premium dining and function spaces, and opulent decor throughout.
Sit back and watch the sun go down atop this stunning terrace.
Since it was unveiled in September, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar, The Terrace, has been the talk of the town given the unparalleled panoramic views across the Brisbane River to the city skyline and beyond. The adjacent 23-metre infinity-edge pool doesn’t hurt either!
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