Next Hotel Brisbane review, Queensland: Weekend away

THE LOCATION

Brisbane's Queens Street Mall is buzzing. Buskers compete for attention, shops are full of bargain hunters, and cafes seem to have a new lease of life amid the warmer spring weather. Locals will tell you there's nothing new about it. They'll tell you Brisbane has always had an air of excitement - since Expo 88, and when the city's council decided to allow widespread al fresco dining in the 1990s. Now of course, it's a new breed of city-goers, mostly dwellers; a younger crowd of people making the city their home. For visitors to Next Hotel, it means a guaranteed atmosphere.

THE SPACE

Next Hotel opened in October and is still warming up as a city hot spot. On weekends, the pool area is open to the public, but nobody seems to have quite realised just how brilliant that could be. Expect that to change quickly as word spreads. The lounge overlooks the pool area and is reserved for hotel guests. It includes coffee, an honour system for snacks and drinks, a couple of large-screen Apple Mac computers and a library. Hiding behind curtains is more gadgetry: a bunch of Energy Pods. Lie back for a 20-minute pre-programmed power nap; gentle music starts the exercise, and a gentle vibration in the chair signals it's time to face the rest of the day.

THE KIT

Turn on the lights. Trigger the television. Adjust the airconditioning. Never mind, there's an app for that. And it's on the room telephone, a mobile Samsung Galaxy which you can take walkabout if you wish. It'll even open the door when you return. This used to be the Lennons Hotel, but it's remarkable what a $100 million refit can do. Rooms are well thought out. The cupboard acts as a walk-in robe attached to the bathroom, separating the bath from the bedroom with a sliding door. A comfortable bed, big-screen television, a selection of free movies, and shopping at the front door - it's a five-star ride at a four-star price.

GOING OUT

One of the only things people will recognise from the old Lennons Hotel is the name, branded on the front of the restaurant, and also in the pool area. High ceilings and chic decor turn everyone's attention to the bright open kitchen run by experienced chef Todd Adams, who is clearly in control of his menu, and the way it is served. The kitchen has experimented with sassy flavours which fit the futuristic theme of the hotel. Quinoa salad with pomegranate is a lively side-dish must, and quail or scallop entrees are a treat. Expect first-class service indicative of an enthusiastic young team keen to make their mark on the city's dining landscape. Down the elevator, the mall awaits night-goers, as does the casino within 100 metres of the front door. A buffet or a la carte breakfast is also at Lennons.