This was published 5 years ago
Brisbane places to stay: Six of the best new hotels
The Calile.
THE CALILE
Embracing the tropical vernacular of the Queensland capital, The Calile challenges the notion you need a beach to have a resort experience. The white brick and concrete façade, archways and scallop-edged balconies of Australia's first urban resort lends it a Palm Springs meets Miami feel. Its 175 rooms (including 11 suites) surround a central elevated pool with alfresco dining, cabanas, sun lounges, hanging gardens and palm trees. Friendly staff in Italian cotton shirts and linen chinos attend efficiently to guests, while a steady stream of diners tuck into modern Greek fare at the fabulous onsite restaurant Hellenika. No need to jet to California – it's all going on right here. From $259 per night. thecalilehotel.com
OVOLO INCHCOLM
Westin Brisbane.Credit: Adam Bruzzone
The classy older sibling to Ovolo the Valley, this 50-room boutique beauty is housed in 1920s former medical rooms with a striking neo-Georgian inspired façade. Its elegantly crafted rooms offer a contemporary art deco inflection and are reached by an original crank handle lift. King size beds, Alexa, rain showers, freestanding tubs (in some rooms), espresso machines and mini bars stocked with (free) drinks replenished daily are on offer. Highlights include complimentary evening canapes and drinks in the sumptuous Salon de Co lobby bar with its floral wallpaper and 'cabinet of curiosity', a dinner of small plates in the intimate restaurant and new Rockstar high tea with DJ. From $320 per night. inchcolm.com.au
THE WESTIN BRISBANE
This stylish new urban retreat offers the city's first swim-up bar, onsite spa and a run concierge. Aimed at the 'bleisure' market, the Westin's 299 rooms and suites offer calm neutral tones, signature Heavenly Beds and fun tepees for young guests. Complimentary afternoon canapes and drinks are served to club room guests, while a choice of free guided runs, group yoga or fitness classes are offered daily. Hemmed in by apartment towers (book a club city or river view for vistas), its CBD location is nonetheless unrivalled – being minutes from Queen's Street Mall and Eagle Street Pier. From $249 per night. westinbrisbane.com
THE EMPORIUM
From its grand sweeping staircase and baby grand piano through to the city's largest hotel rooms, the new Emporium South Bank screams luxury. Located in the $600m Southpoint precinct, the hotel's 143 opulent suites raise the bar in the northern capital. Highlights include a 23m rooftop infinity edge pool, signature restaurant by executive chef Josue Lopez with walk-in wine library, pillow and pyjama menu, TVs concealed by gold framed mirrors and digitally backlit onyx bar with sweeping river and skyline vistas. Hotels don't come much more glam than this. From $299 per night. emporiumhotels.com.au
OVOLO THE VALLEY
The lively younger sister of the Ovolo Inchcolm, this quirky rock star themed hotel is inspired by the underbelly past of its Fortitude Valley neighbourhood. Housed in the former Emporium (now at Southbank), the 103-room property melds whimsy and artwork selected by the hotel's own curator. Custom wallpaper, retro furnishings (think velvet and terrazzo) and a rooftop swimming pool embody the hotel's idiosyncratic style. Digital concierge and playful touches are offered along with standard inclusions – free breakfast, Wi-Fi, in-room mini bar, laundry and happy hour drinks. Flat screen TVs, Nespresso machines and Biology amenities are found across all five spacious room categories. A restaurant and bar by Justin North will launch on July 1. From $300 per night. ovolohotels.com.au
THE W HOTEL
W Hotel's return to Australia – Brisbane's first new five star hotel in 20 years – doesn't shy away from making a statement. The $800 million, 305-room property is home to a resident DJ and no less than three bars and restaurants, including the acclaimed Three Blue Ducks. With sweeping views over the Brisbane River from South Bank to Mount Coot-tha, the eye-popping design pays homage to local Indigenous and Brisbane river culture with a timber river reed staircase, earthy tones, frayed edges and Australian artwork. Minimalists beware though: a kaleidoscopic spa and zebra patterned pool surrounds are also on offer. From $299 per night. marriott.com
Sheriden Rhodes was a guest of Ovolo Hotels and Resorts, TFE Hotels and the Westin Brisbane.
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