Queensland’s River City is booming, with more hot new accommodation offerings than you can count on all fingers. From glamping tents and riverside wharf residences, to moody five-star digs and a 1920s bank-cum-220-room hotel, each new gem is embellishing the Brisbane skyline with their own quirk and character. Here are the latest Brisbane hotels seriously upping the ante:
Now Open
Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane (opened July 2018)
One of Brisbane CBD’s heritage buildings, the 1922 sandstone-clad Queensland Government Savings Bank building, has transformed into the 220-room Adina Apartment Hotel, introducing spacious apartments complete with a kitchen, laundry and living room, and studio rooms with a kitchenette. The Hotel features an indoor pool with an open roof, a fitness centre and will soon introduce their signature Chinese fine dining restaurant, Donna Chang, and a 250-seat basement level lounge called Boom Boom Room. www.tfehotels.com/adina
The Valley Brisbane (opened July 2018)
Ovolo is continuing its Brisbane expansion with the transformation of the former Emporium Hotel Fortitude Valley. The ‘ovolution’, which started with the rebranding of the property as The Valley Brisbane, will incorporate a transformation of rooms and public spaces before evolving into Ovolo The Valley at the end of 2018. New food and drink concepts and the celebrated ‘freebies’ (free mini bar, breakfast, wifi, happy hour and all-day snacks) will be introduced to complete the evolution. Ovolo The Valley marks the second Brisbane property for the brand, after the opening of Ovolo Inchcolm hotel in April 2018. www.thevalleybrisbane.com.au
W Brisbane (opened June 2018)
W Brisbane is the first 5-star hotel to open in Brisbane, and it’s the only Australian city with a W Hotel. Located at 300 George Street, on the site of the old law courts, and offering views from South Bank to Mount Coot-tha, the W Brisbane boasts three bars and restaurants (including the renowned Three Blue Ducks from The Farm at Byron Bay) in addition to 312 guestrooms. The design of the hotel pays tribute to the local Indigenous culture and the river culture that defines Brisbane, with the motif snaking throughout. Equipped with the iconic ‘Whatever, Whenever’ W service (meaning guests can pick up the phone and ask for anything that is legal) the hotel is certainly raising the bar on Brisbane’s accommodation offerings. www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=4187&language=en_US
Novotel South Bank, Brisbane (opened June 2018)
Change is afoot on the south side of the snaking Brisbane River. The new Novotel South Bank is prepping to provide for the corporate set and savvy culture vultures amongst us. Opening in June, a walkway will link the hotel with the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. So, you can go from conference to cocktails in the lobby lounge and wine and dine clients in the on-site restaurant. Or just check-in and unwind in the outdoor pool and gym. Fairtrade bathroom amenities, free barista coffee at breakfast and Novotel’s Live N’ Dream bedding will help to seal the deal. www.novotelbrisbanesouthbank.com.au
Sanctuary by Sirromet, Mt Cotton (opened June 2018)
If you’re looking for a grape way to glamp, look no further than Queensland’s first winery glamping experience 30 minutes-drive south of Brisbane at Sirromet Wines Estate. Currently, 18 ‘Sanctuary by Sirromet,’ safari-style glamping tents reside on the 20-acre property amongst the natural flora and wildlife with fully-furnished amenities, including a floating deck, to make you feel at home. Rates start from $280pp per night and include a daily local produce breakfast hamper. www.sactuarybysirromet.com
Ovolo Inchcolm Hotel, Spring Hill (opened May 2018)
Hong Kong hospitality group, Ovolo, has expanded into Brisbane with the newly revamped Ovolo Inchcolm hotel. Located in Spring Hill, the 1924-built Georgian hotel and former medical practice boasts 50 guestrooms with an average room size of 35 square meters, including a two-bedroom General Macarthur suite, named after the five-star US Army Chief of Staff who was treated there while stationed in Brisbane during World War II. With the inclusion of a 100-plus-capacity conference and events space, the versatile hotel is designed to suit both business and leisure travellers with rates starting from $190pp a night. The hotel marks the first Brisbane flag for Ovolo and opens six months ahead of the brand’s second property due to be revealed later this year on the former Emporium site in Fortitude Valley. www.ovolohotels.com.au/ovoloinchcolm/
The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach (opened May 2018)
Seaside opulence lies a stone’s throw from the shores of Margate Beach at The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach, the latest boutique hotel in Moreton Bay. The ninth property to operate under the Sebel brand in Queensland, the $15 million-dollar hotel which opened 29th May features 58 rooms boasting a chic façade – neutral tones, minimal furnishings and panoramic ocean views. The minimal décor is made up of stellar onsite facilities like a rooftop function space, pool and conference facilities. Offering access from Brisbane Airport (20 minutes) and Brisbane City (40 minutes) while being close to local transport options, The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach is now open with rates starting from $160pp. www.thesebelbrisbanemargatebeach.com
FV by Peppers, Fortitude Valley (opened March 2018)
Flatiron skyscrapers are no longer synonymous with the New York City skyline – the classic structure has been reimagined at FV by Peppers. This 970-room luxury hotel is the newest addition to Fortitude Valley’s accommodation offering, with one and two-bedroom apartments boasting understated elegance – neutral tones, minimal furnishings and floor to ceiling glass for 5-star views of Brisbane City. The minimal décor is made up with stellar onsite facilities like a heated u-shaped skyline pool with swim up pool bar on level 6, a moonlight cinema and a yoga retreat. Opening special rates are available until November 30, starting from $199 per night for a one-bedroom apartment.www.peppers.com.au/fv/
