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The Best Hotels to Book in Brisbane for Every Traveller

Enjoy impressive views of the Brisbane skyline at Art Series - The Johnson hotel
Enjoy impressive views of the Brisbane skyline at Art Series - The Johnson hotel | Courtesy of Art Series – the Johnson / Expedia

Queensland’s biggest city, Brisbane, is often overlooked in favour of the endless stretches of beaches offered by nearby Gold Coast. Yet, the city that flanks its namesake river has seen a buzzy revival in the past decade, with boutique coffee shops to rival Melbourne and shopping to contend with Sydney’s Pitt Street. Not sure where to stay in Brisbane? We’ve detailed the best places to book into in this curated list.

W Brisbane

Chain Hotel

The lobby of W Brisbane, with colourful walls and a seating area with a chessboard on a table
Courtesy of W Brisbane / Expedia

W Hotels are known for their maximalist approach to decor, something that is wildly apparent at W Brisbane. When it opened in 2018, it was billed as the first five-star hotel to open in Brisbane for 20 years – luckily it’s lived up to the hype. Perfectly placed next to Brisbane River, the hotel takes its cue from Queensland culture. Expect timber reeds, outback-style corrugated-iron bathtubs and in-room retro cocktail bars.

Art Series – the Fantauzzo

Boutique Hotel

Exterior of the Fantauzzo in Brisbane, with angular window designs and a green, white and beige colour scheme
Courtesy of the Fantauzzo / Expedia

Sitting pretty beneath Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge, The Fantauzzo is a hotel you can definitely judge by its facade. Inspired by Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo – it’s part of the Art Series Hotel collection – you’ll find hundreds of Fantauzzo’s original pieces and giclée prints line the walls. When you’re not lounging on your in-room emerald velvet sofa, make a beeline to the rooftop pool for glorious views of the river.

The Calile Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Bar at the Calile Hotel with a pink stone counter, patterned bar stools and a row of two-person tables by windows
Courtesy of the Calile Hotel / Expedia

If Glossier and Aesop had a hotel baby, we think this would be the result. Think rose-coloured marble counters, towering concrete columns, blond timber flooring – and that’s just the hotel bar. Rooms are deliciously minimalist, arches and half-moon shapes add a soft feel, and it’s worth opting for one of the rooms with a luxe round tub if you can.

Treasury Brisbane

Hotel

Exterior of the Treasury Brisbane, a grand brick building behind a pathway lined with palm trees and green lawns
Courtesy of Treasury Brisbane / Expedia

When the sandstone building that houses Treasury Brisbane was built in 1886, it was dubbed ‘the most splendid public edifice in the Australian colony’. It was refurbished into a hotel back in 1995 but kept many of its heritage features. Today, rooms boast lovely modern touches, like marble bathrooms, high ceilings and ornate decor. Next door its sister property, the Treasury Casino, houses the hotel’s multiple restaurants, bars and even a nightclub, so you won’t have to go far to enjoy a lavish evening or two.

Limes Boutique Hotel

Boutique Hotel

A modern modern bedroom in grey hues at Limes Boutique Hotel with a grey double bed and a white desk
Courtesy of Limes Boutique Hotel / Expedia

One of Brisbane’s first design hotels, Limes is known for its buzzing al fresco rooftop bar. When there’s no revellers above, nursing tipples into the wee hours, there’s complimentary health and fitness classes taking place. Rooms are snug but large enough to fit king-sized beds and three of the rooms come with private gardens, complete with a comfy hammock.

Art Series – the Johnson

Boutique Hotel

A rooftop swimming pool at Art Series – the Johnson with views over Brisbane
Courtesy of Art Series – the Johnson / Expedia

Another member of Art Series Hotels, the Johnson is inspired by Australian artist Michael Johnson, with over 400 of his vibrant works lining the walls. The 96 apartment-style rooms are muted with pops of colour – courtesy of the art – and many have balconies overlooking Brisbane’s skyline. Hire one of the blue vintage Lekker bikes from the lobby to explore the surrounding area.

Ovolo the Valley Brisbane

Hotel

King room at Ovolo the Valley Brisbane with light-brown carpeting, patterned mustard-and-rust wallpaper, two dark armchairs and sliding doors to a balcony
Courtesy of Ovolo the Valley Brisbane / Expedia

Wedged between art galleries, cafes and live music venues in Fortitude Valley, Ovolo is a delightful recent addition to the city hotel scene and a great place to stay in Brisbane. The unassuming facade makes way for a fun, eclectic vibe – you’ll be greeted by fuchsia-hued velvet sofas, plenty of greenery and custom wallpaper. Rooms continue the spirited palette, but it’s the rooftop pool, free minibar and complimentary sundowners that we love the most.

Sage Hotel James Street

Hotel

A room at Sage Hotel James Street with a double bed, an ensuite bathroom and an open door leading to a terrace with leather sofas
Courtesy of Sage Hotel / Expedia

Planted window boxes scale up the side of Sage Hotel, adding a touch of greenery to every room. This design hotel is big on local, everything from its fabrics to staff uniforms and photography are sourced from the immediate area, plus minibars are stocked with ales from nearby Newstead Brewing Co. Rooms are inspired by inky hues – a contrast to the stark white bathrooms – and there’s a complimentary car service for those who don’t feel like walking into the city centre.

The Point Brisbane Hotel

Hotel

A living room at the Point Brisbane with a leather armchair and footstool, a small table with four chairs and a colourful painting
Courtesy of the Point Brisbane / Expedia

Tucked away in the exclusive Kangaroo Point area, the Point Brisbane boasts glimpses of the Brisbane River, Story Bridge and the city’s skyline from its 202 rooms. The palm-fringed pool is perfect for sticky Australian summers, while the in-house Lamberts Restaurant has a farm-to-table ethos. Kangaroo loin and Mooloolaba-caught local swordfish are menu highlights, followed by its signature Nutella martini, of course.

Amelia Boutique Hotel

Boutique Hotel

A bedroom at Amelia Boutique Hotel with a stylish patterned carpet, blue walls, a back wall with city-inspired decoration and a bright-blue ceiling with an artwork of a planet
Courtesy of Amelia Boutique Hotel / Expedia

A Fortitude Valley stalwart, right next to Chinatown, Amelia Hotel is Brisbane boutique on a budget. Each room is individually designed – many with vibrant ceiling artworks – but provide all the comforts you need. Ask the friendly staff about arranging activities during your stay, whether you fancy visiting the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or want to check out the Mt Coot-tha Lookout.

Looking for more Brisbane boltholes? Our guides to the city’s top hostels, romantic rooms and beach accommodation has your vacation sorted, and they’re all bookable on Culture Trip.

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