This boutique hotel is part of the creative Art Series Hotel Group. It’s their first Queensland offering and embodies that laid back Queensland style, with a sophisticated finish. The walls of the hotel are adorned with Michael Johnson’s vibrant artworks and the light-filled lobby and trendy décor complement the striking pieces. A highlight of The Johnson is the stunning 50-metre rooftop pool, designed by Olympic champion and style guru Michael Klim.
The Johnson, 477 Boundary St, Spring Hill, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, +61 7 3085 7200
The Johnson | Courtesy of The Johnson
Spicers Balfour House adds a slice of luxury to bustling New Farm. This boutique hotel is nestled on Balfour Street in the popular inner-city suburb and is a sanctuary from the busy city, just 3 kilometres away. Decadent Balfour House offers rooms in a renovated Queenslander, while the upmarket Balfour Suites are an Art Deco lover’s dream. The award-winning restaurant, The Balfour Kitchen, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and guests can choose to dine inside, or outside in the romantic courtyard shaded by frangipani trees.
Spicers Balfour House, 37 Balfour St, New Farm, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, +61 1300 597 540
Balfour House | © SpicersBalfour/Instagram
Known as Queensland’s first luxury boutique hotel, Emporium Hotel makes a statement from the moment you step through the grand front door, where you’ll quickly notice the hotel’s opulent style. Located in the heart of Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, Emporium Hotel is for those who enjoy the finer things in life. The swanky cocktail bar, a popular watering hole for many Brisbane locals, serves some of the finest espresso martinis, while the rooftop terrace features a sauna and lap pool. In the same Emporium complex, guests will find a selection of restaurants and boutique shops. The dining pick is Tartufo, serving classic Italian in a charming setting.
Emporium, 1000 Ann St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, +61 7 3253 6999
Emporium Hotel | Courtesy of Emporium Hotel
The first thing to note about the Sage Hotel is its location on trendy James Street – it’s already ticking boxes. This new Brisbane hotel is contemporary with a semi-industrial look and features 93 rooms, along with a dedicated style space for fashion, art and creative showings. Keep an eye out for all the creative out-of-towners flocking to stay at this new hotel, before shopping up a storm on James Street. Next door to the Sage Hotel is the iconic Queens Arms (also known as the QA), a popular watering hole for the who’s who of Brisbane.
Sage Hotel, 70 James St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, +61 7 3222 3111
Sage Hotel | Courtesy of Sage Hotel
Known for its famous seafood restaurant, Gambaro is a Brisbane institution. The Gambaro family expanded its hospitality empire and opened the Gambaro Hotel in 2014, located in the heart of the social Caxton Street precinct, with plush rooms offering views of Brisbane city. Don’t be fooled by the often jovial revellers outside on Caxton Street – Gambaro is a high-end hotel which offers a slice of luxury and privacy from the world outside. It’s even more enjoyable with a glass of wine in hand as you relax after a day of exploring Brisbane. However, what really sets Gambaro Hotel apart is its famous Gambaro restaurant, one of the best seafood restaurants in Queensland’s capital.
Gambaro, 33 Caxton St, Petrie Terrace, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, +61 7 3369 9500
Gambaro | © Gambaro Hotel/Instagram