The Best Hotels to Book in Spring Hill, Brisbane

It was almost unrecognisable in its previous life as a government office building. Now, this luxury boutique hotel is the business: expect 96 self-contained open-plan suites and an elegant penthouse with 180-degree views. Lining the walls are 400 prints by Sydney-based abstract artist Michael Johnson. Make a splash in the 50m-long (164ft) outdoor pool, laze on its sundeck or work out in the indoor gymnasium. Apart from the entry-level studios suites which are the more budget option, all rooms come with a kitchenette, so you can eat in – or dine, from breakfast through to dinner, at the on-site restaurant, the Tumbling Stone.

The boutique beauty of Limes Hotel is in the nearby neighbourhood of Fortitude Valley, just a four-minute drive from the heart of Spring Hill. It’s a trendy Brisbane spot, with 21 air-conditioned rooms, and boasts the city’s very first rooftop bar. That’s your cue to admire the spectacular views while sipping a cold beer, watching the keenies splash about the two rooftop plunge pools. The rooftop converts to a cinema, but if mid-week movies aren’t your bag, it’s a short stroll to Fortitude Valley, abuzz with clubs and bars.

Contemporary art-deco lovers adore the Ovolo Inchcolm, its spaces filled with eclectic pieces and head-swiveling decor. There is no “same same” in this Brisbane institution on Wickham Terrace in Spring Hill – across two buildings are 50 individually decorated rooms, each a different shape and size. You’ll feel as if you’re on a 1920s movie set as you order a drink at the art deco bar and ride the historic elevator, giddy with martinis. This Ovolo-brand property even offers free goodie bags, and there’s a minibar for guests.

It’s only 2km (1.2mi) from the Central Business District (CBD) and a short stroll from the vibrant dining and shopping precinct of James Street – so you won’t be caught short when staying at the Kennigo Hotel. Request a room with a balcony and you might easily spend the whole stay watching the passing traffic in the streets below. Need to expend energy? Begin – or end – the day with a session in the hotel’s fully equipped gym. Before venturing out, grab a coffee and a tasty snack at the Kennigo Espresso Bar – and you’re good to go.

The central location’s great here, on quiet Phillips Street, putting you within walking distance of popular Brisbane attractions. The Kookaburra Inn is also handy for the CityHopper ferry – it’s free and will get you to Waterfront Place in the city. Lazier agenda? Wander down to the adjacent Valley – also known as Fortitude Valley – where you’ll find stacks of restaurants, bars, live music and stores. Or stay in, grab ingredients from the nearby Woolworths grocery store and cook up a gourmet meal in the guest kitchen.

It’s on the highest point of Brisbane CBD so you’ll get panoramic views over one of the city’s favourite green spaces, Roma Street Parklands. Step inside and you’ve got as-good-as five-star luxury – it’s 4.5 – at this Brisbane institution. Each of the 230 rooms and suites blend contemporary design with modern furnishings – reckon on cool bare floors, urban-cubic sofas and milk- and plain-chocolate-coloured bed linen. There’s a rooftop fitness centre and a rooftop pool. After, head down to fill your face at Frescos Restaurant: the menu features modern à la carte Australian cuisine during the evening and buffets for breakfast and lunch.

Here’s an impressive boutique hotel, pushing all the contemporary-chic buttons on leafy Astor Terrace in the heart of Spring Hill. You want handy? This place is less than 500m (1,640ft) from Central Station, and retail therapy in Queen Street Mall is dangerously close – a four-minute drive away. Check into one of the studio suites, with optional air-conditioning and 20 selected cable channels on a 40-inch LCD HDTV. Other bonuses include 24-hour reception and undercover parking at an additional charge, plus complimentary newspapers and magazines – handy if your partner has headed to the Valley and left you to relax.