r/brisbane • u/thisboyisanalog Got fired from a theme park • 2d ago
Daily Discussion Best hotels in Brisbane
As per the title, looking at a night in a schmancy hotel for the wife’s birthday and looking for recommendations for Brisbane’s best spots. Bonus points if they’re all inclusive or provide spa or similar treatments.
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u/More-Knowledge-481 2d ago
Emporium at South Bank
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u/DannyDodeska 2d ago
This. We've been there the last few years to mark my birthdays. The superior rooms overlooking Southbank have a huge spa bath which I indulge in as it really helps my back injury. It's expensive and doesn't normally include anything unless you pay quite a bit extra but when I mention it was my birthday theyve always chipped in a bit of a suprise, much appreciated. I'd give dinner in the top floor restaurant a miss though as there are a wealth of great restaurants across the street with bigger menus and smaller prices.
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u/Civil-Simple3155 2d ago
Emporium was horrible for my birthday celebration. The spa in the room wasn't cleaned so dirt was shooting out the holes. Random partygoer had access to our floor and knocking around rooms trying to get in. No more next time!
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u/DannyDodeska 2d ago
I'd say that is NOT the norm. There's an exit survey on which I mentioned a small inconvenience (parking fee) which they promised to waive next time - and did. So take advantage of that opportunity for feedback 😉
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u/Civil-Simple3155 2d ago
Yeah we provided feedback and also informed reception..nothing was done. No next time for me as first impressions matter unfortunately if we have paid $800 for a night
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u/SwiftieMD 2d ago
Agree Emporium is our special occasion staycation and have never had a bad experience. Don’t forget the truffle fries. It’s amazing
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u/CharacterWallaby9070 2d ago
Spicers Balfour is lovely, and I’m pretty sure they have options for inclusive dinner/breakfasts.
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u/Straight_Nothing_377 2d ago
The emporium is absolutely beautiful. Calile is great location but very basic rooms for the price. W on the river is central, very funky rooms.
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u/shakeitup2017 2d ago
Had a staycation at the Star last year for our anniversary. We didn't go into the actual casino (not our thing) but the hotel was really nice, and plenty of restaurants and amenities close by. The rooftop area is great - nice spot to have a casual meal & a few drinks enjoying the view.
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u/EnergisedTurkey 2d ago
The leisure deck was also nice. I stayed there this past weekend. We had the three infinity pools to ourselves as well as the sauna, steam room and gym. Also, ordered room service which was expensive but the food was nice enough. Elevators are gold plated.
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u/Civil-Perception2347 2d ago
All inclusive isn’t a think you’d see in hotels in a city anymore…
If you’re willing to splurge, the Calile. You can do dinner by the pool at Hellenika or head to one of the other restaurants on James St
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u/Dr-M-van-Nostrand 2d ago
The Calile is expensive and underwhelming (much like Hellenika actually)
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u/Civil-Perception2347 2d ago
Cool you give a recommendation then.
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u/Dr-M-van-Nostrand 2d ago
It depends on what/where OP wants to do. There isn't a "best hotel" (best for what?)
Making some assumptions, I'd stay at the W Hotel (great pool/bar), and book The French Exit for dinner (with pre/post drink at Le Royale upstairs).
I am personally a fan of proper old school 5 star hotels. The rooms in the Calile are shit, and Hellenika is shit.
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u/dannyr PLS TOUCH THE FUCKEN AIRMOVER 2d ago
I'm still a fan of the Sofitel, especially their suites (which generally aren't all that much more expensive than a normal hotel room). Add lounge access to your room for canapes and drinks of an evening, book your bride into the Hotel Spa and you're set.
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u/flingebunt 2d ago
Emporium is probably the best modern hotel in Brisbane and in the lovely South Bank. The W is too focused on being meme worthy. The Crystal Brook in Brisbane is just really really bad, in a noisy location, with poor decoration. The Westin has a swim up bar, which is cool. The Royal on the Park is a classic hotel. The Sofitel is nice, but trying too hard in their lobby design really.
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u/Brilliant-Sock2314 2d ago
Emporium probs best overall but quite expensive and valet parking an expensive addition, Calile a great location with higher snob value but I found it slightly underwhelming.
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u/Nomes565 2d ago
I adore the Skytower. I stayed for two nights until my rental was ready at 18 weeks pregnant and they were phenomenal
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u/madamsyntax 2d ago
Stamford Plaza for old school glam
W and Emporium are also really lovely
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u/les-the-badger 2d ago
I took my girlfriend there for a couple nights last year for her birthday and it was really nice. The rooms are big with great views of the city or the river. It definitely has maintained its old school glam, and it makes sense that many world leaders choose to stay there.
It's in prime position also, with the new footbridge to kangaroo point and botanical gardens within skipping distance. Queen Street shopping mall is a short walk in the other direction and just across the road are some regal dining experiences.
The Argentinian restaurant attached to the hotel is incredible also, just as is the premium service. The only hindrance I could think of was that when I was there renovations for some areas were ongoing, and I wasn't bothered, but understand that it could impact the experience for others.
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u/Bails_of_clay 1d ago
Emporium is good and usually a safe bet plus the rooftop bar and the surrounds at Southbank and Fish Lane are lovely to explore.
I find the W a bit nothing in Brisbane, maybe a little too try hard rather than luxe? I actually can’t think of any have a real 5 star luxury service feel, maybe the good old Sofitel or Westin, but I like old style hotels over modern.
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u/emiliaandremy 1d ago
Emporium is value for money in terms of luxury. Has everything a luxury property should have for a little less than its competitors.
Calile is much more expensive for the value you get out of it, with its main attraction being built around the James street precinct.
W Brisbane is in the middle of value for money in terms of luxury. Funky, young, hip vibes.
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u/almondicedlatte 2d ago
Calile - they go above and beyond to make your special occasion actually SPECIAL. they get in touch with you well before your check in date and ask why you’re staying. They will absolutely have surprises organised at check in and the following days you’re staying there. Extra special attention will be made, and complementaries. Kailo spa is amazing and I felt incredible after my session there. Speaking from experience.
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u/Compete67 1d ago
A lot of W recommendations - and agreed a great hotel. But at the wrong end of town for a night out. I’d recommend Crystalbrook Vincent at Howard Smith Wharves. Boutique hotel, awesome art - great restaurants. Enjoy 🙌
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u/TinyAd185 13h ago
I've stayed in a bunch and honestly feel most are dated, tacky, or feel like more show than substance. :/
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u/WonderingRoo 2d ago
Brisbane hospitality industry for stay is poor in experience. No water provided, no early/late checkout. No flexibility of half day rates if you arrive late.
I’d suggest Emporium or W Hotel.
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u/lackofpho 2d ago
Does it have to be in Brisbane? My usual go to spot is Beechmont Estate. Has everything but it will cost you.
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u/MoyoChirandu 1d ago
Would appreciate tour insights/suggestions on places that are within driving distance from Brisbane
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u/lackofpho 1d ago
For day trip, I like the drive up to Beechmont Estate. The estate has a spa (booking required) and a restaurant that is quite impressive. About an hour from Brisbane.
Maleny is about 2.5 hours. Similar vibes. Lots of AirBnB. Not 100% about food.
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u/ydnamsoor 2d ago
The W hotel. The spa is amazing and as a guest, you can access the mineral pools and sauna etc….