Soak up some rays at the best luxury hotels in Brisbane

Brisbane is a city transformed. No longer overlooked in favour of its southern rivals, the Queensland capital is at last basking in the sunshine with travellers eager to uncover its laid-back charms.

From a vivacious arts scene overflowing with museums, galleries and late-night music halls, to an eclectic culinary offering, it’s a destination that warrants repeat visits – and there’s something new to discover each time.

Brisbane’s hotel scene delivers too, with a suite of high-end escapes in and around the CBD, amid the pulsating rhythm of Fortitude Valley, and across the river in beautiful South Bank.

The Calile Fortitude Valley

Vintage vibes and minimalism run deep at The Calile in Fortitude Valley, an indulgent retreat where every pastel-hued angle could feature within a design magazine. In fact, many have. 

The Calile has picked up a slew of global accolades in recent years.

Each room features timber, marble and brushed brass finishes, plus monogrammed linen robes, a Nespresso machine and a locally-sourced minibar. At the top end of town, Ada and the Calile Suite boast rooftop terraces where you can soak up the sun in private.

The Calile embraces the Scandinavian aesthetic

Although it looks as if the only things on the menu would be celery sticks and coconut water, the hotel has a decadent side too, in the mouth-watering forms of Greek restaurant Hellenika and SK Steak & Oyster. There’s a great lobby bar too. 

If a little pampering is what you have in mind, make your way to Kailo Medispa. Alternatively head to the gym or settle into one of the cabanas on the pool deck. 

The Westin Brisbane

If it’s a luxury Brisbane hotel you seek, you can’t go wrong with The Westin Brisbane. Central to the Botanic Gardens, Eagle Street Pier and Queen Street Mall, the hotel is well placed to explore the city, but there’s plenty to enjoy onsite too.

The Westin Brisbane is a central base to explore the city.

Chief among those delights is Settimo restaurant from chef Guy Grossi, which plates up Mediterranean fare infused with the vibrant energy of Italy's Amalfi coast.

Keeping the good vibes flowing is The Charles, an aviation-inspired jazz bar and cafe, in addition to Nautilus Pool Bar, which has private cabanas and the only swim-up bar in the city.

Take your taste buds on an Italian holiday at Settimo.

Neutral tones abound in the 298 guest rooms and suites, all of which have Chromecast and free Wifi. Westin Club King rooms also include entry to the Club Lounge on level three, with daily breakfast, evening drinks and canapes part of the deal.

W Brisbane

Wonderful, Cool, and Spectacular. While those are all apt descriptions for W Brisbane, they’re actually the names of a few of its guest rooms. As you’ve probably guessed, it’s a hotel brimming with personality – and it has an outrageous design to match.

The appropriately named 'Wow Suite' at W Brisbane.

Think sweeping curves, geometric patterns, and liberal splashes of colour… and that’s just in the entry-level room. It sounds overwhelming, yet it somehow works and doesn’t leave you feeling like you’ve taken a trip down the rabbit hole.

The visually-striking Wet Deck pool at W Brisbane.

On the dining front, you can grab a lounge at the Wet Deck pool bar, treat your tastebuds at New York-inspired signature restaurant The Lex, or make yourself at home with high tea and cocktails in the Living Room Bar.

Much like its siblings in Melboure and Sydney, the W Brisbane is a hotel that will leave an impression long after you leave. 

Hotel X Fortitude Valley

A hidden gem worth uncovering. Opened in trendy Fortitude Valley at the beginning of 2021, Hotel X Brisbane has quietly flown under the radar for many people since its debut. However, it really does deserve attention.

Relax in a King Premium Room at Hotel X

Originally expected to launch as a Hotel Indigo, it was clear while in development they had something quite special on their hands, so a new brand was created for it. And the end result? A bold and visually striking building with guest rooms to match.

Bisou Bisou is ready to transport your tastebuds to France

The French flair of Bisou Bisou restaurant and Mediterranean styling of Iris rooftop bar and restaurant are the perfect accompaniment to the hotel, with the dazzling sunset across the Brisbane skyline a reason in itself to book a table.

Crystalbrook Vincent

One of the rising stars of the independent hotel scene, Crystalbrook Collection lists seven high-end properties among its ranks (with more on the way in Adelaide and Canberra). Crystalbrook Vincent is its Brisbane outpost – and it’s not your typical five star hotel.

Crystalbrook Vincent is hidden beneath the iconic Story Bridge

For starters, it’s in a rather unconventional location, hidden beneath the steel skeleton of Story Bridge. Then there’s the extensive art collection, an explosion of colour adorning almost every wall, which has led many to describe it as a ‘hotel within an art gallery’.

It’s a fair call – the hotel is named after Archibald Prize-winning artist Vincent Fantauzzo, after all, and includes many of his artworks – but it definitely holds its own as a hotel too, with 166 stylish rooms and suites, and a flash rooftop pool and bar.

Vibrant artworks fill the hotel lobby

The sensational Howard Smith Wharves dining and bar precinct is also directly outside, while the ever-popular Eagle Street Pier is an easy 15 minutes stroll along the river.

Ovolo The Valley

Inspired by the live music venues and galleries that surround it, Ovolo The Valley is a kitsch and colourful oasis that doesn't take itself too seriously. One look at the palm-filled lobby and its resident rainbow-speckled gorilla and you’ll get a hint of what you’re in for. 

The entrance to Ovolo The Valley doesn't give away the whimsy that lies within

Choose from 103 Medium to Large rooms (their actual names) and Rock Star Suites decorated with Bowie and Prince memorabilia, plus enjoy perks such as free breakfast, mini bar and in-room snacks – at no extra cost, when booked direct.

Enjoy a dip in the Ovolo's rooftop pool.

Za Za Ta restaurant and Middle Eastern-styled Kazba cocktail bar are also on hand when you want something more substantial, while the rooftop lap pool is sure to become a regular hangout.

Emporium Hotel South Bank

If waking up bathed in sunshine and pulling back the sheer curtains to reveal a view of the Brisbane River and skyline beyond sounds like a winner, Emporium Hotel South Bank is a name you’ll want to remember. And the view isn’t even the best bit. 

The 23-metre infinity pool atop Emporium South Bank

Inside this luxury address you’ll find multiple bar and dining options, including The Terrace rooftop bar alongside the infinity pool on level 21, as well as the 1920s styled Piano Bar, and Signature Restaurant, which champions seasonal and local produce.

Each of the 143 suites is divine, with the exquisite Parklands Suite its crowning jewel. However, the most unique room has to be the Poolside Cabana Suite, which steps out to the hotel’s pool and feels akin to a tropical resort in the city.

Treat your tastebuds at Emporium's Signature Restaurant

Guests in this and other premium suites also enjoy complimentary access to a Maserati Levante inner-city chauffeur service. Or, you could simply saunter down to the beautiful South Bank promenade in a matter of minutes.

Looking beyond Queensland for your next escape? Perhaps the best hotels in Perth, Sydney or Hobart are more in tune with your taste.