The ultimate luxury accommodation in Brisbane

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There’s no such thing as run-of-the-mill when it comes to luxury accommodation options in Brisbane.

From enhancing a summer holiday with chic interiors to providing a lush homestead that will have you wanting to take the bed home with you, Brisbane is actually overflowing with luxury accommodation options. And we’ve rounded them up for you.

1. W Hotel

Perched on the edge of the river at the bottom of Ann Street with some pretty top-notch views of South Bank, W Brisbane’s flamboyant rooms are a treat.

The W Hotel Spectacular King Room

Drift off to sleep with a view of the river.

When not relaxing by the decadent pool, guests can enjoy a beverage at the adjacent psychedelic WET Deck or have a meal at the in-house Three Blue Ducks restaurant.

Cocktail and tacos at W Hotel WET Deck

Sip and snack by the pool at WET Deck.

Not to mention the cocktail mixing set in your room gives you an idea of the W’s vibe that you can soak in.

Interior of Three Blue Ducks restaurant in W Hotel Brisbane

For a sit-down dinner, head to Three Blue Ducks.

2. The Calile Hotel

A subtropical oasis in the thick of Brisbane city? Welcome to The Calile, the $100-million urban resort on Fortitude Valley’s famous James Street. A destination in its own right, The Calile pool is the epicentre of the hotel, a place where the bustle disappears and sky-gazing from plush cabanas is king.

The Calile room and bathroom

The Calile decor is to die for.

Leave the pool if you must, and satisfy any hunger, from breakfast through to dinner, at either The Lobby Bar or internal restaurant Hellenika, one of Brisbane’s best restaurants.

The Calile Pool in Brisbane

The pool is the epicentre of the Calile.

3. Hotel X

There’s no doubt Hotel X is the place to book if you’re after easy access to Fortitude Valley’s nightlife and the dining scene of Howard Smith Wharves.

Couple looking out the window of their room at Hotel X in Brisbane

Hotel X is smack bang in the heart of the action. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

That’s not the only thing they’ve got going for them—they’ve also got one of the most glamorous rooftop pools in the city, an incredible French restaurant to hit for dinner AND their rooms are uber stylish to boot. And we haven’t even mentioned the boujee mini bar or the pillow menu yet.

High shot of Hotel X rooftop pool in Brisbane

The rooftop offers some incredible views. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

4. Spicers Balfour

If you favour the personal touch, Spicers Balfour could be the spot for you. Tucked away in a quiet side street in New Farm, and housed across both a sweet Queenslander cottage and 1940s Art Deco apartment block, Spicers Balfour is more inner-city retreat than a regular hotel.

Woman drinking cocktail in Spicers Balfour Hotel in Brisbane

Spicers Balfour is more inner-city retreat than a regular hotel. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Carefully curated antique furniture and jewel-tone velvet chairs are paired with sumptuous bedding, rain showers and BOSE speakers in each room.

But the real luxury here comes from feeling like you’ve been welcomed into a friend’s (expertly decorated) home. Gourmet breakfast, in-room Nespresso machines, sunset canapes on the rooftop, wi-fi and parking are all part of the service.

Bed at Spicers Balfour Hotel in New Farm Brisbane

The real luxury comes from feeling like you’ve been welcomed into a friend’s home. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

5. The Westin

Swim-up pool bar? Don’t mind if I do. When The Westin Brisbane opened its doors, it delivered on its promise to provide a relaxing retreat in the heart of the city.

Woman relaxing in hat by pool at The Westin Brisbane

Not a bad spot for a dip.

Pool bar aside, the Westin’s trademark focus is on wellness which is evident with Australia’s only Heavenly Spa by Westin, a full-service day spa with five treatment rooms, a steam room and blissful relaxation pods.

Add the fully equipped WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio and the delicious culinary options, and you have yourself a dream destination.

The Westin Renewal Suite Lounge Room

Relax and unwind at The Westin.

6. Alex Perry Hotel and Apartments

When a fashion designer is behind the aesthetic, one would hope style would prevail.

In the case of Alex Perry, his first foray into hotels, Alex Perry Hotel and Apartments, Fortitude Valley, would surely secure the model tick of approval.

A GHD hairdryer and straightener sit hidden behind the mirrored bathroom cabinet, while a clothes steamer will have you red-carpet ready – after a stint at the rooftop pool, of course.

The apartments themselves are spacious and inviting in textural neutrals with lashings of pewter and charcoal. From studio-style hotel rooms through to executive apartments, this is self-contained with style.

And since you’re located in the luxurious Fortitude Valley, you have a plethora of restaurants, boutiques and pubs surrounding your accommodation.

7. Emporium Hotel

Flamboyance in all the right places; if the Emporium’s walls could talk, that’s probably what they’d tell you – and no doubt they would have many a story to tell from almost 10 years of seeing Fortitude Valley’s new guard springing up around them.

Couple in bath robes by bathtub in the Emporium Hotel Brisbane

The Emporium is flamboyant in all the right places. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

This independent designer abode away from home is all Ferrari-red and flamboyant chandeliers, with the lobby bar serving up cocktails in long-stemmed teacups, and a sleek rooftop pool overlooking the city.

Rooftop pool at Emporium Hotel one of Brisbane's luxury accommodation options

Who doesn’t love swimming with a view? (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

8. Ovolo Inchcolm

Manhattan meets Brisbane; that’s the best way to describe Ovolo Inchcolm. From the moment the glass doors of the beautifully restored Art Deco elevator close and you ascend to your room at Ovolo Inchcolm, a feeling of calm washes over you.

Woman sitting by the window at the Ovolo Inchcolm luxury hotel in Brisbane

Manhattan meets Brisbane at the Ovolo Inchcolm. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The luxe decor, considered book selection surrounding the enormous flat-screen, and quirky touches like a stacked teapot and saucer lampstand, all make this hotel feel anything but chain-brand. While style is clearly the number one priority, it’s these extra thoughtful additions that give Ovolo Inchcolm a more relaxed vibe.

This accommodation is located right across the Brisbane River from the City Botanic Gardens. Stroll through the riverside gardens to check out the exotic plant life, ornamental ponds and bamboo groves.

Woman sits inside luxury Ovolo Inchcolm in Brisbane

The luxe decor and quirky touches make this hotel feel anything but chain-brand. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

9. FV Brisbane by Peppers

For another slice of New York City on the Australian east coast, throw off your Manolo Blahniks and put your feet up at FV Brisbane by Peppers.

A luxe $600-million-dollar project, FV Brisbane by Peppers was inspired by New York’s flatiron building and the iconic triangular shape cuts a fine figure in Brisbane’s hip Fortitude Valley.

Bed with a view at FV Brisbane by Peppers.

Put your feet up at FV Brisbane by Peppers.

The Big Apple influences continue throughout the hotel and the heated U-shaped skyline pool, complete with spectacular views and in-pool seating overlooking the Brisbane skyline, is a glam example.

There is also a moonlight cinema, yoga studio, fully equipped gym, and three VIP private spa lounges available to hire.

FV Brisbane by Peppers pool at night

The luxurious pool is just the right amount of extra.

10. Crystalbrook Vincent

Crystalbrook Vincent resides directly under the Story Bridge within strolling distance of the bars and restaurants of Howard Smith Wharf.

Woman in dress under the Story Bridge at Crystalbrook Vincent

Get your Insta shot at Crystalbrook Vincent. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Formerly The Fantauzzo, the art-inspired hotel is completely single-use plastic-free, has waste-free bathrooms and features items made using recycled material throughout the Brisbane hotel.

Plus, the views of the river and the CBD are unmissable.

Woman swimming in pool at Crystalbrook Vincent under Story Bridge in Brisbane

The art-inspired hotel has made sustainability a priority. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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A new 170-km hike and nature retreat are coming to Brisbane

    By Kassia Byrnes
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    Mt Coot-tha is set for a glow up with the announcement of a new hiking trail and nature retreat.

    Long a popular retreat for Brisbane locals, Mt Coot-tha Reserve is the city’s largest natural area. Just a 15-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD, it’s already the place for unbeatable skyline views of the city. But now, it will be more than just a short break. Brisbane City Council appointed Brisbane Sustainability Agency to transform the area into a nature-based tourism and recreation hub, including a world-class Mt Coot-tha nature retreat.

    person making a heart from their hands at mt coot-tha lookout

    The view from Mt Coot-tha is already much loved. (Image: Visit Brisbane)

    The plan is to transform the location ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to be hosted in Brisbane, with the intention of developing a long-term strategy make it an an eco-tourism destination and protect the precinct’s native bushland while also enhancing the offerings and accessibility for the over one million visitors Mt Coot-tha already receives per year.

    In a press release, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner stated the revitalisation of Mount Coot-tha includes “a 170-kilometre wilderness walking trail with overnight huts, glamping, a botanic gardens night-time lights show and a reimagined tropical dome”.

    That tropical dome will transform the one that currently stands on-site to be reminiscent of green tourism destinations like Singapore’s iconic Gardens by the Bay and Butchart Gardens in Canada, complete with botanic gardens and an immersive night-time light experience, a treetop walk and upgrades to the current summit lookout. The current Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is also slated for an upgrade. Visitors will be able to make the most of it by staying in the new nature retreat, with glamping spots.

    exterior render of Mt Coot-tha tropical dome after renovation

    A brand new dome, hiking trail and Mt Coot-tha nature retreat are coming.

    For those keen on a little more adventure than the retreat can provide, a key feature of the proposed improvements is the Brisbane Wilderness Walking Trail. This 170-kilometre track would connect Mt Coot-tha to Mt Archer. Drawing inspiration from longer hiking trails like Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain and New Zealand’s West Coast Wilderness Trail, the trail will enjoy features to make hikers more comfortable along their journey, like bush huts, way-finding signage, composting toilets, camping sites and refurbished picnic areas.

    “Brisbane is riding a wave of international popularity as a tourism destination and with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games coming, now is the time to start planning more to see and do in our city,” continued Schrinner.

    “We have South Bank, the city, Howard Smith Wharves and Fortitude Valley for locals to enjoy and visitors to explore. I believe Mount Coot-tha presents an incredible opportunity for nature-based destinations and attractions, which is exactly what international visitors are looking for”.

    a render of the inside Mt Coot-tha tropical dome after renovation

    The current tropical dome will be transformed to match the likes of Singapore.

    What can you do in Brisbane while you wait for the Mt Coot-tha glow up? Try these experiences and these delicious restaurants.