The Best Hotels In Brisbane To Check Into In 2026

So dripping in pastel cool that we’d happily just move in, The Calile Hotel opened on the Valley’s James Street at the end of 2018 and quickly made quite the name for itself—in fact, it was awarded the title of the 12th best hotel in world on The World’s 50 Best Hotels List in 2023 and 2024, as well as nabbing a Michelin Key—placing it among the first in Australia to receive the prestigious accolade. Imagine being able to say you stayed at one of the world’s best hotels, right here in little old Brisbane? 

We’re guessing the gorgeous bathrooms in every designer suite here had something to do with the win, but it could also have been the eye-catching brutalist architecture, iconic outdoor pool and luxe day spa. Let’s be honest, it's the whole package, and you need to experience it for yourself.

The first hotel to open inside Queen’s Wharf, The Star Grand is ready for you to check into its five-star luxury. Whether you book the River King room or Skyline Penthouse Suite, you’ll enjoy spectacular city or river views from floor-to-ceiling windows, and futuristic in-room technology that allows you to customise the lighting and temperature.

Hotel amenities like a pool, steam room, sauna and gym take things up a notch, and make sure to take advantage of being in close proximity to top-notch restaurants like Aloria and Luc Lac. 

Out-of-towners looking to live it up for a few days, look no further than the Parisienne decadence of South Brisbane’s Emporium Hotel, named number two in the 2024 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards for the Best of the Best Hotels in Australia—the only Brisbane hotel to make the top 10.

Inside, you’ll find 143 suites of French-chic comfort, including cloud-like beds, Bose sound systems, double vanity en-suites and Molton Brown amenities. Farewell time venturing through South Bank’s entertainment precinct, chowing down on croissants at the on-site patisserie, Belle Epoque or knocking back a bottle of champagne at South Brisbane’s only rooftop bar. 

Location, location, location—if you're looking for a hotel that will give you easy access to the Valley's nightlife, Howard Smith Wharves and is just a hop, skip, and a jump to the city (you could almost walk there), Brisbane's Hotel X is where to book.

That's not the only thing they've got going for them—they also have one of the most glamorous rooftop pools in the city, an incredible French restaurant to hit for dinner (read up on Bisou Bisou here), AND their rooms are uber stylish to boot. 

This reimagined hotel in Spring Hill has been given a $30 million transformation, with Amora Brisbane taking over the site with 296 guest rooms across 14 lavish floors. A splendid addition to the Amora Group portfolio—which includes six properties across Australia and Thailand—Amora Brisbane is perfectly placed for business and leisure, just a hop away from the CBD. 

The top two floors of the hotel are dedicated to luxurious premier rooms and spacious one-bedroom suites, which come complete with their own kitchenette, free minibar, living area and balcony overlooking the city. The botanically-themed onsite restaurant, Dapl, stars native ingredients and modern Australian flavours in an elegant setting, and we recommend you indulge in a post-dinner nightcap at the luxe Lobby Bar. 

Having taken over one of Brisbane’s oldest heritage homes and transformed it into a stunning boutique hotel, Miss Midgley’s is perfect for longer stays. Made up of several different individual apartments, each one with its own unique charm, it may just have you ditching your plans to explore the city to enjoy the hotel surroundings instead—the sun-soaked pool in particular.

Book yourself into their Assembly Hall, Drawing Room, Locker Room, Principal's Office or Refectory suites for an incredible stay. 

Crystalbrook Vincent resides directly under the Story Bridge within strolling distance of the bars and restaurants of Howard Smith Wharf—if you can drag yourself away from the hotel’s own Italian eatery and rooftop bar.

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. Oh, and there's the spectacular views of the river and the CBD, of course, we can't not mention that.

Yes, it’s true—Brisbane finally has its own W Hotel, and it’s just as flash and fun-loving as you’d expect. 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 ostentatious rooms range from ‘Spectacular’ to ‘Wow’, with bonus mod cons like Bluetooth speakers and GHD hairdryers. If the cocktail mixing set in your room doesn’t give you an idea of the W’s usual hedonism-loving guests, the psychedelic WET Deck and pool bar just might. 

While all of The Westin’s facilities are seriously luxe, the number one reason to book into this hotel in Brisbane's CBD is its 300-square-metre swimming pool, which comes complete with a swim-up bar. From here, you can perch shoulder-deep in the turquoise waters, sipping on a frostie while taking in some pretty breathtaking city views.

But if you need more reasons to check in, there’s also the famed Italian-Australian chef Guy Grossi's fare on offer down at Settimo—just remember to wait an hour before you swim.

The Inchcolm By Ovolo on Wickham Terrace is the best hotel in Brisbane to book if you’re trying to impress a significant other. Situated in a heritage-listed building that’s been given an eclectic but sophisticated rock star makeover, the boutique hotel is perfect for date night, and with a sumptuous in-house restaurant and bar downstairs, you won’t need to leave until it’s time to (unwillingly) check out. 

We have a soft spot for any hotel with themed rooms, so take a seat and brace yourself as we give you the low-down on Ovolo Brisbane's luxe Rockstar Suites. There are two available, with one dedicated to Prince (called Purple Rain, of course), and one a nod to David Bowie called Major Tom, both a collision of art, music, pop culture, and, of course, ultimate comfort, with a kitchenette, bedroom and living area. 

Fun themed rooms aside, Ovolo’s other rooms and suites are spot-on with their playful spin to totally complement the Fortitude Valley suburb in which it lives. 

This Brisbane hotel is an achingly hip boutique stay which encompasses 212 rooms, a Japanese restaurant, Izakaya Publico, and even a speakeasy bar, dubbed 1603. Enter Hotel Indigo via the giant red doors on Burnett Lane to find murals painted by local artists adorning the hotel corridors, while the rooms themselves have faintly retro vibes, with deep blue feature walls, industrial lighting, pop-out desks and sleek tiled bathrooms. 

Planning to test the limits of your suitcase by overfilling it after a bout of city shopping? No need to strain your arms carting it all back to your accom—Hyatt Regency Brisbane is located right there in Queen Street Mall.

Even better, you can celebrate your wardrobe finds with a sunset drink by the rooftop swimming pool, before retreating back to your luxe room to gaze upon your purchases.

Ideally located for anyone keen on spending most of their night away out on the town, The Constance is just on the very edge of Fortitude Valley's vibing nightlife precinct, and ties right in to the area with street art adorning every inch of the Brisbane hotel.

You don't even have to go far from your room to find a good cocktail with a rooftop bar, Taboo, right upstairs.