With a subtropical winter, proximity to incredible beaches, and plenty to eat and drink, Brisbane is a perfect spot to plan a vacay (or staycay, even). From Euro-inspired retreats to rooms with epic views, we’ve slept in every bed in town (hotel bed—get your mind out of the gutter) to bring you this list of the the best hotels Brisbane has to offer.
Whether you want extreme luxury with a side of room service, Instagrammable surrounds or location, location, location, there's a perfect hotel in Brisbane for you, from one end of town to the other—although, if you want to feel like you're at home, we've also rounded up Brisbane's coolest Airbnbs right here. But for us, it's all about a mini bar and those fluffy bathrobes, which you'll find plenty of below.
The Calile Hotel
Fortitude Valley
So dripping in pastel cool that we want to book a staycation every weekend of our lives, The Calile Hotel only opened on the Valley’s James Street at the end of 2018, but has already become the favourite of Insta-queens everywhere, with Zoë Foster Blake and Georgia Love two of its high profile fans. Try not to spend your entire stay snapping pictures in the gorgeous bathrooms—you’ll need time to hit the outdoor pool, pay a visit to the day spa and dine at onsite restaurant, Hellenika, while you’re there.
Miss Midgley’s
New Farm
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. Although, being in walking distance to James Street, Brisbane’s ultra cool shopping and dining district, is a pretty good perk. Book yourself into their Drawing Room, Locker Room or Refectory suites for an incredible stay.
Hotel X
Fortitude Valley
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've also got 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. And we haven't even mentioned the boujee mini bar or the pillow menu yet.
Crystalbrook Vincent
Brisbane CBD
Brisbane’s newest (for now) and, might we add, most sustainable hotel, 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.
W Brisbane
Brisbane CBD
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.
The Westin
Brisbane CBD
While all of The Westin’s facilities are seriously luxe, the number one reason to book into this city hotel in Brisbane 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 ocean to paddock dining on offer down at Eden’s Table—just remember to wait an hour before you swim.
Emporium Hotel
South Bank
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. You’ll find 143-suites of French-chic comfort, including cloud-like beds, Bose sound systems, double vanity ensuites and Molton Brown amenities. Collectively, they’re the closest thing you’ll find to Paris in Queensland, minus the hefty transit time. Farewell time venturing through South Bank’s entertainment precinct, chowing down on croissants at onsite patisserie, Belle Epoque or knocking back a bottle of champagne upon South Brisbane’s only rooftop bar. Best of all, they're currently offering a staycation package with breakfast, lunch and dinner included for just $260 a night—check it out here.
The Inchcolm By Ovolo
Spring Hill
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.
Ovolo The Valley
Fortitude Valley
We have a soft spot for any hotel offering freebies, so take a seat and brace yourself as we give you the low-down on Ovolo The Valley’s perks. When you book directly through Ovolo for your next Brisbane hotel stay, you’ll receive free breakfast, happy hour drinks, daily snacks, in-room mini bar, self-serve laundry, 24-hour gym access and super-speed Wi-Fi. Did we mention they’re all free? Stop rubbing your eyes, this is 100 percent legit and freebies aside, Ovolo’s rooms are spot-on with their playful spin to totally compliment the Fortitude Valley suburb in which it lives. Plus, you can check out the new vegetarian menu at ZA ZA TA downstairs while you're there.
Hotel Indigo
Brisbane CBD
Only Australia’s second Hotel Indigo, this new 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 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. The standard queen rooms are sizeable, but there’s also the option of one bedroom suites for those in need of somewhere to lounge.
Hyatt Regency Brisbane
Brisbane CBD
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.
The Constance
Fortitude Valley
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 cocktial—Dirty Sultan rooftop bar is right upstairs, with roofside lounges and Turkish delight cocktails awaiting you. If you need a reason to head back to your room before sunrise, book one of the King With Spa suites and soak your future hangover away.
Need to bring a furry friend or little one with you? Check out Brisbane's best pet-friendly stays or family-friendly accomodation instead.
Image credit: W Brisbane, The Calile Hotel, Crystalbrook Vincent, Hotel X, Ovolo Hotels, The Westin, The Constance, Hyatt Regency, Emporium