Words by Anna Howard

The ol' work trip doesn't need to mean long nights slaving away at your hot desk because you can't bear the thought of returning to a stuffy hotel room and willing your Wi-Fi (or heaven forbid, broadband internet) to work.

Brisbane is on the up and up, having been given quite the makeover in recent years. The city now rivals Sydney and Melbourne in the food stakes and hotels are becoming destinations in their own right.

Here are six of Brisbane's best to consider the next time you're visiting the Sunshine State on business.

NEXT Hotel

72 Queen Street, Brisbane

Ultramodern doesn't even begin to describe NEXT Hotel.

The power is literally right at your fingertips. Through the NEXT hotel app (or in-room SmartPhone), you can set your air-conditioning, dim the lights, turn on 'Do Not Disturb', and order food and drink, that is, if you haven't already taken advantage of the four complimentary mini bar items per day.

Lennons Restaurant, Lennons ToGo and Lennons Bar serve a selection of gourmet quick food (not to be confused with fast food) when time is of the essence or a power lunch is in order.

As a hotel aimed at the modern business traveller, free Wi-Fi is a given, but NEXT Hotel ups its wow factor with sleep and shower pods, a bright and contemporary business centre and library, choice of meeting rooms, 24-hour gym, Club Lounge and sparkling outdoor pool.

TRYP Fortitude Valley

14/20 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley

You wouldn't expect to classify Brisbane's first street-art hotel as business-friendly, but TRYP Fortitude Valley injects the right dose of bohemian into the work week.

Street artists Fintan Magee, Rone, Numskull and Beastman were all let loose in the property to make their mark. Rooms feature signature graffiti-tagged hand basins, all the latest mod-cons, free Wi-Fi and a Vittoria pod coffee machine. Choose from lead-in queen rooms or king rooms with private art-adorned courtyards or spa baths.

Onsite there are flexible spaces to host your next meeting or networking soiree including The Library, Chur Burger and UP on Constance.

TRYP is located in entertainment hub, Fortitude Valley, but still close enough to walk or catch public transport to the CBD. The upmarket splendour of James Street and its designer boutiques and restaurants are also just steps away.

Hotel Jen

159 Roma Street, Brisbane

Nudging the Brisbane Transit Centre, Hotel Jen is perfectly located for transiting, with no shortage of public transport options at her fingertips. She's also one of the closest hotels to Suncorp Stadium.

You'll receive a complimentary drink when you arrive, and the 119 'Jenerously' sized accommodations offer more space than you'll need, which lends each room a bright and airy feel from deluxe rooms to one-bedroom suites.

Free Wi-Fi, a rooftop fitness centre, Wednesday morning boot camps at Roma Street Parklands ($15 including breakfast) and running maps are also available to guests who nuzzle up to Jen.

After all that hard work, a bowl of noodles or the crispy duck at onsite Asian fusion restaurant, NEST is in order. She's currently working on a rooftop bar, too.

But Jen isn't all play and no work. She has flexible function rooms perfect for any sized groups and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment.

As a SmartSTAY hotel, guests who book through their FCBT Travel Managers will enjoy perks like complimentary breakfast and garment pressing.

Treasury Hotel & Casino

130 William Street, Brisbane

The Treasury Hotel & Casino is the right blend of contemporary comfort and old-world grandeur.

Housed in one of Australia's most prominent heritage buildings, rooms are striking, opulent and feature ultra-plush beds, marble bathrooms and Wi-Fi access.

You don't have to venture far for sustenance with six restaurants and five bars onsite. Whether it's a quick bite or an unforgettable journey for the senses, Treasury Hotel & Casino has you covered.

Beautifully appointed event spaces provide a dramatic setting and can be configured for any type of gathering.

Take advantage of complimentary internet access, car parking and room upgrades (when available) if you book this SmartSTAY hotel through your FCBT Travel Manager.

Rendezvous Hotel Brisbane on George

103 George Street, Brisbane

Location doesn't get any more central than this. Rendezvous Hotel Brisbane on George is a two-minute walk from the Queen Street Mall, Treasure Hotel & Casino and Brisbane River.

 Rooms have been designed with the business traveller in mind, with plenty of space to spread out and modern amenities including Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TV and work space.

When it comes to events, tailored service ensures your function runs smoothly.

After a long day, the outdoor swimming pool beckons, as does a modern Australian meal at Straits Cafe.

Room upgrades and breakfast are just some of the perks available to guests who book this SmartSTAY hotel through their FCBT Travel Managers.

Four Points By Sheraton Brisbane

99 Mary Street, Brisbane

Modern and convenient, Four Points By Sheraton is the perfect space for work and play. The hotel enjoys a central location in the heart of the CBD close to shopping destinations and transport options.

Connect with home and the office through high-speed internet access, while 300 square metres of function space and the latest in technology create a productive conference workspace or function area.

Also onsite is a fully-equipped gym, coffee shop, and all-day restaurant, The Eatery.

When the day's over, one of 246 stylish rooms or suites await. All offer city or river views, as well as contemporary amenities and an ultra-plush Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed. 

Image credits: NEXT Hotel/TRYP Fortitude Valley/Hotel Jen/Treasury Hotel & Casino/Rendezvous Hotel Brisbane on George/Sheraton Four Points Brisbane