Brisbane, the vastly underrated River City, is coming into its own, sneaking on to the radar as a popular weekend getaway for Sydneysiders, Melbournites and Cairnsians alike. Though you won't hear southerners admitting that too loudly.
They come for the great coffee (it's true), hatted restaurants, world-class arts scene, and major sporting events, and stay for the balmy weather (freak hailstorms and flooding aside), and the city's edgy cultural underbelly.
If you're planning a weekend escape to the Queensland capital, there are several swanky new hotels in town worthy of your forty winks...
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Gambaro Hotel
33 Caxton Street, Petrie Terrace
In one word: posh
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Gambaro Hotel on bustling Caxton Street, Paddington
From their humble 1953 fish-and-chip shop to the award-winning Gambaro Restaurant and now an elegant independent hotel, the Gambaro family has never been afraid to dream big. A hotel that was seven years in the making, the purpose-built abode offers 68 rooms ranging from $199–$945 per night.
Gambaro hotel is perfectly positioned if you're in town to catch a Brisbane Roar, Broncos or Reds game at Suncorp Stadium. If you're more inclined to lend your support to the Paddington brunch scene, you're in close proximity to do that too.
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Inchcolm Hotel & Suites »
73 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill
In one word: classic
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The stylish interiors of Inchcolm Hotel & Suites
The site of the Inchcolm Hotel & Suites has stood steadfast since 1880. The former personal residence of an upper-class doctor, scientist, astronomer, psychologist and photographer (yes, that's just one man), has now brought the dapper sophistication of the 19th century to 2015.
A new facelift and branding with the MGallery Collection stamp has seen the Inchcolm reborn. Its 50 bespoke rooms and the urbane Thomson's Reserve restaurant all ooze with class and colonial-era charm.
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Heal House
72 Heal Street, New Farm
In one word: homely
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Boutique Guest House, Heal House in New Farm
Though it doesn't fall into the 'hotel' category, this light-washed Queenslander is an elegant new addition to Brisbane's accommodation scope. The boutique guest house has just three suites, with attention to detail paramount in each.
The Master Suite, Executive Suite and Verandah Suite are all exquisitely furnished and include a complimentary non-alcoholic mini-bar. While continental buffet or a la carte breakfasts are available on site, Heal House is located in the heart of suburban New Farm – Brisbane's much-loved brunch spot.
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TRYP Hotel »
72 Queen Street, Brisbane City
In one word: cool
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Take a TRYP to Fortitude Valley
Embracing its grungy surrounds in club hub Fortitude Valley, the graffiti-clad TRYP is Brisbane's very first Art Hotel. The building was once home to a secret society – the Order of the Buffaloes – and still holds a few tricks up its sleeve.
With hip burger joint Chur at its base and UP bar on the rooftop, you needn't even leave your hotel room to enjoy Brisbane's blossoming food scene. The rooms themselves are clean and colourful in an IKEA-esque way, decked out in street art from top to toe. They'll set you back around $139–$239 per night.
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Riverview
Cnr Kingsford Smith Drive & Hunt Street, Hamilton
In one word: arty
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River views in Hamilton
Riverview is the sister establishment of Sydney's Harbourview and Melbourne's Parkview hotels. A $6 million refurb has seen the Hamilton hotel receive an artistic injection from faucets to fittings, thanks to Manhattan-based curator Suzanne Geiss.
Located at the crook of the Brisbane River near the iconic steak-slinging Breakfast Creek Hotel, the Riverview Hotel offers 24-hour reception, a resort-style pool, complimentary Wi-Fi and deliciousness on site at both Plates Restaurant and Chester's Bar.
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Four Points »
99 Mary Street, Brisbane City
In one word: easy
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Inner-city comfort at Four Points by Sheraton
Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane isn’t 'new' new, but it's still fresh enough to warrant a mention here. When the 4.5-star hotel opened its doors in Brisbane last year, it was the first internationally branded hotel to do so in the city in a staggering 16 years.
The sophisticated Mary Street hotel boasts a 24-hour reception, fully kitted out fitness centre, 246 guest rooms of varying comfort and plenty of dedicated business space. The piece de resistance is The Eatery – an all-day dining restaurant serving up fresh, Queensland fare, specialising in speedy lunches.
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NEXT Hotel »
72 Queen Street, Brisbane City
In one word: techy
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The NEXT era of hotels starts in Brisbane
NEXT Hotel is the first of its kind not just in Brisbane nor in Australia, but the world. This flagship hotel is ideal for the tech-dependent business traveller or Gen Y holidaymaker, with everything from room access to air conditioning controlled by the touch of your Smartphone.
There are 304 sleek rooms, as well as sleeper pods if you have an early arrival or late departure, onsite dining at Lennons Restaurant and poolside cocktails at Lennons Pool Terrace & Bar. If you're not up with all the mod-cons, never fear: the traditional check-in desk and concierge service still make an appearance.
