Brisbane added a bunch of new hotels last year, including the sleek ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street; the retro-looking Rydges Fortitude Valley; the comfortable Mantra Richmont Hotel; the stylish Alex Perry Hotel; and the artistic The Johnson. And there’s plenty more where that came from.

Tourism & Events Queensland CEO Leanne Coddington says Brisbane welcomed record numbers of visitors in the year to September 2016 – almost seven million people – and the new hotels simply add to the city’s appeal.

“Having a growing and diverse range of accommodation on offer, that suits a range of needs, enhances the traveller experience,” Leanne says. “Brisbane has so much to offer travellers, from the climate and lifestyle to dining experiences, the arts and cultural precinct and world-class events calendar.”

With several more hotels in the pipeline, we take a look at what’s in store for the Queensland capital in 2017 and beyond.

Sage Hotel James Street Brisbane

Sage Hotel will feature 93 guest rooms right on James Street. Picture: Sage Hotel

A luxury boutique hotel is set to open its doors on March 1 – the 4.5-star Sage Hotel James Street. It’s in a top spot, built around the Heritage-listed Queens Arms watering hole, and amid the hustle and bustle of James Street. It will have 93 guest rooms (five of which provide full wheelchair access with equipped bathroom), free Wi-Fi, multiple bars and restaurants, as well as events facilities.

W Brisbane

W Brisbane will be open in time for Christmas. Picture: Starwood Hotels

The design-heavy W Hotel chain plans to open W Brisbane at 300 George Street on December 22 this year, just in time for Christmas. It will have 305 guest rooms, five meeting spaces, riverside dining, and lots of ‘happenings’. It forms part of the Brisbane Quarter precinct and will also feature luxury shops.

Pullman Brisbane Airport and Ibis Brisbane Airport

The Pullman and Ibis Brisbane Airport will be joined by a conference centre. Picture: Accor Hotels

Well under way is the new 5-star Pullman Brisbane Airport hotel, which is part of the new Brisbane Airport precinct next to the Brisbane Domestic Airport. The precinct will include the Pullman, as well as a 3.5-star Ibis Hotel, and a conference centre. Between them, there will be 373 suites with panoramic views, conference facilities for around 500 delegates, plus bars and restaurants.

Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane

TFE Hotels’ Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane, on the corner of George and Elizabeth streets, is set to open this year. It is a refurbishment of a Heritage-listed sandstone building, close to the Queens Wharf redevelopment, and will boast 200-odd rooms.

Holiday Inn Express Brisbane Central

The Holiday Inn Express Brisbane Central will be a top spot for business travellers. Picture: IHG

Another newbie this year is the Holiday Inn Express Brisbane Central in Spring Hill, close to the CBD.  Expect workout facilities, free Wi-Fi, healthy breakfast options, a self-service business centre, laundry room and more. It is designed for business travellers mid-week, and value-conscious travellers on weekends and school holidays.

Emporium Hotel South Bank

The folk who brought you the award-winning luxury Emporium Hotel in Fortitude Valley plan to reveal the 146-room, 5-star boutique Emporium Hotel South Bank on the corner of Grey and Vulture streets, in early 2018. The new hotel will feature a rooftop infinity pool, as well as a day spa, concierge, 24/7 room service and valet parking, not to mention the restaurants and bars.

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Westin Brisbane

Westin Brisbane will be close to the CBD's shopping hot spots. Picture: Westin

The 286-room Westin Brisbane is slated to open on October 1, 2018, and promises to leave you feeling better than when you arrived, with innovative programs and revitalising amenities. It’s right in the heart of the CBD, and close to the Queen Street Mall. The hotel will have eight meeting spaces, totalling nearly 700 square metres.  

Novotel South Bank

Another addition for South Bank will be the 238-room Novotel Brisbane South Bank, in Cordelia Street. It will have a pedestrian overpass providing direct access to the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The Calile, Fortitude Valley

The Calile will have an urban resort feel. Picture: TFE Hotels

Expected to open in 2018, sleek and sophisticated The Calile will also grace Fortitude Valley’s chic dining and boutique destination James Street. The seven-story hotel, part of the TFE Hotels Collection brand, will feature 178 luxury rooms and suites, as well as a mix of ground-floor boutiques, restaurants an dcafes. A podium level will boast a pool, cabanas, restaurant, day spa, fitness centre and business centre, plus a function room.

Hotel Indigo, Fortitude Valley

A new Hotel Indigo is planned for Brunswick Street. Picture: IHG

In an Aussie first, Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley will be home to a Hotel Indigo. InterContinental Hotels Group late last year announced a management agreement for the 140-room boutique hotel on Brunswick Street, which is expected to open in 2020. It will reflect the culture, history and heritage of its local neighbourhood, in the building’s design, decor and menus.

Art Series Hotel, Howard Smith Wharves R edevelopment

Rumour has it that another 5-star boutique Art Series Hotel, boasting 164 rooms, will arise as part of the revamp of the historic Howard Smith Wharves. The 3.43-hectare riverside precinct will also be converted into restaurants and cafes, a craft brewery, and landscaped parks. Construction is expected to start this year, with the final development completed by 2020.

Queen’s Wharf Brisbane

The massive Queens Wharf Brisbane development is under way and is expected to deliver five new premium hotel brands, including the Ritz Carlton and Rosewood brands, plus Brisbane’s first 6-star hotel. The integrated development is due to open in 2022.

ICON at Northshore Hamilton

The proposed $650 million ICON at Northshore Hamilton project promises an international, 5-star, 227-room hotel, featuring conference, function and recreational facilities, as well as apartments, a retail  and restaurant precinct, and a community plaza.

*Featured image: Brisbane’s skyline (Getty Images).

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