Spend the night at these stylish hotels in Brisbane

Spend your sleepover at the pastel-hued jewel in the crown of Brisbane’s design-heavy hotel scene, The Calile Hotel. Nestled into popular shopping and dining precinct James Street, this architectural feat is a self-proclaimed ‘urban resort’ that blends seamlessly into its subtropical surroundings.

Designed by lauded studio Richards and Spence, the 175-room space is a celebration of Queensland, incorporating many a Sunshine State design element and material into its construction. Think open plan living, breeze blocks, balconies, cabanas, and an impressive outdoor pool. Though that’s not all that’s available to guests - fellow offerings the spa at The Calile, drinking den The Lobby Bar, and Greek eatery Hellenika have become just as legendary as the hotel itself.

Crystalbrook Vincent | Brisbane City

Conveniently within a quick stroll of Howard Smith Wharves’ many dining establishments sits another member of the Crystalbrook Group, Crystalbrook Vincent. The statement-making hotel sits tucked between the cliffs and the Brisbane River’s banks, with unbeatable views of the iconic Story Bridge.

If you're an unabashed art lover this is the hotel for you. Doubling as a gallery, the angular space is named in ode to Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo, whose works are strewn throughout the hotel, including an oversized portrait of wife actress Asher Keddie. There are 166 equally geometric suites to choose from, accompanied by a very modern rooftop pool with views of the Story Bridge.

Ovolo The Valley | Fortitude Valley

Escapism is certainly on the cards during your stay at Ovolo The Valley. This is the burgeoning boutique hotel chain’s second Brisbane outing and no less whimsical than its Spring Hill sibling, Ovolo Inchcolm.

Neighbouring brunch capital James Street, the hotel comes heavily inspired by art, music, and pop culture, housing a collection of neon signage, graphic wallpaper, velvet and stripe. After a morning spent exploring the surrounding suburb, spend your afternoon submerged in the rooftop pool (complete with a pink flamingo) pre-dinner at resident restaurant Za Za Ta, an eatery inspired by the dining scene of Tel Aviv after dark.

voco Brisbane City Centre

Eccentric is what comes to mind when it comes to inner-city resident W Brisbane. The first of the design-savvy hotel chain to land in Australia was welcomed to the Queensland capital in a space which overlooks the Brisbane River. As the hotel itself explains of its distinctly Sunshine State-aesthetic ‘colour, colonial heritage, modernity, ethnic and influence of Australia’s indigenous roots, with a BrisVegas attitude and sense of humour.’

Relax in one of 312 contemporary guest rooms and suites or make the most of the facilities which include FIT gym, AWAY® Spa, and WET® Deck with both pool and bar. Though foodies may want to make their way directly downstairs to the only Queensland outpost of the Three Blue Ducks eateries. 

Emporium Hotel | South Bank

If you have a soft spot for decadence look no further than the Emporium Hotel. The second incarnation of the glamour-focused establishment moved from Fortitude Valley to south of the river in 2018, settling into the Southpoint precinct in South Bank.

This time around the 143-suite-strong hotel has dialled up the unapologetic opulence of its design. Imagine a space flanked by tropical wallpaper and its fair share of gold accents, not to mention a 23-metre infinity pool and rooftop bar high up on level 21. The independently owned and operated hotel is the brainchild of Anthony and Francine John, the original owners of the Valley space. This is the kind of place where letting loose is welcomed - each room comes equipped with a bronze wet bar, Molton Brown toiletries, an 8-bottle wine fridge and a 24-hour in-suite dining menu.