NEXT HOTEL BRISBANE
The location couldn’t be better – bang on Queen Street Mall in the heart of Brisbane – and the refurbished rooms, while modest, feature custom-made beds, coffee machines, free movies and (partially) free minibars.
But what really sets Next apart is its generous array of guest amenities. Witness the fourth-floor In Transit Zone, a workspace and playground with 20-metre pool, café, bar, library, sleep pods, gym, showers and workstations for guest use before check-in, after check-out and while in residence. Supplied smartphones with WiFi hotspots, and free local and cheap international calls are inspired innovations. For everything else there’s the Next hotel app, which controls your entire in-house world. 72 Queen St, Brisbane, (07) 3222 3222, nexthotels.com/brisbane
The amenity-packed transit lounge is unique in Australia and evidence that Next has put plenty of thought into how best to please guests.
Scroll through the Next app on your Samsung smartphone (supplied in every room) to discover all the perks and practical stuff the hotel offers.
Breakfast ($29.50) is a hybrid affair of buffet (chia puddings, granola) and hot dishes including banana waffles and eggs Benedict.
It’s served in the light-filled Lennons Restaurant, which turns into an on-trend eatery for lunch and dinner serving the likes of bone-marrow ravioli and parrilla meats. The poolside terrace serves tapas, pizze and burgers with sunshine.
Minibars are stocked with beer, cider, soft drinks and snacks; guests can consume four items a day free of charge. Head to the pool terrace for cocktails, or Lennons for craft beers and fine wines.