Book in to these Brissie delights
BRISSIE has certainly changed over the past 20 years.
I recall a friend from Melbourne saying after his first visit, “it’s like Wagga with trams”.
He noted the peculiar male dress code involving long socks, long shorts and knobbly knees. But that was in the ’70s, and today Brisbane is marketed as “Australia’s New World City”, or perhaps locally as “Brisvegas”. A bold claim, indeed. Is it true?
Riding the wave of the city’s economic growth have been property developers and hotel management companies, especially at the higher end of the market.
It all seems to have happened with a rush of new and refurbished hotels opening their doors all over town.
Here are three of the best examples.
THE FANTAUZZO at Howard Smith Wharves
This is the newest and arguably the most unusual of Brisbane’s new accommodation offerings. It’s a member of the Art Series group (along with The Johnson in Spring Hill).
The building, carved into the cliffs under the Story Bridge is certainly unique, and an engineering marvel. The uniqueness is enhanced by prolific displays of artworks by famous painter/photographer Vincent Fantauzzo in both guest rooms and public areas. Definitely hip, and if you want to stay with the beautiful people, here’s where to check in. www.artserieshotels.com.au
THE CALILE in Fortitude Valley Described as “a luxury urban resort”, The Calile is right in the action around fashionable James Street with a smorgasbord of restaurants, cafes, homeware outlets and groovy boutiques. The hotel’s signature attraction is the outdoor heated pool area and the adjacent Hellenika Restaurant, all super cool and classy.
When all of that becomes too much, there’s a good gym and spa to retreat to. Being a newly built hotel, The Calile reeks of good taste and style with acres of marble and linen predominant in guest rooms, uniforms and public areas. www.thecalilehotel.com OVOLO THE VALLEY The Ovolo group took over the hotel previously known as the Emporium in Fortitude Valley, and have transformed it into possibly Brisbane’s most eclectic accommodation described as a “whimsical oasis”.
Quirky Ovolo design elements and guest offerings such as free happy hour and goodie bags in the rooms add to a vibrant feeling that’s infectious from staff to guests.
Extremely comfortable beds are noteworthy, and then there are the pet-friendly rooms (with dog beds) where you can simply hang out with your best furry friend and watch TV together. www.ovolohotels.com.au MORE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
It’s been a veritable invasion of new and “refreshed” hotels recently in and around the city. More rooms, more choice to cope with Brisbane’s growing visitor market, over 9 million in 2018 and still rising steadily according to Brisbane Marketing.
Adina Apartment Hotel; Emporium Hotel Southbank; Novotel Southbank; Ovolo Inchcolm CBD; Quest Cannon Hill; Westin Brisbane; W Brisbane.
These days, there are still a few long-socksers and knobbly knees around but our state capital has really grown up. www.brisbanemarketing. com.au