X marks the spot
Stephen Heard finds a modern glam treasure in the heart of a hip, grungy Brisbane hub.
The place
On the fringe of Brisbane’s central city and within walking distance to the city’s eponymous river, Fortitude Valley is a buzzing arts and entertainment district where dive bars and nightclubs sit next to fine-dining restaurants.
Walk five minutes in one direction and you will discover the lively James St complete with boutique shops and character heritage buildings.
Pedestrian-friendly Chinatown Mall is another hive of activity close by with traditional buildings, stone guard lions and plenty of spots to grab a bite.
Guests at Hotel X, which opened in March last year, are in the thick of it on the main thoroughfare of Brunswick St. The 140-room, five-star hotel by InterContinental Hotels Group brings modern luxury to the fashionably grungy neighbourhood.
The space
The hotel’s white geometric facade is hard to miss, especially if you arrive after-dark when the building lights up like Tetris cubes. The angular theme continues from artsy seating positioned throughout the neutral space to avant-garde lighting overhead. The gold-fringed lift takes guests between 12 floors lined with 140 rooms.
The room
Beyond the moody corridor is my bright and airy King Standard room overlooking the street and townhouses. The white fit-out pops with subtle splashes of purple and gold, while an oversized glamour mural from Brisbane photographer Justin Nicholas features models blowing bubbles.
Everything has been designed so guests barely have to lift a finger. Light switches have been handily labelled for straightforward flicking, a tablet lists all the features you can access in and around the hotel, and the curtains open at the press of a button.
The amenities
The name of late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld makes several appearances, from the collaborative toiletries in bathroom to a copy of his book, The World According to Karl, on the bedside table.
High-end hairstyling appliances, bottled cocktails and a coffee maker – there are modern touches aplenty for an entry-level room.
The 24-hour gym is equipped with all the right equipment. The top floor is home to a 15-metre lap pool where guests can unwind in private cabanas or, as I witnessed on several occasions, grab a selfie against the skyline and leave. Undercover and valet parking is also available.
The food
The property’s signature restaurant Bisou Bisou, with its exposed brickwork arch, floral seating and green banquette seating, is on the ground floor, serving loaded croissants for breakfast and French bistro classics for dinner.
But the star of the property is rooftop bar and restaurant, Iris. Walk beneath a colourful flower feature to enter the Mediterranean-inspired venue with showstopping views overlooking the Story Bridge and Brisbane skyline. From noon, it hums with guests and locals sipping highballs under the endless Queensland sun.
Worth stepping out for
Walk towards Story Bridge to find Howard Smith Wharves and its popular wining and dining options right by the river’s edge.
Take a look around James St for its designer boutiques and restaurants, and around the corner in New Farm is Agnes Bakery serving delicious mid-morning pastries and coffee.
The highlight
Even if you don’t have time to sit down for a drink or swim, at least visit the top floor for the view.
The lowlight
Waking up under the watchful eyes of Nicholas’ mural was unsettling.
The verdict
A fashionable stay with all the frills in a brilliant location.
The writer was hosted by Tourism and Events Queensland.