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As working parents, the idea of “getting away” is a constant, impossible daydream. So when we got invited to preview the swanky Amora Brisbane – a major new presence in the CBD blending the feel of a luxury resort with the affordability and convenience of a city hotel – we had our bags packed quicker than you could say “but what about the kids?” (thank you, Dave and Kath).
They say the best new thing is often a polished-up old thing and this is true of Amora’s total refurbishment of the former Novotel on Creek St in the CBD.
Having bought the property in 2020, the family hotel group has pumped another $30m into a major renovation, totally transforming it into a much plusher, classier place which feels boutique even though there are 296 rooms and 11 conference and event spaces.
You can see it’s been a worthwhile investment from the moment you walk into the lobby, with its open spaces, classy colours and greenery and the scent of mandarin, jasmine and patchouli in the air.
The bulk of the hotel rooms are set up for business travellers but the “standard” rooms are much more spacious and well appointed than you would expect. There’s also a stunning pool deck, which was packed with young holidaymakers when we were there on a Sunday, and a seriously well-equipped gym and sauna.
That was all very nice but of course we were headed for the top floor and our Balcony Suite. The premier suites and twin rooms occupy the top two floors of the hotel with either city or northern views. To say we were pleasantly surprised would be a serious understatement. With an entry foyer, kitchenette, dining table, lounge and a separate bedroom, there is a lot of room!
The bedroom, with king bed, is massive, with lovely blackout curtains ensuring our kid-free sleep was memorable. The big bathroom is bathed in gold, with twin vanities and premium fittings in an ultramodern design that all felt very expensive and modern.
The suite’s two TVs can link up with your phone so you can pick up your Binge series where you left off without a drama. Also, the minibar in the premier suites is free and replenished daily, so we grabbed some drinks and watched the sun set from our balcony, looking out across Spring Hill to the Valley.
Soon we were headed back downstairs for cocktails (did you know someone makes a Turkish delight gin?!) and then into the hotel restaurant, Dapl, for an incredible three-course meal by chef Jamie Renfrey, paired with excellent wines. Having beers by Brisbane brewery Revel, based in Bulimba in the city’s east, on the menu was a great touch, too.
We were told Jimmy Choo – yes, the Jimmy Choo, made famous by Carrie Bradshaw – actually stayed in our suite while in Brisbane on business recently.
Amora Hotel Brisbane 200 Creek St, Brisbane Rooms from $215pn amorahotels.com/brisbane
He’s a fan of Amora hotels and loves staying somewhere nice and in relative privacy, something I guess global fashion icons don’t enjoy very often.
It felt as though our stay was over all too quickly, but we came away from the experience totally rested, pampered and well fed, with a new appreciation for the “staycation” and especially for this great new hotel, which is a perfect spot for your next Brisbane trip, whether it’s business or pleasure. And my wife now has a pretty cool claim to fame – she’s shared a bed with Jimmy Choo!
The writer was a guest of the Amora Hotel