W BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

The launch of W Brisbane marks the W brand’s re-entry into the Australian market with its first purpose built hotel (W Melbourne and W Sydney are both earmarked to open in coming years). Reflecting Queensland’s ‘sunshine state of mind’ W Brisbane has 312 guestrooms including 29 suites, two spacious Wow Suites and the Extreme Wow Suite on Level 33. I stayed in a Spectacular King River View room on the 30th floor, and the views lived up to the name with vistas along the Brisbane River and across to the cultural precinct of South Bank. The eclectically styled room is like nothing I have seen before. The wardrobe presents as a circular cage in the middle of the room, while the mini-bar is a delightful blue cylinder that will have you trying to pull open all the drawers till you find the right one. Nicholas Graham, interior design lead of W Brisbane said that the Brisbane design is inspired by the Brisbane River and the River Dreaming indigenous story of the serpent coming from the mountains going to the sea. Graham brings an Aussie sense of humour to life with lots of little design elements including the boomerang-shaped table in the living area and the flora/fauna tongue-in-cheek cushions. While the extremely deep bath is highly recommended for a relaxing soak with the Bliss bath amenities, the hotel also has its own spa, Away Spa featuring Edwards And Co. hair salon. Head to level three for a smorgasbord of local cuisine at Three Blue Ducks Brisbane, while level four is home to the Wet Deck, an impressive pool, bar and lounge area.