The heart of sophistication
Alan Granville checks out a boutique hotel in a bustling part of Brisbane.
The Gambaro is in an enviable location, close to all of the action, but an oasis of calm once you step through the doors.
The place
The boutique hotel is slap bang in the middle of Caxton St in Petrie Tce, a busy entertainment strip close to Suncorp Stadium and a 20-minute walk into the central city. It has 68 rooms across four floors.
The space
An airy lobby gives you a hint of sophistication away from Brisbane’s heat. Soft furnishings offer a more retro-homely feel.
The food
The hotel is built above a local institution – Gambaro Seafood Restaurant, which has been in the location since 1953. Sadly, as I arrived pretty late, I didn’t get a chance to taste its famed seafood. I did have the a la carte breakfast, and the chorizo and prawn omelette was light, fluffy and perfectly seasoned. The hotel also owns the award-winning Black Hide Steakhouse across the road. There’s also the MG Bar for anyone with a thirst.
The room
Although not the largest (and it could do with losing a chair or table, which made the space seem smaller), the room is done out to a very high spec. Everything feels and looks top-class, from the TV entertainment system, the rainforest shower and, of course, the luxurious king-sized bed. A nice addition is a ‘‘pillow menu’’ with a range depending on your comfort levels.
The minibar is particularly well stocked and actually not that crazily priced. Toiletries are from Voyager Accessories. There’s a balcony and, even though a local bar was pumping out karaoke, it was quiet once the door was closed.
Stepping out
Caxton St is a busy street with several ‘‘fancy’’ brew bars, a couple of not-so-fancy drinking holes, and some fastfood places. It is also close to the Barracks shopping centre and cinema complex.
It is a lively area and I am sure at weekends, or when there is a game on at Suncorp, it can get pretty packed, although I was there on a Wednesday night and it was all very civilised.
Getting around
There is a train station just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel and plenty of cabs and buses use Caxton St. It’s an easy 20-minute walk into the city centre.
Highlight
The luxurious bed was divine, the shower was a close second.
Lowlight
My room had a toilet door that was slatted, so you could see in. Thankfully I was on my own, as noone needs to see me on the throne.
Anything unusual?
The ‘‘Action Pack’’ condom and lube set – yours for A$4.50.
Verdict
This is a slice of sophistication in a city that is awakening as a chic destination.
Essentials
Rooms start from A$135 (NZ$145) a night.
Getting there
A few airlines fly from New Zealand to Brisbane. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from the airport.
The writer was a guest of TFE Hotels.