Within easy reach of one of the world’s most famously beautiful stretches of coastline, Brisbane has also made a beach of its picturesque riverbank. Meandering through the city, the Brisbane River carves the metropolis up into distinct, and wonderfully characterful, neighbourhoods. Follow the river — and our guide to the best places to stay in Brisbane — to delve into lively Fortitude Valley, exclusive New Farm, chic Paddington or the fun-loving West End. Hip design hotels, cosy B&Bs and family-friendly apartments await.
With Brisbane's surfeit of beaches and glorious sunshine, this often humid city has a tropical feel which fuels a laid-back, relaxed vibe and a great open-air dining (and drinking) scene. The shiny casinos and visitor attractions are relatively new: money was poured into the city for Expo '88. Dream World, Sea World and Movie World give Brisbane a 'Florida Down Under' feel — hence the local nickname, Bris-vegas. But that is just one part of town. If you're looking for charming old Queensland residences, colonial-era architecture and local arts and culture then you'll not be disappointed. You will also find a city rich with tropical gardens and welcoming public spaces for relaxed strolls or more challenging hikes.
Get out on the water with kayaking, sailing and ferry options, or head out on adventurous day trips to Queensland's national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and the dazzling beaches of the coast. Many of the best places to stay in Brisbane are within easy reach of the city’s top boutiques, galleries, eateries and performance spaces — perfect for a trip to remember.
No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.
Brisbane (Queensland)
Brisbane's very first pod hotel, Lylo is a slick, urban base for keen partygoers. Set in the heart of the city's entertainments and nightlife district, this bright, bold spot has private double bedrooms as well as 4 to 6-person shared rooms. Minimalistic rooms have workspaces & all the mod-cons.
Brisbane (Queensland)
An affordable city base with an 1885-built heritage house at its heart. The 107 rooms are housed in a modern red-brick building, with minimalist interiors, clean lines & bold wallpapers — the best have private balconies. Multiple events spaces & a relaxed espresso bar invite guests to gather.
Brisbane (Fortitude Valley)
Brisbane's first street art hotel, this is a bright, bold offering with 65 rooms bedecked in original artwork tucked along a Fortitude Valley side street. King rooms have terraces or courtyards with outdoor seating. There's a breakfast room & rooftop shisha lounge. A central & affordable city base.
Brisbane (Australia)
A chic urban hotel with sophisticated cream or grey suites, some of which have big marble bathrooms with sink-into tubs. Cool off in the rooftop swimming pool, set alongside the scenic bar, or feast at the excellent restaurant. Close to many of the city's top bars, restaurants and sights.
Brisbane (Australia)
A sleek modern hotel set beside the CBD district. Interiors have been styled by famed abstract artist Michael Johnson; the lines are sharp, with bright white walls, bold modern art, and floor to ceiling windows. Complete with a pool and restaurant, this is a chic choice.
Brisbane (Australia)
A chic little boutique guesthouse set in Brisbane's trendy New Farm district. The ten rooms feature whitewashed walls, ikat fabrics and small but modern bathrooms. Breakfasts are served in a sunny room or in the garden. A great value and convenient stay.
Brisbane (Australia)
A smart luxury hotel located in Brisbane's most famed nightlife district. Sleek rooms feature crisp white linen, floor to ceiling windows, muted tones, and luxury bathrooms. Housing no less than two award-winning restaurants, this is a suitable stay for either business or leisure.
Brisbane (Queensland)
Close to the City Botanic Gardens & Queen Street Mall, this swish city hotel has 293 studios & apartments with private kitchenettes, big cosy beds & a soothing cream palette with warm purple tones. The heated indoor pool with gym & yoga is a real treat, as is the superb Mediterranean restaurant.
Brisbane (Redcliffe)
A welcoming, family-friendly hotel overlooking relaxed Redcliffe's Margate beach. Each of the 58 grey-and-white studios has a kitchenette & balcony, some facing the sea. Think crisp white linens, leather sofas & contemporary bathrooms. A rooftop pool & restaurant complete the beach break experience.
Brisbane (Queensland)
A chic contemporary hotel in a fantastic downtown location. Modern bedrooms feature crisp lines, artwork by the artist-in-residence, smart bathrooms & city views. There's a small fitness suite, a rooftop pool with bar and a swish restaurant. Flexible meeting spaces are an added bonus.
Brisbane (Australia)
A sleek hotel offering spacious rooms and suites in the central area of Kangaroo Point. Rooms feature sliding glass doors leading onto private terraces, luxurious bathrooms and minimalist style with a touch of retro. Featuring a large pool and a restaurant serving modern Aussie dishes; a chic stay.
Brisbane (Australia)
This striking art deco building in central Brisbane has been cleverly converted into a sleek luxury hotel. Spacious apartments are utterly modern with large picture frame windows lending glorious city views. The old bank's vaults have been converted into a bar and there's a fabulous restaurant too.
Brisbane (Queensland)
Monochromatic modern guest rooms characterise this simple & affordable Fortitude Valley hotel. Big photographs of the skyline adorn the walls; the best rooms have balconies with city views. There's no restaurant, but eateries abound on James Street & guests have free gym passes. Pet-friendly, too.
Brisbane (Australia)
A grand heritage building, in the heart of Brisbane, now converted into a luxury hotel. Enormous rooms feature very high ceilings, expansive sash windows and antiques in keeping with the building's history. Complete with a fine dining restaurant and an attached casino - this is a grown-up stay.
Brisbane (Queensland)
A grand heritage building, once a medical centre, and now a trendy stay in the CBD district. Rooms keep their traditional feel with high ceilings and old sash windows but now boast music-inspired art and all the mod-cons. The atmospheric salon-bar is a real draw. A convenient and desirable stay.
Brisbane (Queensland)
A sleek, 298-room hotel in the bustling CBD, with swish rooms & suites promising city or river views from floor-to-ceiling windows. Sophisticated modern interiors have crisp white linens, cream & dark blue accents & all the mod-cons. Plus there's a spa, two bars & an acclaimed Italian restaurant.
Brisbane (Queensland)
A cool, contemporary art hotel with 166 rooms & suites built under & around Brisbane's Story Bridge. Showcasing 500 prints by artist Vincent Fantauzzo, rooms & suites have a fresh feel, with bold patterns & dark green velvet. Bars, eateries & entertainment spaces are lively & fun — as is the pool.
Brisbane (Queensland)
A swish urban hotel with 456 slick rooms & suites in a glittering high-rise in central Brisbane. Sophisticated spaces promise city views & French-inspired glamour, which extends to the chic restaurant, bar & delectable patisserie. Event spaces include a ballroom, plus there's a rooftop pool & spa.
Brisbane (Australia)
A collection of sleek contemporary apartments located minutes from Brisbane CBD. Ranging from studios to two-bed apartments the property offers flexible stays for couples or groups. Featuring fully-fledged kitchens, a gym, and a rooftop pool. A smart urban stay.
Brisbane (Australia)
This chic and stylish boutique hotel in Brisbane offers nine large, spacious contemporary rooms. The rooms are set around gardens and a courtyard. With a luxury spa and an in-hotel personalised service to match, this is the perfect place for both business and pleasure.
Brisbane (Australia)
A luxury hotel set in the hip Fortitude Valley precinct. Spacious rooms feature indulgent bathrooms complete with rain showers, superb city views and added quirks such as a complete cocktail making set. A french cafe serves up barista-crafted coffee and there's a roof terrace pool. Very chic.
Brisbane (Australia)
The W Hotel collection is well known for its unique style which mixes contemporary verve with luxury touches. The Brisbane offering is a perfect example. Bright and bold throughout and complete with a zebra print adorned pool area and bar. The food is always on-point and there's a spa too.
Brisbane (Australia)
An elegant three-bed guesthouse located in a central, yet quiet, part of Brisbane. Each suite is individually styled but the interiors throughout have a fresh take on traditional design. The bathrooms are particularly impressive with rain showers and free-standing tubs. An intimate and chic stay.
Brisbane (Australia)
An undeniably cool urban resort featuring an enormous pool and fantastic Greek restaurant. Retro-inspired rooms are decked out in pastel hues with brass fittings. The spa is extensive and really worthy of a visit alone whether you fancy an IV-vitamin boost or something a little more relaxing!
