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.

The Best Places to Stay in Brisbane

For a hip design hotel

• W Brisbane features a fun fusion of trendy contemporary touches with lovely luxurious details — as expected from this popular hotel collection. Stay here for top-notch food, a smart spa and the funky vibe. The zebra print pool and bar area is a real highlight! A stylish hotel for couples or groups of friends.
• Crystalbrook Vincent is a glamorous art hotel showcasing the works of acclaimed artist Vincent Fantauzzo. Rooms include sofas upholstered in emerald velvet, beautiful views and slick modern fittings. Pick this place for its cool urban style and spectacular rooftop pool. Swish and sophisticated, ideal for design lovers and cleverly built around Story Bridge.
• Ovolo The Valley is a beautiful design hotel in hip Fortitude Valley. Rooms are glamorous and romantic, with upholstered headboards in rich jewel tones, huge rain showers and quirky in-room cocktail mixing sets. Atmospheric and luxurious, this is an indulgent choice for couples eager to explore one of the city's coolest districts, with an abundance of bars, boutiques and eateries.
• The Johnson is a bold base near the CBD, featuring statement artwork by abstract artist Michael Johnson. Think clean, crisp lines, bright colours popping against white walls in cosy bedrooms, and excellent facilities for couples or families. Take a dip in the swimming pool, hit the gym or hire bikes to cycle around Brisbane. Sleek and modern.
• The Calile is a superbly soothing urban resort, boasting retro-inspired rooms and an extensive spa. Think pastel-hued interiors, brass fittings and a chic, minimalist feel. A zen choice for hip grown-ups, with an immensely indulgent feel.

For Heritage Luxury

• Treasury Hotel is an opulent choice, set within an grand heritage building in the heart of Brisbane. Expect high ceilings, sash windows and enormous bedrooms with marble bathrooms. With a fine dining restaurant and casino on-site, this is one for the grown-ups!
• The Inchcolm fuses heritage glamour with a trendy renovation in an impressive historic building. Rooms have sash windows and 1950s-inspired furnishings, whilst communal areas are bold and atmospheric, with plush upholstery and eclectic wallpapers. Offers old-school charm in spades.
• Adina Apartment Hotel is a striking Art Deco building in central Brisbane. Following a recent renovation, the very reasonably-priced rooms and apartments are sleek and luxurious. Minimalist interiors include bold splashes of colour, there's an appealing outdoor pool, and apartments are brilliant for families. Stylish and ideal for exploring the city.

For city style & great nightlife

• Emporium Hotel is a vibrant contemporary spot with swish suites featuring big comfortable beds, marble bathrooms and magnificent city views. The rooftop pool area is perfect for lively evening drinks, there's delicious food to savour, and live music in the piano bar. A luxurious choice with a plethora of bars and restaurants just moments away, offering great nightlife.
• Hyatt Regency Brisbane is the perfect launchpad for a lively visit to the sunny city. Stylish rooms feature crisp, clean lines, there's a refreshing rooftop pool and meeting spaces are ideal for conferences and events. A swish, grown-up hotel with easy access to some of the city's top evening spots.
• Gambaro Hotel is a smart luxury spot close to some of Brisbane's best nightlife. Rooms are sumptuously appointed, there are two award-winning restaurants, and the hotel is very well-priced. Great for business or leisure travellers on the hunt for a chic city pad.
• Capri by Fraser Brisbane has 293 studios and apartments with kitchenettes done in an understated palette of cream and warm purple tones. There's a heated indoor pool set alongside gym and yoga facilities, plus a superb Mediterranean restaurant — perfect for kicking off a night out in the city. Close to the Botanic Gardens and Queen Street Mall.

For Foodies

• The Westin Brisbane is a sleek, 298-room hotel in the CBD, with an acclaimed Italian restaurant. Trendy Settimo draws a real crowd, with an ever-changing menu of gourmet Italian-fusion dishes by chef Guy Grossi. This sophisticated hotel also promises city and river views from chic suites, as well as a spa, two bars and a swimming pool.
• Sofitel Brisbane Central, a glittering high-rise with 456 smart rooms and suites, offers nods to French elegance through its design and its cuisine. Feast on French fare at Suzette, delight in warm pastries with coffee at Chouchou, or enjoy superb private dining at Privé.

For an Intimate Bolthole

• Heal House is an elegant three-bedroom B&B in a quiet residential part of Brisbane. Expect fresh, airy interiors with plenty of traditional features, as well as big rain showers and free-standing tubs. Watch the world go by from the pretty veranda before strolling into the city. An award-winning, adults-only B&B for romantic couples.
• Spicers Balfour is a stylish boutique hotel in a charming 19th-century house near the river in New Farm. Nine swish rooms are set around a courtyard and tropical gardens, there's a lovely onsite spa, and the The Balfour Kitchen specialises in fresh seasonal produce. An intimate, adults-only spot just 15 minutes' walk from the centre of town.
• Edward Lodge is a chic little guesthouse with ten thoughtfully-decorated rooms, featuring blue and yellow ikat-patterned touches against a crisp white background. Breakfasts are fresh and filling, served in the garden or a sunny dining room, and the vibe is friendly — an ideal B&B for groups of friends or families. The trendy New Farm setting is a big sell, too!

For Families

• Alex Perry Hotel & Apartments is a brilliant family choice, with self-catering one and two-bedroom apartments. Expect chic urban style, a rooftop pool and a well-equipped gym. Close to the CBD, studios or smaller apartments are also great for couples or long-stay business travellers. The fully-equipped kitchens are a big plus for families eager to have some extra independence!
• The Point is an airy, minimalist choice with 201 rooms in Kangaroo Point. This stylish city hotel is well-located for family ferry trips out on the water, as well as picnics on the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. There's a large pool, too, and the restaurant serves modern Aussie cuisine. Great for couples or families, especially those with kids eager to enjoy the great outdoors.
• The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach has 58 white-and-grey studios with kitchenettes, balconies and flexible options for families. Many of the rooms face lovely Margate Beach, which is ideal for family holidays. Borrow the hotel's bicycles to zip along the promenade, take a dip in the rooftop pool, or gather at the relaxed restaurant as a family.
• Sage Hotel James Street is a modern Fortitude Valley choice with scope for extra beds and cots in monochromatic guest rooms, some of which have balconies with city views. There's no on-site restauraunt, but James Street offers a pelthora of dining options, and rates are excellent. Good for guests of all ages seeking a Fortitude Valley location.

For Great Value

• Lylo Brisbane offers affordable ultra-modern rooms and pods in the heart of Brisbane's nightlife district. Small, but comfortable, this is a top spot for groups of friends and keen partygoers. Immensely well-priced, sociable and steps from the bars, music venues and clubs of Fortitude Valley.
• Kennigo Hotel Brisbane is a very reasonably priced city base with 107 rooms in a modern red-brick building set alongside an 1885-built heritage house. Minimalistic rooms have bold wallpapers, white, grey and black interiors, and private balconies of various sizes. Events spaces make this a great business choice.
• The Constance is the city's very first street art hotel, with 65 guest rooms featuring original artwork. Ideal for groups of friends in search of an affordable city pad, the hotel sits along a Fortitude Valley side street, close to the heart of the evening's action. There's a breakfast room, rooftop shisha lounge and private courtyards.

For a private house or apartment

• For a place all to yourself in the city, visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Brisbane?

• Fly to Brisbane Airport, and hop into a taxi to the city centre, or arrange an airport pickup with your hotel in advance.
• If you would like to hire a car, we recommend visiting our online partner Rentalcars.
• The best time to visit Brisbane is from August to November, when temperatures average around 23 - 29°C and you can expect plenty of sunshine!

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay on the Gold Coast.
• Widen the net and see our pick of the best places to stay in Queensland.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

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