The first Australian property from Hong Kong-based Swiss-Belhotel, this hotel is in a relatively nondescript building on Vulture Street in South Brisbane. But the location is brilliant, within walking distance of South Bank, Woolloongabba (think the cricket and AFL ground but also a batch of Brisbane’s best restaurants and cafes) and the rapidly developing Grey Street precinct.
It’s also close to three hospitals, so you tend to get a higher percentage of long-term stayers as your neighbours, giving the hotel a peaceful if slightly business-like feel. The digs themselves are decently sized, even the superior rooms (where you’ll likely be staying) having the feel of a small apartment. Otherwise, it’s all plush carpet, marble fittings and designer furniture. Cafe 63 downstairs is way better than it has any right to be, but in all directions there’s a huge variety of eat and drink options.
Time Out tip: Far too few visitors to Brisbane explore the Woolloongabba precinct at the Logan Road five ways. Once an antique hotspot, it’s now home to some of the city’s best restaurants (1889 Enoteca, Detour), bars (Canvas, Electric Avenue) and cafes (Pearl, The Baker’s Arms).