The 14 best hotels in Brisbane

Does taking a dip in a 23m infinity edge pool overlooking the city and the Brisbane River sound like heaven to you? Southbank’s only luxury hotel offers this truly abundant and ‘extra’ experience, making their customers feel like heaven really is on earth. Enter your room and the curtains will automatically draw – with many rooms opening to display a vista of the Brisbane River, the Streets (fake) Beach below, and the CBD across the water. Better yet, this is the first Australian hotel to be EarthCheck design certified.

Head up to level 21 and you’ll find a well-equipped gym with nice views, a sauna and steam room, and the infinity pool looking out over the River. There are pretty frilled umbrellas over the sun beds, and you can order drinks and food direct to you from the adjacent Terrace restaurant and bar. The exquisite experiences offered include a progressive dinner, starting at the rooftop and ending in the hotel's piano bar with a nightcap, stay-and-play golf packages, helicopter experiences, and premier suite packages including complimentary local transfer in the hotel’s Aston Martin. 

Time Out tip: Visit level 21 for cocktails and nibbles by the infinity pool, looking out over the Brisbane River.

Address: 267 Grey St, South Brisbane, QLD
Price: Starting at $458 per night
Closest transport: South Bank Station is right opposite the hotel

This swanky Queensland stay was one of only two Aussie venues to make the World’s 50 Best Hotel list in 2024, nabbing a well-deserved 25th place. There’s a lot to love about the Calile, with its distinct architecture that perfectly marries curved concrete with pops of tropical lushness. Soak up the sun poolside with a refreshing smoothie, enjoy spanakopita and seafood at the sophisticated Hellenika restaurant, try an energetic session in the fitness centre with an in-house trainer, and later slow down at The Calile’s glamorous wellness spa.

On the sleep front, there are nine types of rooms and suites to tickle your fancy, ranging from an urban abode with a breezy Juliet balcony overlooking James Street, to a poolside room with day beds in the spacious living area, to a deluxe suite that screams "this is what dreams are made". Each room also features a locally sourced mini-bar, Nespresso machine, Chromecast television, and Dyson hairdryer and accessories. You can get all dolled up for a night on the town – aka Fortitude Valley – or within the James Street Precinct itself, at top restaurants like Gerard's Bistro or SK Steak and Oyster. 

Last year, The Calile unveiled plans to open a brand-new, five-star resort in Noosa – and we're sure it'll earn a spot on this list soon!

Time Out tip: Wake up early to nab yourself a beautiful cabana or daybed by the pool. It opens with the sun at 6am.

Address: 48 James St, Fortitude Valley, QLD
Price: Starting at $431 per night
Closest transport: Bus stop 9, James Street near Harcourt Street

Have you ever felt so sexy it hurts? That’s the risk you’re taking when you stay at Marriott’s luxurious and extravagant W Brisbane. Known as an eclectic five-star hotel, this contemporary designer hotel in the heart of the city offers a stellar customer experience. From the 312 suites boasting Brisbane River views, the Living Room Bar with seriously stellar cocktails and high tea, and the wet deck to the Away Spa’s vitality pools and relaxation pods, you will be bathed in the finer things in life. Taking it up a further notch, the W Hotel’s ultra-blissful offerings include a 200-metre-square Extreme WOW Suite on level 33. Through this suite’s wall-to-wall windows, there are panoramic vistas of Mount Coot-tha, Southbank and the Brisbane River. For the rich, famous, gorgeous, the influencers and yes, you – this is the ultimate must-do Sunshine State hotel experience.

Is staying in a rockstar suite fitted out with a round cocktail bar on your bucket list? At the Ovolo the Valley, you can do just that and choose between the Major Tom and Purple Rain rooms. Sitting close to some of Brisbane’s best live music venues, rooftop lounges and art galleries in Fortitude Valley, the venue pays homage to the eclectic culture and iconic history of its surroundings. The gorgeous blend of art, music and pop culture creates a memorable experience at every turn. Marry that with fresh interior designs, a hip bar and a fully-vegetarian restaurant and you’ll never want to stay anywhere else.

Pull out the selfie stick and start snapping because you’ll want to be posting your Insta-worthy Hyatt Regency hotel experience at every turn. Offering views of Brisbane City and the Brisbane River and exquisite guest rooms and facilities, this premium five-star hotel will put you in a sunshine state of mind all year round. The hotel has 292 guestrooms and two food and beverage experience options: Lennons Restaurant and Bar for breakfast and casual all-day dining, along with the Hibiscus Bar and Terrace on level four for aperitifs, cocktails and that ‘extra’ vibe. After a hard day at work or buzzing around the city you can pop on your bathrobe and slippers and unwind in the meticulously designed rooms with walk-in-showers, marble dining tables and leather dining chairs. Or if you’re not quite ready to relax, then work out in the 24-hour fitness centre, or dive into the 20-metre infinity pool.   

Expect nothing but five-star service at Crystalbrook Vincent. This all too dreamy, environmentally conscious hotel offers a taste of the luxe life from its prime position next to Brisbane's vibrant Story Bridge and Howard Smith Wharves. The hotel’s 166 contemporary rooms are bright and bold and feature more than 500 prints by acclaimed Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo scattered throughout the venue. Fill your cup (and plate) with sundowner Spritzes and share plates at the hotel’s rooftop pool and bar, Fiume. 

Spicers hits the big smoke. This popular luxury retreat brand started in Southeast Queensland, so it feels right to have a pocket edition in the state’s capital. It’s grown too: you can stay in the smaller, character-driven rooms of the original Queenslander, or opt for a Spicer suite in the Simla wing which opened in 2017. Occupying a leadlight-windowed brick terrace, this space doubles down on the property’s Art Deco flourishes. Either way, you’re in the genteel inner suburb of New Farm, with bakeries, cafés and bars all within shouting distance; the city and Fortitude Valley are barely more than a 15-minute walk away too. It may lack the altitude of its competitors, but Balfour actually boasts one of the best rooftop bars in Brisbane, with spectacular views of the Story Bridge.

Brisbane is dominated by Queenslanders — the heritage- protected, stilted (literally) weatherboard houses that crowd the city’s inner suburbs. A clutch of them have now been rejigged into swank guest houses and this is perhaps the pick of the lot. The location helps. In New Farm, it’s close to the Powerhouse, a contemporary multi-arts venue, the Brisbane Riverwalk, a heap of excellent cafés, bars and restaurants, and Fortitude Valley, the city’s entertainment precinct. The former boarding house has been refurbed in crisp black and white, driving home its post-colonial charms. There are just three suites, all decked out in moody greys and olive greens, and finished with sumptuous furnishings. The master suite reigns, its ginormous standalone tub a highlight.

X marks the spot, and it’s at this swanky hotel that you'll want to stay on your next trip to Brisvegas. Matching its trendy setting in the Fortitude Valley, Hotel X is the perfect mix of class and comfort, with a few audacious touches including avant-garde lighting, bold textures and dramatic art. Transition seamlessly from the rooftop pool to evening cocktails at the Spanish bar and restaurant, Iris, where you can soak up impressive views of the Valley. Plush hotel packages are available complete with prosecco and parking, personal training and in-room massages, or dog-friendly rooms with a dedicated mini bar.

Brisbane baes, beaus and boos and décor-loving divas will feel right at home at The Constance. This trendy hotel has a distinctive style and extraordinary history that led to it becoming the renowned street art hotel that it is. From its beginnings in 1955 as an old Freemason lodge to being semi-demolished and left derelict for five years, it became the perfect place for Brisbane street artists to cover inner-city urban walls. When the new owners discovered the art they tracked down all four artists – Tyrone Everfresh (Rone), Brad Eastman (Beastman), Fintan Magee and Elliot 'Numskull’ – and commissioned each to create new artworks for separate levels. Match the street art with some distinctive designer decor in the 65 boutique rooms, private courtyards, internal spas and themed artist rooms and you have a hotel reflecting the character, comfort and sophistication of the corporate and cultural hub of Fortitude Valley. 

Like all Arts Series hotels, the Johnson is aligned with an Australian artist. This time the abstract works of Michael Johnson are scattered about the place. Against the property’s ivory-white walls, it creates a striking effect, the bold colours are just about right for a city very much on the up. That same treatment adds to the sense of scale throughout the property. Everything feels oversized here — even the reasonably priced studio suites. Outside, Spring Hill is still coming along but there are jewels — the heritage-listed Spring Hill Baths, the award-winning Alliance Hotel gastropub — and both the city and Fortitude Valley are within walking distance. 

What better way to make the most of your time in Brisbane than by staying in Brisbane’s happening Southbank precinct at Novotel Brisbane? Situated in the heart of Brissie’s cultural hub, the hotel has easy access to Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Queensland Museum, Queensland Performing Arts Centre and superb shopping experiences. Besides the great location, Novotel’s design brings local elements to the hotel, such as the greenery of Musgrave Park in the lobby and restaurant. You can also take in views of the natural surroundings and city from the floor-to-ceiling windows in each of the 238 stylish rooms.

Located in the city’s Showgrounds precinct on the edge of the Valley, this handsome little property features large, comfortable rooms, with themed details taking more than a couple of cues from sister brand QT. Outside, an urban hub is sprouting up around the hotel, neighbouring apartments bringing both a community and a series of exceptional food and beverage operations — see Banoi, the Lamb Shop and the city’s best French restaurant, Montrachet. The Valley is just a short walk away if you feel like getting crazy.