Soak up some rays at the best luxury hotels in Brisbane

Brisbane is a city transformed. For too long overlooked in favour of its southern counterparts, the Queensland capital is now enjoying its moment in the sun – yet it hasn’t lost that spark that makes it such a warm, inviting and surprisingly laid-back destination.

From a vivacious arts scene overflowing with museums, galleries and late-night music halls, to an eclectic culinary offering that will have you more than satisfied, it’s a city that warrants repeat visits – and there’s something new to discover each time.

9 best luxury hotels in Brisbane

Brisbane hotels deliver too, with a suite of five star properties in the central business district, across the river in the eden of South Bank, and amid the bustle of Fortitude Valley.

Ready to see the city in a new light? In no particular order, these are some of the top luxury hotels Brisbane has to offer.

Crystalbrook Vincent

One of the rising stars of the independent hotel scene, Crystalbrook Collection now lists seven high-end properties along its growing ranks. Crystalbrook Vincent is one of the latest additions – yet it’s not your typical five star hotel.

Crystalbrook Vincent is hidden beneath the iconic Story Bridge

For starters, it’s in a rather unconventional location, hidden beneath the steel skeleton of Story Bridge. Then there’s the extensive art collection, an explosion of colour adorning almost every wall, which has led many to describe it as a ‘hotel within an art gallery’.

It’s a fair call – the hotel is named after Archibald Prize-winning artist Vincent Fantauzzo, after all, and includes many of his artworks – but it definitely holds its own as a hotel too, with 166 stylish rooms and suites, and a flash rooftop pool and bar.

Vibrant artworks fill the hotel lobby

The sensational Howard Smith Wharves dining and bar precinct is also directly outside, while the ever-popular Eagle Street Pier is an easy 15 minutes stroll along the river.

W Brisbane

Wonderful, Cool, and Spectacular. While those are all apt descriptions for W Brisbane, they’re actually the names of a few of its guest rooms. As you’ve probably guessed, it’s a hotel brimming with personality – and it has an outrageous design to match.

The appropriately named 'Wow Suite' at W Brisbane

Think sweeping curves, geometric patterns, and liberal splashes of colour… and that’s just in the entry-level room. It sounds overwhelming, yet it somehow works and doesn’t leave you feeling like you’ve taken a trip down the rabbit hole.

The visually-striking Wet Deck pool at W Brisbane

On the dining front, you can grab a lounge at the Wet Deck pool bar, treat your tastebuds at Three Blue Ducks – the first of the dining group’s venues outside NSW, or make yourself at home with high tea and cocktails in the Living Room Bar.

Much like its sibling in Melboure, the W Brisbane is a hotel that will leave an impression long after you leave. 

Emporium Hotel South Bank

If waking up bathed in sunshine and pulling back the sheer curtains to reveal a view of the Brisbane River and skyline beyond sounds like a winner, Emporium Hotel South Bank is a name you’ll want to remember. And the view isn’t even the best bit. 

The 23-metre infinity pool atop Emporium South Bank

Inside this luxury address you’ll find multiple bar and dining options, including The Terrace rooftop bar alongside the infinity pool on level 21, as well as the 1920s styled Piano Bar, and Signature Restaurant, which champions seasonal and local produce.

Each of the 143 suites is divine, with the exquisite Parklands Suite its crowning jewel. However, the most unique room has to be the Poolside Cabana Suite, which steps out to the hotel’s pool and feels akin to a tropical resort in the city.

Treat your tastebuds at Emporium's Signature Restaurant

Guests in this and other premium suites also enjoy complimentary access to a Maserati Levante inner-city chauffeur service. Or, you could simply saunter down to the beautiful South Bank promenade in a matter of minutes.

The Calile Fortitude Valley

Vintage vibes and minimalism run deep at The Calile in Fortitude Valley, a high-end Brisbane hotel where every pastel-hued angle could feature within a design magazine.

Grab yourself a pool chair at The Calile

Each room features timber, marble and brushed brass finishes, plus monogrammed linen robes, a Nespresso machine and a locally-sourced minibar. At the top end of town, Ada and the Calile Suite boast rooftop terraces where you can soak up the sun in private.

The Calile embraces the Scandinavian aesthetic

Although it looks as if the only things on the menu would be celery sticks and coconut water, the hotel has an indulgent side too, in the delicious forms of Greek restaurant Hellenika and SK Steak & Oyster. There’s also a pampering onsite day spa.

Ovolo The Valley

Inspired by the live music venues and galleries that surround it, Ovolo The Valley is a kitsch and colourful oasis that doesn't take itself too seriously. One look at the palm-filled lobby and its resident rainbow-speckled gorilla and you’ll get a hint of what you’re in for. 

The entrance to Ovolo The Valley doesn't give away the whimsy that lies within

Choose from 103 Medium to Large rooms (their actual names) and Rock Star Suites decorated with Bowie and Prince memorabilia, plus enjoy perks such as free breakfast, mini bar and in-room snacks – at no extra cost, when booked direct.

The wild lobby at Ovolo The Valley

Za Za Ta restaurant and Middle Eastern-styled Kazba cocktail bar are also on hand when you want something more substantial, while the rooftop lap pool is sure to become a regular hangout.

Sofitel Brisbane Central

Visit a Sofitel anywhere in the world and you know you’re in for an impeccable stay. Sofitel Brisbane Central is no exception, peppering the brand’s trademark French sophistication with a few local references to help it feel in situ.

Suzette Restaurant, looking out to the clock tower of Central Station

Don your signature Sofitel waffle-weave robe and relax in one of 416 elegant rooms and suites, all of which feature marble bathrooms, a comfortable lounge to put your feet up, and a well-proportioned desk for when duty calls.

Downstairs you’ll find three dining options: Suzette a la carte and buffet restaurant, Cuvée bar (where you can also enjoy high tea on Fridays and weekends), and the relaxed Bistro Jacque. Pastries and coffee can be snapped up at Chouchou too. 

Savour an afternoon the French way with signature High Tea

Guests seeking a little more luxury can also purchase access to the Club Millésime executive lounge on level 30, with afternoon tea, cocktails and canapes, as well as one hour use of the Governors meeting room and in-room gift part of the package.

Hyatt Regency Brisbane

Opened in February 2021, Hyatt Regency Brisbane marked the end to a decade-long drought of a Hyatt in the city. What a return! Housed within the former Next Hotel, at the heart of Queen Street Mall, you couldn't ask for a better location.

Hyatt Regency is perched above the bustle of Queen Street Mall

Relax in one of its 292 guest rooms, treat your tastebuds at Lennons Restaurant and Bar – named after the original Lennons Hotel built on the site in 1884 – or kick back with a few cocktails at the vintage-styled Hibiscus Room rooftop bar and pool.

Lennons Restaurant is named after the original hotel on the site

Beyond the Hyatt’s imposing entrance, you’ll find shopping and dining options galore, while Queensland Performing Art Centre and the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre in South Bank are only 10-15 minutes walk.

The Westin Brisbane

If it’s a luxury Brisbane hotel you seek, you can’t go wrong with The Westin Brisbane. Central to the Botanic Gardens, Eagle Street Pier and Queen Street Mall, this five star hangout is well placed to explore the city, but there’s plenty to enjoy onsite too.

The Westin Brisbane is a central base to explore the city

There’s The Charles, an aviation-inspired jazz bar and cafe, as well as Nautilus Pool Bar, which has private cabanas and the only swim-up bar in the city.

Neutral tones abound in the guest rooms, all of which have Chromecast and free Wifi.

Nautilus, the only swim-up bar in Brisbane

Westin Club King rooms also include entry to the Club Lounge on level three, with daily breakfast, evening drinks and canapes, and access to a private boardroom part of the deal.

Hotel X Fortitude Valley

A hidden gem worth uncovering. Opened in trendy Fortitude Valley at the beginning of 2021 – a time when access to Queensland was quite limited – Hotel X Brisbane has quietly flown under the radar for many people since. However, it really does deserve your attention.

Relax in a King Premium Room at Hotel X

Originally expected to launch as a Hotel Indigo (another hotel recently opened under that moniker), it was clear while in development they had something quite special on their hands, so a new brand was created for it. And the end result? A bold and visually striking building with guest rooms to match.

Bisou Bisou is ready to transport your tastebuds to France

The French flair of Bisou Bisou restaurant and Mediterranean styling of Iris rooftop bar and restaurant are the perfect accompaniment to the hotel, with the dazzling sunset across the Brisbane skyline a reason in itself to book a table.