Boutique and art hotels in Brisbane City

Some love the familiar comfort and look of a standard hotel room, because no matter where you are in the world you can find comfort. But for those that love the unique or boutique, here are the most striking hotels and hotel rooms you can find in Brisbane CBD. Worthy of an Instagram photoshoot? You bet.

W Hotel, George St

Vogue called it “arguably Australia's coolest new hotel” when W Brisbane opened in late 2018. The quirky five-star riverside hotel opened with plenty of fanfare and unusual interiors that play up all things Australiana and celebrated Brisbane - the river, the people, the culture. The ostentatious interiors are no place for a minimalist. Every room is stuffed with drama and details and a scene to take a photo of – from the hotel room itself to the zebra-stripe pool. The signature paddock-to-plate restaurant, Three Blue Ducks, is also one of the best spots to try casual modern Australian fare in the city.

The Fantauzzo, Howard Smith Wharves

A striking facade mimics the jagged cliffs behind The Fantauzzo Art Series Hotel, which is tucked on the CBD fringe under the famous Story Bridge. Inside you’ll find large artworks of Australian painter Vincent Fantauzzo covering the walls of every room and common area. On top there’s a rooftop pool terrace and bar that look back at the bridge and the CBD skyline. Step out the hotel door and you’re in Howard Smith Wharves, a riverside dining and events parkland. Here there’s a microbrewery, overwater bar, events spaces and plenty of trendy restaurants.

Ovolo Inchcolm, Wickham Terrace

Heritage meets eclectic cutting-edge sophistication at Ovolo Inchcolm. Once a private residence and medical practice, this distinct and grand building was built in the 1930s. The common area interiors are inspired by Paris way back when Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Picasso and Matisse might have rubbed shoulders while sharing ideas over great food and wine. It’s a glamorous spot to order a martini and soak in the vibrance of time past.

Treasury Hotel, George St

If it’s truly old-world luxury you want to experience, try the Treasury. The heritage Treasury Casino & Hotel was built in various stages between 1886 and 1928 and the grand buildings have been transformed into one of Brisbane’s best hotels. The sophisticated rooms have chic marble bathrooms with fluffy bathrobes and slippers. I mean really, need we say more? No, but we’ll let you know it sits neatly at the top end of Queen Street Mall (perfect for shopping), and just a short walk over the bridge to South Bank and the Cultural Centre.

Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane, George St

Set in a 1922-built heritage-listed former bank, the Adina Apartment Hotel on George Street opened in 2018 after a tasteful and long restoration. The ground floor lobby stays true to its origins and celebrates the Art Deco building’s ornate details. All of the one and two-bedroom apartments are equipped with kitchens, plus there is a 24-hour reception, an excellent gym and heated indoor swimming pool.

Next Hotel, Queen Street Mall

The rooms are nothing to write home about, but the location smack-bang in the centre of Queen Street Mall is fairly unbeatable. Add cutting edge features like temporary sleep pods for early arrivals and a special smartphone for cool factor. Then there’s the epic infinity pool terrace and bar that make it worth the stay.

Capri by Fraser, Albert St

Fresh and fun with personality, Capri by Fraser brings a bit of flair to as a hotel chain. The rooms are understated and modern, something that isn’t so unwelcome when it comes to a peaceful night’s sleep, but mostly have huge panoramic windows to soak in views. The common areas and foyer (with a book theme no less!) spark plenty of joy.