W Brisbane – Hotel Review

Laid-back and luxurious, this design-led hotel captures the sunny, convivial mood of the Queensland capital, from the neon-lit elevators and pool wrapped in a dizzying mural, to the light-hearted art by Australian creatives and restaurants that throw open their doors to views of the Brisbane River. While it’s close to South Bank and Queen Street Mall, W Brisbane’s indulgent AWAY spa and world-class cocktail list are only two of the enticing reasons to check in and stay in.

Where is W Brisbane?

On the banks of the Brisbane River in North Quay, W Brisbane is a 15- to 30-minute taxi ride from the airport, depending on traffic, and a 10-minute walk to the city’s Central Station. Victoria Bridge is a few minutes walk away and takes you across the river to South Bank.

What’s near W Brisbane?

Queen Street Mall and Queens Plaza are just streets away, while directly across the river, about a 10-minute walk over Victoria Bridge, you’ll find some of the state’s finest cultural institutions: Queensland Museum, Art Gallery, the State Library and Gallery of Modern Art. The vibrant South Bank precinct – including man-made Streets Beach – is a 15-minute stroll from the hotel, as is the Fish Lane dining strip.

Room types

The hotel’s design was influenced by the river it sits beside, from carpets and wall treatments that resemble light reflecting off water, to vertical dowels that recall reeds growing in the banks; the aesthetic is evident in each of the 312 rooms and suites. Spacious and light, with Alice in Wonderland-style mini bars and neutral palettes splashed with teal, chartreuse and hot pink, the spaces impart the feeling of staying in the comfortable home of a design-obsessed friend. Choose the Spectacular king or Cool Corner room for an intimate stay or a Fantastic one-bedroom suite with two double beds for a group getaway.

Restaurants and bars

The latest drawcard at a hotel with an already full hand, The Lex is a stylish New York-inspired grill that champions south-east Queensland produce. The menu boasts exceptional local beef and seafood as well as elevated spins on the classics (don’t skip the Caesar salad prepared tableside). For cocktails and a river view, WET Deck on the level four roof terrace has a relaxed party vibe and drinks list that includes a section devoted to Margaritas, from the lemon myrtle spin to the Posh Margarita that comes gilded with edible gold. The Living Room Bar at the lobby level is a cosier indoor option, with bites such as Moreton Bay bug sliders and beef carpaccio and cocktails that come with a lollipop (the Who Did it Better?).

Sustainability

Rooms and suites use water-saving technology, as well as conserving energy by automatically closing the curtains, dimming the lights and adjusting the AC 15 minutes after you leave your room. Throughout the hotel, the use of plastics is limited, food scraps are composted and a partnership with OzHarvest ensures surplus food is donated and distributed to those in need. W Brisbane participates in Clean Up Australia Day, focusing on its CBD surroundings.

Travel for work

For corporate travellers, there are a variety of meeting and conference configurations across nine spaces and a maximum capacity to host 750 people. To catch up on emails or with colleagues, the Living Room Bar on level one has comfy sitting areas (and a cocktail bar) and every guestroom has a desk if you need a quiet place to focus.

Spa and pool

With airy treatment rooms that overlook the river, AWAY spa isn’t just about relaxing massages and facials using high-end Sodashi products (though they are a compelling proposition; try the Revive to Survive 60-minute treatment, which includes both). There are also two mineral pools, which are only open during spa hours, and a sauna and steam room that guests can use without a booking. The outdoor covered pool on level four is something to behold: it’s painted top to bottom with a geometric black-and-white mural and the ambient house music you can hear above water also plays below the surface. Plus, W Brisbane has a fully equipped gym.

What you need to know

In-room bars are stocked with premixed cocktails such as espresso martini, classic martini and negroni.

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