The 7 best Specialty lodgings in Brisbane, Australia

May 1, 2023 Florencio Paulino

Australia’s third-largest city, Brisbane is the hub of Queensland culture, offering a peek at the past and a glimpse into the future. Visit the historic Windmill and Old Commissariat Store, built by convicts in 1828, or fast-forward to the present (and beyond) with a trip to the new Gallery of Modern Art. Mingle with locals atop Mount Coot-tha, cruise the Brisbane River to South Bank’s sandy beach on the City Cat and make sure to fill the cuteness quota at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, home to koalas and kangaroos. 
Restaurants in Brisbane

1. Arena Apartments

9 Edmondstone St South Brisbane, Brisbane, Queensland 4101 Australia
Excellent
58%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 527 reviews

Arena Apartments

Located just meters from the West End's cafes and dining options, Arena Apartments boasts free WiFi, a heated outdoor pool and fitness center. Each modern apartment features a balcony or terrace. Guests enjoy free on-site parking for 1 car. Arena Apartments are just 7 minutes' walk from Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Center and 5 minutes' drive from Suncorp Stadium and The Gabba. South Brisbane Train Station, South Bank Parklands and Queen Street Mall are within 15 minutes' walk. Guests can relax in their self-contained apartment, self-cater using the fully equipped kitchen and watch a show on the flat-screen TV. Each air-conditioned apartment also includes a modern bathroom with free toiletries. South Brisbane is a great choice for travelers interested in theatre, museums and culture.

Great location

Reviewed By SusanC4948

Arena Apartments is in a great location if you are attending events at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. It is also excellent for exploring both the South Bank and West End areas and provide easy walking access to the cultural centre and river parks. There was a swimming pool in between the two apartment towers but with the rain we didn’t use it. The elevators were fast and the free wifi was really good. We had a deluxe one-bedroom apartment on the 10th floor with a balcony. It consisted of a bedroom, bathroom and an open plan lounge with dining area, kitchen and cupboard laundry. It was clean, light and modern and not cluttered. The bedroom and the living area had wall-to-wall windows with good double glazing giving us views across Brisbane. The balcony was a decent size and had table and chairs on it. The bedroom closet was easily big enough for all our luggage and had ample hanging space. The bed and the living room couch were both comfortable. There was a large smart tv in the living area. The dining table was pushed against the wall and had four chairs. The kitchen was well fitted out with a large fridge, big oven, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, toaster and kettle. It was well supplied with crockery, cutlery and utensils (some were a little mismatched – which I like because it means no-one is super precious about them!) which we used for breakfast but there were so many great restaurants nearby we mostly ate out. The bathroom was simple but spacious. The bathroom shelf and toilet holder looked a little wobbly but worked fine. We were given enough supplies (towels, toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, body wash) for our stay. We did use the closet laundry to do one load of washing and I also threw my trousers into the dryer a couple of time when I got soaked from a walk and it worked fine. There is also a drying rack on the balcony as well as an iron and ironing board. They do supply one sachet of laundry detergent and a sachet of dishwashing liquid. It was possible to get more supplies from reception while it was open. The booking process with Area Apartments was quite easy and they always gave speedy replies. There was a COVID form to fill in online before you arrive. Check-in is usually between 2 and 4 pm but we did get an early check-in on our first day and were notified by text. Check out is before 10 am. Reception hours have been reduced during COVID so they are not always open. There is a 1.5% charge for using credit cards. They do provide a luggage storage option but the reception area is quite small and there is no dedicated area. Housekeeping services are available at an extra cost but we didn’t see the need to use it. Something I hadn’t seen before was a trash chute in the hallway where you could dispose of your rubbish – you just need to read the instructions and choose between garbage and recycling. Sometimes the stuff didn’t go down the chute and needed a push. Glass apparently needs to be taken to the visitor’s car park accessed by the guest elevator to P then go to big yellow containers at the entry. Overall, staying at Arena Apartments was great. It was spacious, quiet, clean and had everything that we needed and the location was fantastic.

2. Riverside Hotel South Bank

20 Montague Rd, Brisbane, Queensland 4101 Australia
Excellent
31%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
6%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1498 reviews

Riverside Hotel South Bank

Riverside Hotel South Bank is a AAA rated 4 star Hotel, located in Brisbane’s South Bank, which is known as the "precinct for business, art, culture, education, dining and living." Being built in 1998, Riverside Hotel is family operated and, as for that, prizes service and guest comfort above all. Comprised of over 90 rooms and apartments, we have an array of facilities on offer to make your stay a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Our standard rooms are perfect for guests staying overnight for a corporate function or if you are in town to watch a game at the Gabba or Suncorp Stadium, while our one bedroom apartments include a kitchenette and a spacious lounge area, so whatever brings you to Brisbane, our rooms provide a comfortable home away from home. Whether planning your visit for business or leisure, Riverside Hotel offers peace of mind to all our guests by providing complimentary car parking and being located within walking distance to all major tourist and business areas of Brisbane. During your stay with us, you will be mere moments away from the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Lyric Theatre (QPAC), Museums and Art Galleries, not to mention being surrounded by a variety of over 40 restaurants, bars and coffee shops. Please allow us to reiterate that Brisbane C.B.D. and the Suncorp Stadium are also nearby. At the Riverside Hotel, you will be close to whatever brings you to Brisbane. Riverside Hotel does not just offer 4 Star quality in an ideal location, we also take pride in guaranteeing you the best rates in Southbank* for accommodation and functions.

Close to Convention centre, Southbank eateries, Nepalese Pagoda and river cat.

Reviewed By rkca56

We stayed at the Riverside on the 28/5 and it was a semi enjoyable stay. The balcony door did not lock. We did mention this to the staff on checkout on the 29/5. It was an oxymoron. Notices to say lock the balcony door yet this one didn’t!! The bathroom was a letdown: when paying in excess $200 for a one night’s accommodation at the very least one would expect a bath you can use and a shower rose you can move. The bath was for a person of very small stature and the shower was for a person of very tall stature!!!! We were expecting a room with one bed but it had a 2nd bed which made the room seem small, an observation as such not a complaint! If we were to stay again I will request a room on the other side of the premises due to the traffic noise. The upside is that Riverside is close to the Southbank eateries, Convention centre 10-minute walk if you are lucky. ?

3. Essence Suites Taringa

28-32 Morrow St Taringa, Brisbane, Queensland 4068 Australia
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22 reviews

Essence Suites Taringa

Essence Suites Taringa is a four-star brand-new boutique hotel with direct access via Taringa Train Station from the hotel to Suncorp Stadium, Queensland Tennis Centre, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, QPAC, Southbank and Brisbane CBD; we’re the ideal choice for medical stays, business or leisure. We offer 63 luxuriously appointed studio, one bedroom and two bedroom interconnecting suites and 2 bedroom accessible suites – as well as state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities with City Views, private terrace and located on levels 5-7. All hotel suites have floor to ceiling windows with views, kitchenette facilities, and access to our guest lounge.

Great choice outside of the cbd

Reviewed By CrazyForHotels

We were not aware of the late check in procedures but thankfully the staff (Dana) reached out and sorted it out for us, otherwise we might have been locked out! The hotel,building and room looks clean and new. Although it's located right above Taringa train station, we did not hear any sounds from the trains at all during our stay. Covered parking is available for a fee or there is usually street parking. If you are checking in, there is a loading zone next to the hotel. As the hotel is on a steep slope, might be worthwhile parking as near you can to unload. Although there is no housekeeping services for short stays, the front desk are helpful with any requests always. Overall, a great affordable find for a new-ish hotel and minutes away from the CBD, UQ and westfield indooroopilly.

4. Gabba Central Apartments

803 Stanley St Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland 4102 Australia
Excellent
27%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
12%
Terrible
12%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 174 reviews

Gabba Central Apartments

Located across the road from the Gabba, Brisbane’s major sports stadium, Gabba Central Apartments are perfectly situated for those seeking contemporary and stylish accommodation in the centre of Queensland’s capital city. This impressive complex of four towers features serviced hotel rooms and larger apartments, all appointed in a sophisticated manner and designed to enhance your Brisbane city stay with car parking and free WIFI. Take a short weekend trip to see a game with friends in one of our modern Twin Rooms, get focused on business during your corporate stay in a spacious One Bedroom Apartment or base you and your family here for a week of dining, arts, shopping and more sports in a well appointed Two Bedroom Apartment. The Gabba Central Apartments accommodates all in a friendly, professional and stylish manner with the convenience of a supermarket directly downstairs, the vibrant sporting, dining and bar scene of Woolloongabba within walking distance and the CBD, Southbank.

Very disappointing!

Reviewed By abigailr777

The place is ok albeit very expensive. The huge disappointment comes from the lack of fixing issues and total disregards for customers The heated pool hasn’t been working for a week and the only acknowledgment I got was that it is out of their hands! What about actually working actively on the issue and not a lame excuse that a technician “should “come and “try” to fix the issue I’m appalled from the lack of professionalism, lack of customer service, lack of providing what is advertised everywhere as having a heated pool One week is a very long time to fix the issue. My feeling is that they don’t care at all to fix it The manager wrote comments that the issues need to be addressed during the stay. Well I sent 2 emails but I only receive a lame message that it’s not their fault!! It’s appalling for the price you pay for a suburban average accomodation. I paid the same amount for 5 stars hotel with the most incredible service Don’t book there, save your money and energy and to avoid disappointment

5. Nightcap at Chardons Corner Hotel

7 Cracknell Road Annerley, Brisbane, Queensland 4103 Australia
Excellent
88%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 8 reviews

Nightcap at Chardons Corner Hotel

Beyond words a must experience ?

Reviewed By Guide38386114554

I rate this experience highly enough Staff is friendly and helpful A definite recommend Foods great Service is awesome Very homely experience 100% If I’m ever back in this part of Brissy this is where I’m staying providing there’s a room available lol

6. Nightcap at Camp Hill Hotel

724 Old Cleveland Rd, Brisbane, Queensland 4152 Australia
Excellent
50%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 98 reviews

Nightcap at Camp Hill Hotel

Would not return

Reviewed By 237ralfs

Vvvv a room with bath room. The room was clean and OK. After my first shower I found water all over the floor as water was leaking everywhere. When I went downstairs for dinner I ordered a schooner of beer and tried to cash in my complimentary drink voucher only to be told it's for pits only, whow, one extra sip of beer !!! Dinner was OK but the Chef must be counting the chips carefully not to exeed the amount of 10. Very pricey for what you get ! First day the room was cleaned but beds are not made. Second day nothing at all !!!!!!! After my 4 nights I had to stay 1 extra night but had to move in a room with shared shower and toilet. Got back from work at 7 pm , looking forward to a nice shower but it was not working due to a broken shower rose ! Went to my room to turn on the TV. No remote control ! After telling the bar maid that I was not happy paying $ 90.00 for things i can not use she just looked at me like saying , and what do you want from me. Not even a sorry or any nice words of apology. The noise is also very frustrating since the gambling facilities are open until 4 am. So don't get a false impression by nice pictures. I do want to compliment the bar staff in the sports bar. Those guys were great !

7. Atlas Apartments

39 Cordelia St, Brisbane, Queensland 4101 Australia
Excellent
21%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
3%
Terrible
16%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 38 reviews

Atlas Apartments

nice stay but few issues

Reviewed By Alan P

we arrived early 10am and understandable the room was not available and was told that 2pm was guarantee check in which was ok they did say they will contact us when ready. we headed off to get breakfast after early start from cairns and went into Brisbane town headed back to reception at 1;58pm only to be told the room was not ready and was informed that 2pm was check in time, after some discussions with back of house staff they said that a room was available and we checked in. the apartment was big a 2 bedrooom 2 bathroom but with a few issues which we reported a cracked window, marks on walls and floor and blind that was damaged. the patio was huge but strange to only have a small round table and two chairs, strange for a apartment that could accommodate up to 4 people and the drain was blocked which we reported but was not attended to we did ask for a 11am check out but got the answer we will see how we go, so unclear of a yes or no. staff were not very unprofessional.

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