This review could possibly be titled ‘The Glorious Disaster,’ and it has nothing to do with the Pullman Brisbane King George Square: it’s the opposite. Let me set the scene: tradesperson, bathroom, and the words no one wants to hear: “It’s worse than we thought…”
Long story short, we needed a two-night stay away from our bathroom and my wife was keen for a romantic escape. And, like a knight in shining modern chic armour, the Pullman Brisbane King George Square arrived to save the day on both counts (especially the second).
This classic Brisbane Hotel has been part of Brisbane for decades and is a two-for-one hotel as it shares a reception with its sister property, the Mercure Hotel. With 210 rooms and the perfect location near many of Brisbane’s main venues, the Pullman is perfect for a great Brisbane stay.
Pullman King George Square location
However, its location is a blessing and a curse for visitors, because, as I found out, if you’re not quick with your booking and there are key events like football, cricket, or concerts, you’ll be looking at staying on those less-than-comfortable park benches located in King George Square instead. As luck would have it, I managed to secure a stunning one-bedroom spa suite with not the slightest idea of what I was in for. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we tried to book in for an extra night but every room was full over the weekend due to a couple of football matches. Next time, we’ll book earlier!
Pullman Brisbane King George Square rooms
The hotel offers five categories of rooms, ranging from Deluxe to Deluxe Twin, Premier Corner, Executive, and the One Bedroom Spa Suite. All rooms are nicely appointed with all the features you would expect from a five-star hotel, including king beds (or two queens), free internet, coffee and tea, a big TV, and C.O. Bigelow bathroom amenities. Given the disaster brewing in our home bathroom, the big, beautiful bathroom at the Pullman Brisbane gave us an extra thrill.
Arriving at my room, I found that I needed more lounging clothes, not the jacket I had packed for my unplanned stay. This was due to the sheer size of our suite which was a staggering 63 square metres, taking in a bedroom, lounge room, and bathroom. The marble bathroom alone was large enough to swing multiple cats proverbially, not that I would ever condone animal cruelty, but the space was so nice I don’t think the kitties would even mind.
And to our joy, accompanying the spa tub was the shower stall with nicely appointed bathing products. The subsequent discovery in the room was the view, which transported us to the heart of Brisbane, featuring multiple city icons, including King George Square and City Hall, and the fairytale-like and historic Uniting Church.
Pullman Brisbane King George square dining and bar
We did briefly think of a romantic dinner by the window, but my wife thought drinks at the rooftop bar and dinner in the restaurant were in order. Happy wife, happy life. Now to the dining and bars at the Pullman Brisbane King George Square which include Goldfinch Restaurant and Street Café and Sixteen Antlers Rooftop Bar. These turned out to be a real surprise!
First, we went to the rooftop bar and found a great view of the historic Brisbane City Hall clock tower and the CBD, and excellent cocktails. Located (surprise) on the rooftop, Sixteen Antlers is a slightly secret abode that is perfect for a pre- or post-evening drink, snack or a meetup with friends in a lovely setting. Despite growing up in Brisbane, we had no idea this bar was even here! The 180-degree views are reason enough to go up for a look, and they also happen to be where the pool and gym are located, perfect for a relaxing afternoon by the pool or a workout at the gym. Although I know what I’d rather have, forget the gym, we ordered a ‘Living the Dream’ and ‘Lady Mint’ cocktail instead.
As for Goldfinch Restaurant, we were expecting a standard café-style hotel dining experience but instead we got a fantastic entrée and main course. We were also planning on a sweet finish, but we were too full for dessert as the mains were generous. I had the special which was slow-cooked 12-hour beef cheeks with creamy mashed potatoes, which was excellent but incredibly filling. You really get serious value for money here. The buffet breakfast was also good, with a choice of continental and full hot breakfast, but come early to avoid the morning crush.
Pullman King George Square: The Verdict
Overall, from checking in to seeing if we could book in for another night as my wife and I were enjoying our stay so much, the Pullman King George Square was great and worth the spend for its location and amenities alone. The One Bedroom Spa Suites are especially impressive as they are so big and perfect for a romantic getaway or special occasion retreat. The top rooms here are a fraction of the price of those at other nearby hotels. Our bathroom disaster ultimately turned into a lovely stay and a fabulous surprise.
Disclosure: The writer stayed as a guest of Pullman Brisbane King George Square and would not hesitate to stay here again at his own expense.
If you’re looking for accommodation in Brisbane, we have reviewed the Treasury Hotel, The Calile, Ovolo The Valley, W Brisbane, Capri by Fraser Brisbane, Hilton Brisbane, The Johnson, NEXT Hotel Brisbane, Sage Hotel James Street, The Westin Brisbane, Oaks Brisbane Festival Suites, Royal on the Park, Ibis Styles Elizabeth Street, Sofitel Brisbane, Crystalbrook Vincent, The Inchcolm, Alex Perry Hotel & Apartments, and Pullman Brisbane Airport.
