Since I’m a local, I decided to do a little research on the most romantic Brisbane hotels. Like Alice down a rabbit hole, pretty soon things got curiouser and curiouser. Some of the hotels that came up in my searches were about as passionate as a granny flat with plumbing issues. I know that choosing a romantic hotel is a personal thing and what rocks my world might not work for everyone. However, many of the suggestions were just ridiculous.
With this in mind, I have emerged from the rabbit hole with a selection of worthy Brisbane hotels to entice a variety of different romantics (and cater to a variety of different holiday budgets, from thrifty to thrill me). From old world charm to funky modern accommodation and with a nod to the beautiful people of Los Angeles, chill the champagne, dim the lights and follow that White Rabbit to romance.
The Calile Hotel: More LA than LA
The Calile Hotel is the definition of urban chic with pastel decor that practically screams “Darrrhhhllllllinnnggg, you look marvellous!” You wouldn’t look out of place here in skinny jeans or shoulder pads and 80s hair. Even if you did, the other guests who come here to see and be seen are way too cool to show it. For the ultimate in romance there’s the Deluxe Suite with either mint, baby blue, or pink décor, a terrace-style balcony and a deluxe bath tub adjacent to a soft as a cloud king-size bed. Picture a bottle of pink champagne by the bath and romantic whispers on a warm summer’s day, followed by dinner at the oh-so-cool Hellenika restaurant downstairs.
The Inchcolm: Film noir forties glamour
“Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine…” This classic line from Casablanca comes to mind with a cocktail in hand at The Inchcolm bar at this hotel. The Inchcolm has art deco style, soft edged glamour and conjures up the thrill of a dangerous liaison spent in the Thomson Suite. With its four-poster King bed, free-standing bath and impeccable art deco styling, all you need to bring along is your very own handsome gent or femme fatale. To get into the swing of things, swan down from your room in the historic elevator and order a martini during the cocktail hour. If you book direct on the hotel website, your first delicious libation is free.
W Brisbane: Groovy Baby, this is shagadelic
Want the perfect arrival at this fashionable hotel? Turn up in a funky retro sports car or a Mini Cooper with a Union Jack on the roof. Flared jeans might be a bit much, but only just. Bright and cool attire is the way to go at the W Brisbane with rooms that are so bright you might need sunglasses after a big night out. Go for some funky romance with the top floor Wow Suite which is pop art cool with river views and takes styling inspiration from Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Yeah Baby!
Pullman Brisbane King George Square: Huge rooms and a rooftop bar
If you’re after a city stay with a splash of indulgence, the Pullman Brisbane King George Square hits the mark. The spa suites are so spacious you could host a tango class, and the marble bathroom practically begs you to take a bubble bath. Goldfinch Restaurant on the ground floor has a menu that surprises (in a good way) with bold flavours and generous portions, while the Sixteen Antlers rooftop bar offered cocktails and clock tower views that felt straight out of a rom-com. Service was smooth, the location central, and the atmosphere affordably luxe. It’s the kind of place that makes you forget your to-do list and start planning your next visit before checkout.
Crystalbrook Vincent: It’s all about the art, darling
It’s all about the art and also the location, location, location at Crystalbrook Vincent. The art is by renowned Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo and the location is the happening Howard Smith Wharves. With GOMA and the Queensland art gallery a short ferry ride away plus some amazing dining and bars just down stairs, Crystalbrook Vincent is the perfect retreat for a cultured rendezvous. If you get a balcony suite, call down and have gourmet treats delivered so you can take in the perfect views of the city and river without leaving your room.
Gambaro Hotel: A football fan’s delight
Gambaro Hotel is ready to kick off your romantic getaway with or without the happy crowds of Caxton Street Paddington. The hotel is located a short stroll from Suncorp Stadium and is in the heart of the action on game days. I know what you might be thinking – football isn’t romantic – but this hotel certainly is. If your partner is a male or female sports fan the Gambaro Hotel Brisbane on game night is as sexy as it gets, and not just because of the modern, dark and stylish décor. With a choice rooms and suites – think king size beds, rain showers, and balconies – in the heart of Caxton Street you can sip Champagne, beer or wine and watch the parade of passers by. Kick off your romantic stay before or after the game, perhaps with an aphrodisiac inspired meal of oysters downstairs at Gambaro’s famous seafood restaurant. Game on.
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Emporium Hotel South Bank: Everyone who’s anyone is here
Beautiful people with a beautiful outlook over the sparkling city lights. But forget about the people, it’s all about you two and that stunning view. If you want that ‘Wow’ moment, the Emporium Hotel South Bank is the place. Start with cocktails on a fluffy flamingo (it’s what the bar stools look like) at the Terrace Bar overlooking Brisbane’s Southbank and beyond. If you want to really impress your romantic guest, book a night at the Emporium Suite. This stylish rooftop suite is not only impressively glamorous, it’s also impressively huge with a king bed, in-room bar, and an impressive free-standing bath with a city/river outlook plus double marble shower to share. You might have to bring your own rubber ducky but I’m sure you will already have enough to play with in this romantic room. Order in-room dining for dinner and enjoy it alfresco on the balcony to make the most the stunning view before another relaxing bath with a glass of Champagne.
Ovolo The Valley: Funky and fun
Located in the heart of Fortitude Valley and only a short stroll away from some of Brisbane’s funkiest bars, restaurants and nightclubs, Ovolo The Valley is the place to be and be seen. But what you really need is to think like a rock star and check into the very special Rock Star Suite for plenty of glam rock and roll style. Art, music and pop culture are all highlighted in the decor. Add in a stunning king bed, bathtub and juliette balcony to wave at the paparazzi and you are set to live out your rock and roll fantasy.
Royal on the Park: I might be old, but I’ve still got it
Entering the foyer of the Royal on the Park you might be tempted to start humming a 70s or 80s tune or two, perhaps by Spandau Ballet or Elton John. Why? This hotel was once considered the place be and the only place that rock stars stayed in Brisbane in the 70s and early 80s. The Park Royal as it was known then was too cool for school. The rock stars moved on to more modern hotels long ago, but the sense of style at this one remains, and your budget need not be a barrier to some beautiful romance. With some impressive suites and even more impressive room rates, Royal on the Park will have you sipping Champagne and giggling with glee at the bargain you scored booking a night in a stylish Deluxe Spa Suite. With the Deluxe Spa Suite’s it’s all about the bubbles, courtesy of the two-person in-room spa tub. Well, we did warn you about the 80s vibe. Add dinner at the Walnut Restaurant or a cocktail or two in the piano bar where you can speculate about the scandalous things that happened at the surrounding tables back in the 80s, before you head upstairs to your room for some sweet romance.
Treasury Hotel Brisbane: Traditional romance
With rooms and suites reminiscent of Downton Abbey or a similar British period drama, the style of the Treasury Hotel Brisbane is from another era of grandeur. Think 12-foot ceilings, huge rooms, chandeliers, and king size beds. You might not be able to physically spring from the chandelier in your room thanks to the 12 foot ceilings, but the romantic rooms at this hotel could tempt you to give it a try. Consider a gin and tonic on your private veranda area overlooking the river or dine at one of the fine dining restaurants nearby. Hip ho Old Boy, the game of romance is afoot.
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.
