Smack bang in the middle of Brisbane’s busy CBD (central business district) Amora is a recently renovated upmarket hotel which appeals to business travellers, couples and families alike. Light and spacious with little clutter to detract from its pure design, it has 296 guest rooms of which the top, fourteenth floor offer balcony suites. The Dapl restaurant offers hearty but refined modern Australian cuisine and is a must-try for any guest.

Standing proud on the edge of Brisbane’s central business district (CBD) and the city’s twisting, eponymous river, The W cuts a slick sail against the rest of its neighbouring corporate buildings. Inside, the W is vibrant, snazzy and energetic, with a design unashamedly inspired by pop art sensibilities. Rooms range from ‘Wonderful’, ‘Marvelous’ and ‘Fantastic’ to suites which up the ante from‘Wow’ to ‘Extreme wow’ – all of which easily describe a typical stay here.

Set on the banks of the gently flowing Nerang River, this elegant hotel provides guests with a warm welcome and plenty of class. The northern end of Surfers Paradise Beach is just a few steps away, while a number of other impressive attractions are also within easy reach. The style of the hotel boasts a marriage of wood and cast iron, while the rooms are decorated in soft tones and feature huge marble bathrooms. Dining in one of the two chic onsite restaurants is an experience that should not be missed and diners are treated to stunning coastal views as they work their way through the extensive menu.

This is the third of the brand’s esteemed properties to arrive down under, perched in a prime position on Surfers’ Paradise. Three angular glass skyscrapers house the 169-bedroom hotel – along with a number of swish residences – making it a significant landmark on the horizon. The interior design, by Studio Aria, fuses coastal and city living. Inside is the Chuan Spa, the 26 & Sunny cafe, Akoya restaurant, Palm Court for afternoon teas, a lobby bar and the Cantonese T’ang Court. Outside is a sky terrace with palm trees, an ocean-view infinity pool bar and the open-air Coral Moon Bar.

Just 250 metres from Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, The Westin is an urban retreat. With a heated pool and the swim-up bar Nautilus (the only one of its kind in Brisbane), you get can get a sun holiday experience, with all the benefits and amenities of a city break. A menu of international dishes is served in the Charles restaurant, with Aussie classics on offer at the Edens Table restaurant. And if you bring your canine best friends, you can be sure of VIP treatment — the chefs here have created a full menu that’s just for pet pooches. It’s child-friendly too, making it a great choice for family stays.