The capital of Queensland is a thriving Australian coastal and river city, which also serves as a jumping-off point for visitors planning trips to the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, the Gold Coast and theme parks. A new city, by European architecture standards, with some old-world zones, the city features purpose-built hotels, designed with comfort and tech at the forefront and lashings of cutting-edge luxe features. The arts and dining scene is world-class, as is the shopping – and don’t miss GOMA, its internationally acclaimed art gallery.
Spring Hill, Brisbane, Queensland
Amora Hotel Brisbane
(5 stars) 
TLE Recommends: The Espresso Martini cocktail selection at the great in-house modern Australian restaurant Dapl consists of only five choices: Raspberry Mocha’tini, Butterscotch, Bounty, Bananabread, Traditional. But if you have a sweet tooth and want an alcoholic kick, they’re like viscous confectionary bars and are irresistible.
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.
Brisbane CBD, Brisbane, Queensland
W Brisbane
(5 stars)
TLE Recommends: under water speakers may seem like superfluous luxury additions to anyone’s swimming pool but hey, that’s the name of the game. Have to be heard to be believed.
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.
Brisbane CBD, Brisbane, Queensland
The Westin Brisbane
(5 stars) 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.