A luxurious long weekend in Brisbane
Day One (Friday)
Touching down at Brisbane Airport? A 20-minute taxi or uber ride will take you straight to your pick of three luxury hotels. Though all three properties are located less than 10 minutes by road from each other, they're ensconced in neighborhoods with subtly different charms.
The three neighborhoods (choose one)!
North Quay, where you'll find the W Brisbane, is pure inner city bliss. Flanking the north bank of the Brisbane River, North Quay was the site of the city's first settlement. Today, its colonial-era buildings rub shoulders with glittering skyscrapers. Here, you'll find yourself at the center of Brisbane's history, heritage and culture.
South Brisbane, home to the Emporium Hotel South Bank, is a short sashay across the river. This food, arts and lifestyle precinct is a sophisticated playground, which features a ferris wheel and sprawling artificial lagoon-style pool patrolled by bronzed Aussie lifeguards. This region really came alive after Brisbane hosted World Expo 88.
Effortlessly cool and self-contained, The Calile Hotel is hunkered at the heart of Fortitude Valley. Once a gritty suburb you'd be wise not venture into after dark, the James Street precinct and surrounds have undergone years of gentrification and are now filled with fine dining establishments, high end fashion outlets, and cheerful cafes. There's also a burgeoning urban craft brewing scene.
The hotels
Wherever you've decided to lay your head, drop your luggage and freshen up before heading out to explore the city.
