Emporium Hotel South Bank
★★★★★Regularly voted among Australia's best hotels — plush suites, an infinity pool overlooking the river and South Bank's parklands at your feet.
Brisbane
River city sunshine, rooftop pools and Queensland's laid-back capital
Brisbane has quietly become one of Australia's most enjoyable city stays, with around 280 days of sunshine a year and a hotel scene that punches far above its size. The Brisbane River bends through everything: stay in the CBD for business-district convenience, South Bank for the man-made lagoon and gallery precinct, or Fortitude Valley for boutique hotels between the city's best restaurants and live-music rooms. CityCat ferries make the river itself your commute, gliding between neighborhoods in 10–20 minutes. According to HaveNaGo's selection, Brisbane's mid-range is a bargain by Australian standards — polished 4-star rooms typically run A$150–220 per night. Winter (June to August, thanks to the southern-hemisphere flip) is the sweet spot: dry, sunny 22-degree days while Europe swelters. Book ahead for the Riverfire festival in late September, when riverside rooms vanish first.
Brisbane
Hand-picked hotels in Brisbane
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The Calile Hotel
★★★★★The resort-in-the-city that made the World's 50 Best Hotels list — pastel arches, cabana-lined pool and James Street boutiques outside the lobby.
W Brisbane
★★★★★Playful riverfront glamour on North Quay — bold colours, a wet-deck pool overlooking the river and cocktail energy well into the night.
Royal On The Park
★★★★Old-school comfort facing the City Botanic Gardens — generous rooms, friendly service and green views at a price the harbour cities cannot match.
Rydges South Bank Brisbane
★★★★Steps from Streets Beach and the gallery precinct — smart rooms and a rooftop bar with one of the best skyline views in Brisbane.
Ovolo The Valley
★★★★Technicolour design hotel in the Valley's heart — free minibar and daily happy hour, art-filled rooms and live-music venues on every side.
Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane
★★★★Apartment living in the heritage former Treasury annex by Anzac Square — kitchens, laundries and Central Station around the corner.
The Point Brisbane Hotel
★★★★Calm Kangaroo Point base with knockout CBD skyline views — the free cross-river ferry delivers you to the city centre in five minutes.
ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street
★★★Colourful budget high-rise in the middle of the CBD — compact modern rooms, some with river glimpses, a short walk from Queen Street Mall.
Brisbane City YHA
★★One of Australia's best hostels — private rooms and dorms, a rooftop pool with skyline views and Roma Street station a few minutes' walk.
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Travel Guides
Travel guides for Brisbane
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Read more →Frequently asked questions
Which area of Brisbane is best to stay in?
South Bank for leisure — the lagoon, galleries and restaurants are all walkable. The CBD works best for transport connections, while Fortitude Valley suits travelers here for food and nightlife.
How many nights do you need in Brisbane?
Two to three nights covers South Bank, the river and Mount Coot-tha lookout. Add more if you plan day trips — Moreton Island, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast are each about 60–90 minutes away.
Is Brisbane worth visiting compared to Sydney or Melbourne?
Yes — especially as a warmer, cheaper base. Hotels cost 20–40% less than Sydney, winters are sunny and mild, and it is the natural gateway to Queensland's islands and reef. The Calile and Emporium rank among Australia's best hotels.
When is the best time to visit Brisbane?
May to September — the southern-hemisphere winter and shoulder months bring dry, sunny days around 20–25°C. Summer (December to February) is hot, humid and stormy, though hotel deals appear outside the school holidays.