Where to Stay in Brisbane: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Brisbane? Looking for the best areas and districts?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Brisbane very well, I have created this guide of:

• Brisbane’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
• For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My favorite hotels in Brisbane

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Brisbane, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:

• Where to stay in Brisbane for the first time: Capri by Fraser Brisbane, located in the CBD, perfect for exploring the city.
• Where to stay in Brisbane close to the beach (South Bank): Rydges South Bank Brisbane
• Best 5-star hotel in Brisbane: Emporium Hotel South Bank
• Where to stay in Brisbane on a budget: ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street
• Where to stay in Brisbane with family: Meriton Suites Herschel Street, Brisbane
• My favorite hotel in Brisbane for a romantic stay: Hyatt Regency Brisbane

In Brisbane CBD (Central Business District)

The Brisbane CBD is the heart of the city and the perfect base for first-time visitors.

It’s where you’ll find the main shopping precincts and easy access to public transport to explore other neighborhoods.

The area beautifully blends modern skyscrapers with historic architecture.

You should stay in this district if you want:

• To enjoy world-class shopping and dining.
• Easy access to landmarks and public transport.
• For a culture-filled trip with museums and galleries nearby.

This is the perfect area to see:

• Queen Street Mall, Brisbane’s premier shopping destination with over 700 retailers.
• City Botanic Gardens, a peaceful riverside oasis perfect for a relaxing stroll.
• Museum of Brisbane and City Hall, where you can take a free tour up the historic clock tower for city views.
• Eagle Street Pier, a bustling waterfront precinct with top restaurants offering stunning river views.
• South Bank Parklands, just a short walk across the Victoria Bridge.

Where to Stay in Brisbane CBD?

Note: All prices examples in this guide are in US Dollars

• Capri by Fraser Brisbane: A stylish hotel just a few minutes’ walk from Queen Street Mall and the Botanic Gardens. Modern studios from 160$, breakfast available. Strong points: indoor swimming pool and sauna, great location, and spacious rooms with kitchenettes. My top recommendation for first-timers in Brisbane!
• Royal on the Park Hotel & Suites: A classic and elegant 4.5-star hotel located directly opposite the beautiful City Botanic Gardens. Spacious and refined double rooms starting from 180$. Strong points: fantastic location close to the CBD hustle, a lovely outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi, very comfortable beds. This hotel offers exceptional comfort and a prime location, making it a superb choice in the CBD.
• Hyatt Regency Brisbane: Directly on Queen Street Mall. Elegant double rooms starting from 220$. Strong points: fantastic rooftop pool with a bar, direct access to shopping, very comfortable beds.
• W Brisbane: A luxury 5-star hotel with stunning views of the Brisbane River. Bold, contemporary rooms from 350$. Strong points: incredible resort-style pool deck with a jacuzzi, fantastic spa, vibrant atmosphere, and exceptional service. An amazing hotel for a luxurious and fun stay in the CBD!

In South Bank

Just across the river from the CBD, South Bank is Brisbane’s cultural and lifestyle hub.

Staying in South Bank offers a resort-like feel right in the city, making it perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to relax and have fun.

You should really stay in South Bank if you want:

• To be close to Brisbane’s top cultural attractions.
• A family-friendly environment with plenty of activities for kids.
• A huge selection of dining options
• A vibrant atmosphere with beautiful riverside walks and green spaces.

This district is perfect for discovering:

• Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach.
• The Queensland Cultural Centre, home to QAGOMA (Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art), Queensland Museum, and QPAC (Queensland Performing Arts Centre).
• The Wheel of Brisbane, offering panoramic views of the city.
• South Bank Parklands, with its beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and picnic spots.
• River Quay, a premium dining area with spectacular city views.

Here are my favorite hotels in South Bank

• Quest South Brisbane: Modern apartment-style hotel. Studios and apartments from 170$. Strong points: rooms with kitchenettes, great location for exploring South Bank and West End, rooftop BBQ area.
• Rydges South Bank Brisbane: Perfectly located next to the parklands and cultural precinct. Modern rooms from 190$, breakfast included. Strong points: outdoor pool, amazing location, some rooms offer river views. Excellent value for money and the best choice for being close to the “beach”!
• Novotel Brisbane South Bank: A 4-star hotel a short walk from South Bank’s main attractions. Spacious, contemporary rooms from 210$. Strong points: outdoor swimming pool, great for families, excellent service. This is my top recommendation for a family stay in Brisbane!
• Emporium Hotel South Bank: This luxurious 5-star hotel offers an unforgettable experience. Exquisite suites from 400$. Strong points: spectacular rooftop infinity pool with breathtaking city views, exceptional design, and award-winning service. The ultimate luxury hotel in Brisbane.

In Fortitude Valley

Fortitude Valley, or “The Valley” as locals call it, is Brisbane’s dedicated entertainment precinct.

It’s known for its nightlife, live music venues, rooftop bars, and designer boutiques.

You can stay in Fortitude Valley:

• If you love nightlife and entertainment.
• For a trendy and stylish getaway, with some of the city’s coolest hotels.
• If you’re a foodie looking to discover new and exciting restaurants.

Best things to see and do around Fortitude Valley:

• James Street, a shopping street with high-end Australian designer boutiques, home decor stores, and acclaimed restaurants.
• Howard Smith Wharves, a lively riverside precinct under the Story Bridge with breweries, bars, and restaurants
• Live Music Venues, like The Triffid and The Fortitude Music Hall, which host both local and international acts.
• Chinatown Mall, for authentic Asian cuisine
• Rooftop Bars, offering stunning views of the city skyline while you enjoy a cocktail.

The Best Hotels to Stay in Fortitude Valley

• Kennigo Hotel Brisbane: A charming hotel that blends a modern tower with a beautifully restored heritage building. Stylish rooms from 150$. Strong points: unique character, outdoor pool, quiet location.
• Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley, an IHG Hotel: A chic and modern hotel. Stylish rooms from 190$. Strong points: stunning rooftop pool with city views, bar and restaurant, and an unbeatable location for nightlife.
• Ovolo The Valley: A designer hotel inspired by the culture of the neighborhood. Eclectic rooms from 230$. Strong points: a fantastic rooftop swimming pool and sauna, unique and playful decor, and lots of freebies like a free minibar. An excellent choice for a romantic stay in Brisbane!
• The Calile Hotel: A 5-star urban resort. Beautifully designed rooms from 380$. Strong points: the iconic swimming pool area, world-class Greek restaurant Hellenika, and an unbeatable location on James Street. This is simply the best luxury hotel in the district!

Where to Stay in Brisbane on a Budget

If you’re traveling on a budget, here are a few great hotels for a stay in Brisbane without spending too much:

• Selina Brisbane: An hotel housed in a historic building opposite Roma Street Station. Private rooms from 95$. Strong points: beautiful heritage building, outdoor pool, great social atmosphere with a bar and restaurant.
• Soho Brisbane Hotel: Located in Spring Hill, just a 10-minute walk from the CBD. Comfortable double rooms from 100$. Strong points: great location, free parking, very friendly staff. A solid choice for an affordable stay near the city center.
• ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street: Right in the middle of the CBD action. Bright, modern rooms from 120$. Strong points: perfect location for sightseeing and shopping, clean and comfortable, excellent value for money. This is a top choice if you want to stay in central Brisbane for cheap.

Where to Stay in Brisbane with Family

• Meriton Suites Herschel Street, Brisbane: Located in the CBD, offering apartment-style accommodation. One or two-bedroom suites from 210$. Strong points: spacious suites with full kitchens and laundry, indoor pool and jacuzzi.
• Oaks Brisbane on Margaret Suites: Situated in the CBD, close to the City Botanic Gardens. Offers large one and two-bedroom apartments from 240$. Strong points: heated indoor lap pool, full kitchen and laundry facilities in each apartment.
• Stamford Plaza Brisbane: An elegant 5-star hotel with a prime riverside location next to the City Botanic Gardens. Offers spacious suites and interconnecting rooms from 350$. Strong points: outdoor swimming pool, river and garden views, and a perfect location for family picnics and walks. The perfect choice for a luxurious family stay!

What is the best hotel in Brisbane?

If you are looking for the best hotel in Brisbane, I recommend you the Emporium Hotel South Bank

And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still luxurious, you should book a night or more at Hyatt Regency Brisbane

Where to stay in Brisbane: The best hotels

To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Brisbane, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.

You can sort them by price or by district!

Hotel	District	Price (from)
Capri by Fraser Brisbane	Brisbane CBD	160€
Royal on the Park Hotel & Suites	Brisbane CBD	180€
Hyatt Regency Brisbane	Brisbane CBD	220€
W Brisbane	Brisbane CBD	350€
Quest South Brisbane	South Bank	170€
Rydges South Bank Brisbane	South Bank	190€
Novotel Brisbane South Bank	South Bank	210€
Emporium Hotel South Bank	South Bank	400€
Kennigo Hotel Brisbane	Fortitude Valley	150€
Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley, an IHG Hotel	Fortitude Valley	190€
Ovolo The Valley	Fortitude Valley	230€
The Calile Hotel	Fortitude Valley	380€
Selina Brisbane	Cheap Hotels	95€
Soho Brisbane Hotel	Cheap Hotels	100€
ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street	Cheap Hotels	120€
Meriton Suites Herschel Street, Brisbane	Hotel for families	210€
Oaks Brisbane on Margaret Suites	Hotel for families	240€
Stamford Plaza Brisbane	Hotel for families	350€