Brisbane Hotels Hotels

The 7 Best Hotels in Brisbane (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 7 picks

The best hotels in Brisbane in 2026 are The Calile in Fortitude Valley for style and its pool, Emporium Hotel South Bank for luxury suites and a rooftop infinity pool, Crystalbrook Vincent at Howard Smith Wharves for river views, W Brisbane for a lively CBD stay, and The Westin for a polished business base.

Where to stay in Brisbane depends on what you want: the CBD for business and transport, South Bank for the parklands, museums and the river, and Fortitude Valley and the James Street precinct for restaurants and nightlife. Brisbane is compact, and the free CityHopper ferry links the river neighbourhoods. Rates jump during big events and school holidays, so book early if your dates clash with them. For what to see, read our best attractions in Brisbane.

1. The Calile Hotel — Fortitude Valley

Brisbane's most stylish hotel, with a resort-style pool on James Street.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Couples · First-timers

The Calile is a design hotel in the James Street precinct, with pastel, mid-century-inspired rooms and a palm-fringed pool lined with cabanas. It regularly features on international lists of the world's best hotels.

Hellenika, its Greek restaurant, is by the pool, and James Street's boutiques and restaurants are on the doorstep.

Good to know: Book a pool cabana for a lazy afternoon even if you're not staying in a poolside room.

48 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Google Maps Website

2. Emporium Hotel South Bank — South Bank

All-suite luxury with a rooftop infinity pool over the city.

$$$$ SplurgeBest for Couples · Business

Emporium Hotel South Bank has 143 suites, glamorous interiors and a rooftop with an infinity pool and bar looking across the river to the city. It's a short walk to the South Bank parklands, the galleries and the museum.

It suits a special-occasion stay and couples who want a resort feel in the city.

Good to know: Go up to the rooftop bar at sunset even if you don't swim.

267 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101

Google Maps Website

3. Crystalbrook Vincent — Howard Smith Wharves

A riverfront hotel under the Story Bridge, with a rooftop pool.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Couples · First-timers

Crystalbrook Vincent has 166 rooms at Howard Smith Wharves, overlooking the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge. Its rooftop pool and bar, Fiume, has views over the city, and the wharves' restaurants and bars are downstairs.

It is pet-friendly, so dogs can come too.

Good to know: Ask for a river- or bridge-view room; the view is the point.

5 Boundary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000

Google Maps Website

4. W Brisbane — Brisbane CBD

A lively riverside hotel with a big pool deck and bar scene.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Couples · Business

W Brisbane sits on North Quay with river views, bold design, a pool deck and a busy bar. Rooms are spacious and many look over the river to South Bank.

It suits travellers who like a hotel with a social buzz, close to Queen Street Mall and the new Queen's Wharf precinct.

Good to know: Ask for a river-view room on a high floor.

81 North Quay, Brisbane City QLD 4000

Google Maps Website

5. The Westin Brisbane — Brisbane CBD

A polished CBD hotel with one of the city's best hotel pools.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Business · Families

The Westin Brisbane is a modern five-star hotel on Mary Street, close to the Botanic Gardens and the Eagle Street riverfront. It has a pool, a spa and good-sized rooms.

It suits business travellers and families who want a reliable international hotel.

Good to know: It's a short walk to the City Botanic Gardens for a morning run.

111 Mary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000

Google Maps Website

6. Spicers Balfour Hotel — New Farm

A small boutique hotel in leafy, residential New Farm.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Couples

Spicers Balfour Hotel is a small heritage boutique hotel in New Farm, with a limited number of rooms and suites and its own restaurant and bar.

It's a quiet, residential base close to New Farm Park and the Powerhouse arts centre, and a short ferry or taxi ride from the city.

Good to know: Take the ferry from New Farm Park into the city.

37 Balfour St, New Farm QLD 4005

Google Maps Website

7. The Inchcolm — Spring Hill

A boutique hotel in a heritage building on Wickham Terrace.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Couples · Business

The Inchcolm is a boutique hotel in a heritage building on Wickham Terrace, with rooms that mix period features and modern comforts.

It's a short, uphill walk from the CBD, in a quieter spot near the Old Windmill and Roma Street Parkland.

Good to know: Walk down through Roma Street Parkland to reach the CBD.

73 Wickham Tce, Spring Hill QLD 4000

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Brisbane?

The CBD is the most convenient for first-timers, with the river, shopping and transport on the doorstep. South Bank suits families and culture lovers, and Fortitude Valley and James Street suit food lovers and nightlife.

What is the best luxury hotel in Brisbane?

The Calile and Emporium Hotel South Bank are the two most acclaimed. The Calile regularly appears on international best-hotel lists, while Emporium is all suites with a rooftop infinity pool.

Which Brisbane hotels have a rooftop pool?

Emporium Hotel South Bank has a rooftop infinity pool, and Crystalbrook Vincent has a rooftop pool and bar. The Calile's pool is on its podium level, surrounded by cabanas.

Where should families stay in Brisbane?

South Bank, close to the free Streets Beach lagoon, the Queensland Museum and the parklands, is the best base for families.

How far is Brisbane airport from the city?

About 15 to 20 minutes by car outside peak hours. The Airtrain runs from both terminals to Central and other CBD stations.

1. The Calile Hotel — Fortitude Valley

2. Emporium Hotel South Bank — South Bank

3. Crystalbrook Vincent — Howard Smith Wharves

4. W Brisbane — Brisbane CBD

5. The Westin Brisbane — Brisbane CBD

6. Spicers Balfour Hotel — New Farm

7. The Inchcolm — Spring Hill

Frequently asked questions

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