Emporium Hotel South Bank - QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
THE HOTEL
Emporium Hotel South Bank transcends the traditional definition of a “hotel”. The residential, commercial, hotel and retail precinct is contemporary construction and design brought to life thanks to the visionaries behind the Anthony John Group.
South Bank’s first 5-star hotel opened in October 2018 and has since won numerous awards including Australia’s Leading Boutique Hotel and Australia’s Leading Hotel Residences.
A rare integration of exquisite hotel suites and fully serviced residences – alongside exemplary bars and restaurants, including an iconic rooftop terrace – makes Emporium Hotel South Bank a truly unique destination for some #exquisitemoments
THE LOCATION
Emporium Hotel is located in Brisbane’s South Bank. Its inner city location makes this hotel the perfect spot to access the city’s highlights and attractions as well as the burgeoning dining and entertainment precincts.
South Bank Parklands is right on your doorstep with riverfront dining and the largest man-made beach and lagoon in Australia. Take a spin on the Brisbane Eye, catch a show at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and check out an exhibition at the Queensland Museum or GOMA. Cross the river and max out your credit card in Queen Street Mall and if you wander a little further, reward yourself with a tipple down at Howard Smith Wharves.
THE ROOM AND AMENITIES
We were fortunate to stay in a King River City Suite on the 12th floor.
Automated curtains open up to a private, open-air balconette with sweeping views overlooking South Bank Parklands and the Brisbane River towards the city. The room is 45 square metres fitting a King Sealy Posturepedic Dynasty bed, 55 inch television encased in an elaborate, ornate bronzed frame next to a matching bronze bar, Emporium-designed fine china tea cups, a plush light grey lounge and writing desk.
Molten Brown amenities are provided in the bathroom featuring a privacy switch glass, deluxe spa bath, glass-encased monsoon shower (the water comes out of the roof!), embroidered towels and bathrobes and complimentary slippers.
Sunlight streams through the sliding doors in the morning so the light gauze curtains and air conditioning may be required, particularly in the summer months. The air-conditioning will not function unless the sliding doors are fully closed, a big tick of approval from an energy efficiency perspective.
THE DINING
Emporium Hotel South Bank has spectacular dining options that you needn’t leave the premises at all if you’d rather stay close to your room.
Brisbane’s premier open-air rooftop bar and restaurant is the Terrace, located on the 21st floor.
With a bespoke retractable ceiling and operable glass roof, it will feel as if you’re dining in the clouds with an unrivalled view of Brisbane City. Sumptuous off-white armchairs surround white round dining tables inside with white fluffy cushioned bar stools adorning the balcony. Whether it’s early breakfast, light lunches or a sumptuous banquet, your dining experience at the Terrace will literally be elevated to new heights.
For old-school glamour and a touch of nostalgia, head down to Piano Bar located on the ground floor opposite reception. Decked out in furnishings reminiscent of the 1920s, the glorious chandelier and live jazz music will have you tapping your toes with a signature cocktail in hand. The service and drinks are as smooth as the tunes, live music in Piano Bar on Friday and Saturday evenings and late Sunday afternoons.
Stepping into Belle Epoque will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a French patisserie. Black crosses on white tiles create a mosaic floor inside, the interior featuring large mirrors on one side and folding French doors leading out to the balcony on the other. Plush velvet bar stools encircle a gold top bar while green fern dangles from above. Order a Croque Monsieur or a sweet treat from the cabinet inside. If you’re in the mood, a glass of champagne won’t go astray either.
THE FACILITIES
The crowning feature of Emporium Hotel South Bank is literally the cherry on top of the hotel – the glorious 23-metre rooftop infinity pool. With deck chairs, sun lounges and cornerstone palm trees, it’s where you can bask in the sunshine, lazily swim laps and drink in the unparalleled view of Brisbane City.
A sauna and fitness centre is available to guests and you can also relax in the hotel’s hammam. If you truly need help kneading out the knots, take advantage of the hotel’s massage services (additional charges apply). Transport is all taken care of too. Valet parking is offered by the hotel (make sure to check daily and longer stay rates) or reception can help to organise an airport shuttle if you’ve travelled from interstate or abroad (additional charge).
Free wi-fi is available throughout Emporium Hotel’s boutique suites and public areas.
THE HOSPITALITY
The reception and lobby is on the ground floor. Our check-in process was rather unorthodox given our own miscommunication but the staff were attentive, understanding and super helpful.
Valet parking was smooth and super efficient, the team working together swiftly to ensure that cars and guests were attended to effortlessly.
Bevan was the lucky one to dine in the Terrace, a guest to a bespoke lunch event. The experience of a custom designed banquet was certainly a memorable one, with waiters delivering attention-to-detail service one would expect in a 5-star hotel.
All other limited experiences with cleaning staff and front of house staff were pleasant too, with no query too difficult to handle.
THE LOWDOWN
How To Get To Emporium Hotel South Bank
By Car
Driving time from Brisbane Airport to Emporium Hotel South Bank is approximately 15 minutes. Your journey will be faster if you take the M7 Airport Link toll road. Charges apply.
By Taxi/Rideshare
A taxi ride from Brisbane Airport to Emporium Hotel South Bank will cost approximately $50 – $65.
Uber, Didi and Ola all operate in Brisbane.
By Train
The AirTrain runs from Brisbane International and Brisbane Domestic Airport to South Bank Train Station, a short walk from Emporium Hotel.
Tickets start from $19.90 per adult one way. If you book online in advance, you can save up to 15% on your ticket. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes.
