It’s all happening in Brisbane right now, with luxury hotels, multi-million dollar precincts, and swanky event spaces opening up left, right, and centre. Spice News spotlights six of the hottest openings set to take Brizzy by storm this year.
Emporium Hotel South Bank (July)
Bookings are now being taken for overnight stays and conferences, with the opening of the luxury Emporium Hotel South Bank confirmed for 1 July this year. Located in the $600m mixed-use Southpoint development on Grey Street, the 143-suite property is positioning itself as one of Brisbane’s most luxurious boutique stays.
Designed and developed by the same team behind the Emporium Hotel in Fortitude Valley, the 21-storey property will also introduce a selection of new high-end event spaces to South Bank. This includes a “breathtaking” rooftop bar and 23m infinity edge pool with views to Brisbane’s CBD and beyond, as well as a pillar-free grand ballroom and three additional boardrooms.
Four F&B destinations include a yet-to-be-named signature restaurant, a Belle Époque Patisserie, a Piano Bar, and the aforementioned rooftop and pool bar, with custom menus designed by Executive Chef Josue Lopez for each venue.
W Brisbane (June)
At last, event planners are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel for one of Australia’s most hotly-anticipated openings, with Marriott International announcing a revised opening date for the ultra-luxurious W Brisbane. Mark you calendars for 1 June, guys!
W Brisbane is set to be the first five-star hotel to open in Brisbane’s central business district (CBD) in the last 20 years and will be the closest, largest, five-star hotel to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC).
W Brisbane will offer 312 guestrooms, including 29 suites, two Wow Suites and the Extreme Wow Suite (the brand’s modern interpretation of a Presidential Suite), with interiors and furnishings influenced by Queensland’s heritage and ‘relaxed Aussie vibes’.
W Brisbane’s 595 square metre, pillarless Great Room will cater for large productions or conferences of up to 450 guests banquet style, or can be divided into three separate spaces for events of up to 150 guests. W Brisbane will be the only hotel in Queensland to feature built-in permanent LED screens, which can be used individually or pushed together to create one large LED wall to feature highly engaging content that pops. In-house projection mapping technology will bring banquet tables to life with striking creative or corporate logos.
The Westin Brisbane (late 2018)
Following swiftly after the W Brisbane will be Marriott’s second key opening in the city, the all-new The Westin Brisbane. Located opposite the group’s existing Four Points by Sheraton property, the hotel will open as part of a new mixed-use development called Mary Lane, which will offer an array of renowned retail outlets, vibrant restaurants and stylish residences, in the heart of the central business district.
The Westin Brisbane will feature 286 guest rooms with sweeping views of the river and city skyline. Guests will enjoy signature Westin services and amenities, such as the brand’s Heavenly Bed and invigorating Heavenly Bath experience.
The hotel will have more than 667 square metres of meeting and event space, as well as a 24-hour business centre. A full calendar of complimentary events and activities will also be available through the Westin Family program.
Howard Smith Wharves (late 2018)
Due for a late 2018 opening, the $110m Howard Smith Wharves development will offer groups a new, swanky events precinct directly underneath the Story Bridge.
Located on 3.4 hectare of riverfront land underneath the Story Bridge, the 1880s era Howard Smith Wharves will be transformed into a lifestyle, entertainment and events precinct with uninterrupted views over the city.
The new precinct will house an exhibition and events centre, with capacity for up to 1,000 delegates; a 164-room, five-star hotel Art Series hotel; a craft brewery; and an array of restaurants. Designed by Woods Bagot Architects, the largest event space, Howard’s Hall features retractable glass windows, a timber decking arrival space and wide veranda over the river.
The Rivershed, a revitalised heritage wharf building, will seat up to 350 in banquet mode and will retain its rich timber flooring, exposed timber beams and heritage features. In addition, a house a bakery and coffee roasting facilities will be in operation next door.
FV by Peppers (opened March)
Earlier this month, Australia-based hotel and resort operator Mantra Group launched its first FV by Peppers property in Brisbane, adding yet more glamour to the city’s vibrant entertainment precinct Fortitude Valley.
The luxury hotel, which consists of 986 one- and two-bedroom rooms, is part of a $600m development of three new-build towers, with its design inspired by New York’s Flatiron Building.
Amenities include a heated u-shaped skyline pool with views overlooking Brisbane’s CBD, a moonlight cinema, yoga retreat, fully-equipped gym, and three private spa lounges. All-day dining venue, Six by FV, is located on the sixth floor and serves a New York-inspired menu.
Ibis Brisbane’s The Studio (opened March)
Trendy and budget-friendly – Ibis Brisbane’s newly renovated conference space, The Studio, has brought some Rock n’ Roll swagger to the heart of the city.
Inspired by Ibis’ Meet n’ Play concept, the hotel partnered with local Brisbane artists The Brightsiders to create a music-themed event space, with a number of quirky features that aim to inject a little fun and energy into the room.
Features include an inspiration wall displaying iconic albums from the 80’s and 90’s and a pre-function space, with music videos playing throughout the day. The windows have also been retouched to allow more natural daylight to shine into the room, while offering views across the Brisbane CBD.
The Studio can accommodate groups of 30 in a boardroom-style setting, or up to 100 delegates theatre-style, with Day Delegate Packages starting from $55.00 per person.
