Now I know what you’re thinking. Here’s another glowing hotel review all about smart rooms, great facilities and fantastic service.
Well, yes, but this one is slightly different because it all started with something I’ve never done in all my years as a travel writer.
I checked in from Sydney for a hotel stay in Brisbane…and then used a kiosk to get my room key!
As a sexagenarian, this was no mean feat (actually, I needed the helpful ‘lobby ambassador’ John to help with the last bit but still, chalk one up for us old guys.)
The 304-room Rydges South Bank Brisbane was my hotel of choice for the recent Cruise360 conference and what a good decision it was. It is located in the heart of Brisbane’s arts and entertainment precinct and close to South Bank Parklands and the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.
I’ve been visiting Brisbane for almost three decades now and am constantly amazed at how big and grown-up it’s become.
While I hadn’t stayed at the hotel before, it came highly recommended. Clearly, I’m not the only one who has heard great things.
“We are seeing significant growth, particularly in our conference and events, over the past two years,” says General Manager Scott Wright as we chat in his office.
“We had a record year last year and we’re set for another one this year. I think Brisbane is a great place to be if you’re running a hotel. The occupancy levels at the moment are exceptional.”
And so to my room, a Junior Suite on the 11th floor (above). There’s always that moment of apprehension when you open a hotel room door – I was delightfully surprised at what lay within.
Space. Lots of space. And a cracking view – more on that later.
The hotel is turning 30 next year but the rooms were refurbed back in 2016 and the legacy of that investment still remains.
The décor is in subtle shades of grey and maroon (this is Queensland, after all!) and while there’s some inevitable fraying around the edges the overall impression is stylish and modern.
My room had a spacious lounge with a balcony offering panoramic views of the Brisbane skyline. The bedroom had the same balcony, with a king size bed and an en-suite bathroom.
Scott believes the views from the balcony are the best in Brisbane and it’s hard to argue.
You get a great vista over the river, with the Wheel of Brisbane in the foreground and the ever-evolving cityscape as the backdrop. It’s particularly spectacular at night, when all the neon lights come on and the river cat purrs across the water.
Further examination of the room revealed a small kitchenette with fridge, minibar and microwave, tea and coffee making facilities. There was also free Wi-Fi, two large TVs, a safe, iron and ironing board.
Unpacking in the bedroom, I made use of the extensive storage spaces and once showered, quickly donned the comfy bathrobe and slippers. I then realised it was actually only 6:30pm so got dressed and went down for dinner in the CBD café/bar.
Here I had one of the best pasta dishes I have ever eaten. A tomato and chorizo gnocchi with sundried tomato, parmesan cheese and roasted capsicum. Absolutely delicious and the bread and butter pudding for dessert wasn’t half bad either.
Totally replete, I waddled back to my room and threw myself on the bed, delighted to find it soft, enveloping and with a range of pillows to ease me off to Zzzzz-land.
Breakfast the next morning was in Bacchus, where I also caught my first sight of the outdoor pool which guests can make use of once the weather warms up. Here you can also sip a cocktail or seven at the Soleil pool bar. The hotel also has a gym…or so I’m reliably informed.
My three nights at the hotel seemed to fly by but during my time there I was constantly struck by the quality of the service I received from the ever-friendly staff.
From my first encounter with John to my greeting from Declan, the ridiculously youthful but oh-so-dapper Guest Relations Manager, and the above-and-beyond service from Ellie, the delightful Assistant Outlet Manager, it really made me feel welcome and almost like one of the Rydges family.
So What Comes Next?
Obviously accommodation options in Brisbane are numerous and as the city approaches the Olympics in 2032, everyone will be looking to lift their game. Scott believes Rydges has a competitive edge to ensure his property remains a gold medal contender.
“Rydges is an Australian brand and an established brand in Brisbane in particular. We set ourselves in that four-, four-and-a-half star bracket, but I think the offering we have at the hotel is five-star.
“We’ve come a long way in two years since I’ve been back here, in terms of elevating and improving that offering.”
With one eye on the impending Olympics, the hotel has some major developments in mind over the next 18 months.
These include a transformation of the ground floor to create a new signature restaurant with a street presence and extensions on the rooftop level to take better advantage of the city views.
“There’s obviously a lot of approvals to go through but the benefit we have here is that our owners are on site and they are very passionate about this building, about the people that are in the building and the future growth of this hotel.”
I ask Scott what emotions he hopes his guests will take away with them.
“I want people who stay here to feel comfortable and that our staff are approachable. I think there’s some places you can walk into where it feels stiff and you might feel out of place.
“But I want people to feel like they’ve had genuine hospitality and had a great experience at the hotel.”
Thanks Scott, I really did.
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