Hilton Brisbane – Hotel Review

With a generous rooftop pool, impressive city views and central CBD location, Hilton Brisbane sets a solid base for a no-fuss city break or seamless work trip. Read on for the full review.

As you walk into the hotel’s grand atrium, your eyes are immediately drawn upwards, past the elegant glass lifts whizzing up and down towards a generous skylight, 25 floors above. The Harry Seidler-designed space was the place to be in the ’80s and its reliable amenities — including a full-sized tennis court — and central location in the heart of the CBD still provide compelling reasons to check in.

Where is Hilton Brisbane? 

Hilton Brisbane is on Elizabeth Street in the CBD. It backs onto Queen Street Mall and is a 10-minute walk to South Bank Parklands. The hotel is about 20 minutes by car from Brisbane Airport and a five-minute walk from Brisbane Central Station.

What’s near Hilton Brisbane?

There’s a buzzing dining scene and array of shops spanning out from Queen Street Mall. If you’re keen to soak up some tranquillity, the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens are a 10-minute walk away and there’s a bustling market in the grounds on Sundays. The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is a pleasant 20-minute walk across the river.

Room types 

Styled in earthy tones of caramel and mahogany, rooms are a pared-back affair at Hilton Brisbane. Most rooms have an impressive outlook across the city; on the upper levels you can see as far as the surrounding hinterland, which take on a golden glow at sunset. Checking in for a special occasion? The King Hilton suite is an impressive 64 square metres, with a separate lounge area and deep, free-standing bath.

Restaurants and bars 

The lobby bar is an excellent people-watching spot, next to Vintaged Bar and Grill, where crowds spill out. Settle in and order an espresso martini or a club sandwich from the generous snack menu. The restaurant is known for its extensive steak menu, including wagyu and its specialty, 45-day dry-aged steak. It’s also where you’ll enjoy a generous buffet breakfast. Squeeze your own juice, have eggs cooked just the way you like and order a reliable barista-made coffee.

Travel for work

The ergonomic desk and office chair in every room is a drawcard for business travellers, plus there’s free wi-fi (with upgrades available). There are 15 meeting rooms of various sizes and the staff are incredibly helpful in helping set up events of all sizes. There’s also a business centre with computers, a printer and a working desk. 

Gym and pool 

Lounge beside the outdoor lap pool and jacuzzi spa, order a snack from room service and make the most of that Brisbane sunshine. The gym is open 24 hours and offers weights, treadmills and stationary bikes. The tennis court is the real highlight — it’s the only one in the CBD and, surrounded by dramatic high-rise office towers, it’s quite the spot to have a hit. 

What you need to know

Contemplating dessert? The vegano at Vintaged is a winner: lush roast hazelnut crema with sorbet and freeze-dried blood orange. 

SEE ALSO: The Best Hotels in Brisbane City (For Every Type of Traveller)