Emporium Hotel South Bank defines Brisbane's boutique luxury landscape as the city's #1 ranked hotel on TripAdvisor and #2 luxury hotel in Australia (2025 Travellers' Choice Awards), delivering 143 meticulously designed suites at 267 Grey Street in South Bank's cultural heart. This 5-star boutique property showcases a spectacular 23-metre infinity edge rooftop pool on Level 21 with panoramic Brisbane River and city views, award-winning service, and world-class furnishings establishing a new standard in Queensland hospitality. Adjacent to South Bank Station with 15-minute walks to QAGOMA and South Bank Parklands, Emporium Hotel combines resort-style luxury with urban convenience in Brisbane's most culturally rich neighborhood.
Location & South Bank Cultural Access
Emporium Hotel South Bank occupies a prime cultural position at 267 Grey Street, South Brisbane, placing guests at the epicenter of Queensland's arts and entertainment precinct. The hotel's Grey Street address provides walking access to Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) in 15 minutes, South Bank Parklands' 17 hectares in 5 minutes, and direct adjacency to South Bank Station for seamless Brisbane Airport connections (30 minutes by train).
Key Distances:
- South Bank Station: Adjacent (direct below-ground access)
- South Bank Parklands & Streets Beach: 400 metres (5 minutes)
- QAGOMA (Queensland Art Gallery): 1.2 kilometres (15 minutes)
- Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC): 700 metres (8 minutes)
- Queen Street Mall: 1.5 kilometres (18 minutes walk or 2 train stops)
- Brisbane Airport: 20 kilometres (20 minutes by car, 30 minutes by train)
The South Bank positioning places guests within Brisbane's cultural triangle, with the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Queensland Museum, and State Library of Queensland all within 15 minutes' walk, while the Brisbane River provides scenic pathways connecting to CBD dining and Howard Smith Wharves.
Boutique Luxury & Award Recognition
Emporium Hotel South Bank opened as Brisbane's statement boutique luxury property, immediately establishing itself as Queensland's premier independent 5-star hotel through bespoke design, personalized service, and meticulous attention to detail. The hotel's completely custom approach features the world's finest furnishings, curated wine selections, craft cocktails, and wellness treatments that distinguish it from chain luxury properties.
2025 Awards & Recognition:
- #1 of 165 Hotels in Brisbane (TripAdvisor rankings)
- #2 Luxury Hotel in Australia (2025 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards)
- Only Brisbane Hotel in National Top 5 luxury category
- 4.0/5 Rating across 1,359 traveller reviews
The hotel represents a new standard in Australian boutique hospitality, emphasizing personalized experiences over standardized luxury chain offerings, with staff-to-guest ratios enabling individualized service that reflects each visitor's preferences.
Suite Categories & All-Suite Accommodation
Emporium Hotel South Bank delivers 143 all-suite accommodation options with no standard rooms, ensuring every guest experiences spacious luxury. Each suite features state-of-the-art in-room technology, sleek 55-inch LG mirror-finish big-screen TVs, elegant marble bathrooms, Sealy Dynasty beds, Bose sound systems, and bespoke pillow menus for personalized sleep experiences.
Vista King & Twin Suites
Vista Suites span 40+ square metres with luxurious contemporary finishes, large ensuites featuring switch glass windows (privacy glass on-demand), marble rain showers, king-size Sealy Dynasty beds, Bose sound systems, 55-inch mirror TVs, Eurocave wine fridges, and handmade bronze feature wine bars with premium minibar selections.
River & City View Suites
River and City Suites offer 45+ square metres with magnificent Brisbane River panoramas or CBD skyline views, large ensuites with spa baths, glass-enclosed marble showers, king-size beds, integrated sound systems, and balconettes with sliding doors framing South Bank's riverside landscapes. These suites include dedicated feature wine bars and curated minibar offerings reflecting Queensland's wine regions.
Poolside Cabana Suites
The truly unique Poolside Cabana Suites occupy Level 21 metres from the spectacular 23-metre infinity edge rooftop pool, providing direct pool access, resort-style living, and panoramic city views. These suites feature private outdoor spaces, cabana-style design, and immediate access to rooftop dining and bar services.
Emporium & Exquisite Suites (Signature Collection)
Premium signature suites include the expansive Emporium Suite (65 square metres) with separate living areas, private mini-bars with cocktail making kits, dual bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, and enhanced amenities including Nespresso machines, premium wine selections, and personalized concierge service. Exquisite Suites provide the hotel's ultimate luxury experience with panoramic corner positioning and VIP butler service options.
23-Metre Infinity Rooftop Pool & Bar
Level 21's spectacular 23-metre infinity edge pool defines Emporium Hotel South Bank's signature experience, offering resort-style luxury 21 stories above South Bank Parklands with uninterrupted views across the Brisbane River, CBD skyline, and beyond to Mt. Coot-Tha. The heated infinity pool operates year-round with Queensland's subtropical climate enabling outdoor swimming throughout all seasons.
Rooftop Amenities:
- 23-Metre Infinity Pool: Heated year-round with vanishing edge design and city panoramas
- Rooftop Bar: Full-service bar with cocktails, wines, and light fare served poolside
- Sun Lounges & Cabanas: Resort-style seating with towel service and drink delivery
- Rooftop Terrace: Multiple seating zones for dining, cocktails, and Brisbane skyline views
- Poolside Dining: À la carte menu available throughout pool operating hours
The rooftop pool operates as the hotel's social centerpiece, attracting both guests and Brisbane locals for sunset sessions, weekend pool parties, and evening cocktails against the illuminated city skyline. Poolside Cabana Suite guests enjoy immediate pool access without elevator journeys, creating a resort-within-hotel experience.
Dining: Two Restaurants & Four Bars
Emporium Hotel South Bank delivers comprehensive culinary experiences through two signature restaurants and four distinct bars, each showcasing Queensland produce, curated wine programs, and craft cocktail expertise.
Restaurant Offerings
The hotel's dual restaurant concept provides all-day dining options from breakfast through dinner, emphasizing seasonal Queensland ingredients, sustainable seafood, and premium Australian meats. Restaurants feature indoor and outdoor seating with South Bank views, while breakfast service (approximately AUD $35 per person) showcases international buffet stations and à la carte options.
Four Bar Concept
Emporium's four bars cater to different moods and occasions:
- Rooftop Bar: Pool-level cocktails and wines with Brisbane skyline panoramas
- Lobby Bar: Social hub for meetings, pre-dinner drinks, and afternoon cocktails
- Wine Bar: Curated Australian and international wine selections with sommelier guidance
- Cocktail Lounge: Craft cocktail experiences featuring native Australian botanicals
In-suite dining operates 24/7 with full restaurant menus, express options, and dedicated wine service leveraging each suite's Eurocave wine fridge for proper serving temperatures.
Wellness Spa & Fitness Facilities
Emporium Hotel South Bank's onsite spa provides rejuvenating massage therapies, body treatments, and specialty wellness experiences within a comprehensive wellness circuit designed for complete relaxation and recovery.
Spa & Wellness Amenities:
- Treatment Rooms: Multiple therapy rooms offering massages, facials, and body treatments
- Traditional Coal Sauna: Authentic sauna experience with coal-burning heat source
- Ice Bath: Cold therapy for post-workout recovery and circulation enhancement
- Steam Room: Aromatherapy-enhanced steam for detoxification and relaxation
- Fitness Centre: 24-hour gym with modern cardio equipment, free weights, and strength training machines
Signature spa treatments incorporate Australian native ingredients, with therapists trained in international massage techniques. Advance booking recommended for weekend appointments, with couples' treatments and extended wellness packages available for multi-day stays.
Business & Event Facilities
Emporium Hotel South Bank provides 4,413 square feet of event space across 7 meeting rooms and conference areas, accommodating corporate meetings, weddings, and social functions with boutique hotel personalization. The hotel's South Bank positioning adjacent to Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) makes it ideal for conference attendees seeking luxury accommodation within 8 minutes' walk.
Meeting rooms feature natural light, integrated audiovisual technology, and flexible configurations from boardroom setups to cocktail receptions. The dedicated events team coordinates catering through the hotel's restaurants, custom cocktail programs, and accommodation blocks for multi-day conferences or wedding parties.
Business travelers benefit from in-suite workspaces with ergonomic seating, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property, 24-hour business services, and quiet zones for focused work away from bustling CBD environments.
Guest Reviews & #1 Brisbane Ranking
Emporium Hotel South Bank's #1 ranking among 165 Brisbane hotels on TripAdvisor reflects exceptional guest satisfaction across 1,359 traveller reviews, earning a 4.0/5 rating and recognition as Australia's #2 luxury hotel in the 2025 Travellers' Choice Awards. This ranking makes Emporium the only Brisbane property in Australia's national top 5 luxury hotels.
Common Guest Praise:
- Level 21 infinity pool consistently cited as Brisbane's best hotel pool experience
- All-suite accommodation provides exceptional space compared to standard hotel rooms
- Personalized service and staff attentiveness exceed chain hotel experiences
- South Bank location perfect for cultural attractions, QAGOMA, and parklands
- Marble bathrooms with spa baths and switch glass windows highlighted as luxurious
- Bespoke design and world-class furnishings create boutique luxury atmosphere
- Poolside Cabana Suites offer unique resort-style experience within urban hotel
Guest Considerations:
- Premium boutique pricing reflects #1 ranking and all-suite positioning (higher than chain hotels)
- AUD $250 deposit required per stay for most room types
- Breakfast pricing (AUD $35/person) additional to room rates
- Occasional service lapses mentioned in reviews (though generally praised as attentive)
- South Bank Station proximity means occasional train noise (request higher floors)
TripAdvisor: Read Emporium Hotel South Bank Reviews
Price Range & Booking Strategy
Emporium Hotel South Bank rates typically range from AUD $386-$550+ per night for Vista Suites, with River/City View Suites commanding AUD $450-$700+ depending on views and season. Poolside Cabana Suites range AUD $600-$900+, while premium Emporium and Exquisite Suites reach AUD $800-$1,500+ for the hotel's ultimate luxury experiences.
Booking Considerations:
- Direct Booking Benefits: EmporiumHotels.com.au offers best rate guarantees and exclusive packages
- Package Deals: Luxury Escapes and Qantas Hotels frequently feature Emporium packages with spa credits, dining vouchers, and extended stay discounts
- Advance Purchase: 60-90 day bookings yield 15-25% savings with non-refundable rates
- Weekend vs. Weekday: Weekday rates typically 20-30% lower than weekend premium pricing
- Seasonal Variations: Brisbane winter (June-August) offers lower rates, while summer and conference season see peak pricing
Deposit Requirements: AUD $250 general deposit per stay applies to most bookings, returned upon checkout minus incidentals.
Best value often found through Luxury Escapes packages combining accommodation with spa treatments, dining credits, and late checkout, while Qantas Frequent Flyer members earn points on direct bookings through Qantas Hotels.
Why Stay at Emporium Hotel South Bank
Choose Emporium Hotel South Bank for: Brisbane's #1 TripAdvisor-ranked hotel and Australia's #2 luxury property delivering boutique excellence through 143 all-suite accommodation, Level 21's spectacular 23-metre infinity pool, and personalized service distinguishing it from chain luxury competitors. The only Brisbane hotel in Australia's national top 5, Emporium combines resort-style pool experiences with South Bank cultural proximity to QAGOMA, South Bank Parklands, and Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Ideal for guests prioritizing bespoke luxury, individualized service, and cultural immersion over standardized chain hotel experiences.
Best For: Couples seeking infinity pool romance with city panoramas, cultural travelers exploring QAGOMA and South Bank arts precinct, BCEC conference attendees desiring boutique luxury (8-minute walk), weekend staycations with rooftop pool access, special occasion celebrations requiring personalized service, and travelers who appreciate independent luxury hotels over international chains.
Location Highlights: Adjacent South Bank Station (Brisbane Airport 30 minutes), 5 minutes to South Bank Parklands and Streets Beach, 15 minutes to QAGOMA, 8 minutes to Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, 18 minutes to Queen Street Mall, and central positioning within Brisbane's cultural triangle of museums, galleries, and performing arts venues.
Emporium Hotel South Bank redefines Brisbane luxury hospitality through boutique excellence, rooftop infinity pool experiences, and #1 TripAdvisor rankings establishing the Grey Street address as Queensland's premier independent 5-star hotel destination for discerning travelers seeking personalized luxury in Australia's cultural capital.
