There is something undeniably elegant about Treasury Brisbane Hotel with its sophisticated old-world charm for a Brisbane city staycation.
Treasury Brisbane Hotel Hotel Parlour King Room
Treasury Brisbane Hotel reminds me of hotels I have enjoyed in the posh areas of London, on leafy Nice avenues and New York’s Broadway. Places where tradition and good old-fashioned service are highly valued, and visitors are treated as special guests. Created from one of Brisbane’s grand heritage government buildings, the wide, high-ceilinged corridors of this Brisbane hotel speak of secret deals and past plots, lending an air of silent mystery.
The welcome is warm here. It starts at the front door with a happy hello from concierge Nepomuceno Machado (Nepo to his friends). Nepo has the sort of charm that you expect in a top European establishment. I’m not the only one impressed by his professionalism. In the lift, another guest greets him and remembers Nepo from a visit six years ago!
Treasury Brisbane Hotel’s secret courtyard
Before Nepo guides me to my room, he shows me the entrance to the Treasury Courtyard. I’ve visited this building many times and heard stories about it but have never seen the hidden courtyard. It is a complete surprise. Such a lovely space with ornate, black iron-railed balconies on multiple levels. My first impression is a flashback to a luxurious hotel I stayed at in Nice. I’m told the open courtyard is a favourite spot for Friday afternoon drinks and special events. I think it would be great for breakfast as well – hint, hint Treasury Brisbane!
Luxe stay in a Hotel Parlour King Room at Treasury Brisbane
As I push open the heavy door into my room, the first impression is size. Some like it big, and when it comes to hotel rooms, this one stands up with the best. There’s a very comfortable-looking half-poster bed, enough lounge chairs for a small party and a large television screen. A little more investigation reveals a bathroom that matches the size of the room with a big tub that begs to be soaked in. Laters for that, though, I’ve got drinks and dinner to sort out.
Top touches for a Brisbane city staycation
There are a few things on my list that I use to judge the comfort factor in a room. Everyone expects a comfortable bed and enough room to turn around in the shower, but it is the extras that make it feel like a special occasion and help a guest settle in. Treasury Brisbane ticks my boxes with their imported French tea and matching house-made biscuits. The white robes are generous and have a lovely silver binding that makes them look very special. In the bathroom, there is a makeup mirror and l’occitane products. Plenty of them too! When I checked in, I was asked if I wanted a daily paper in the morning, and yes, it was outside my door when I woke up.
So as well as being an elegant place to stay in Brisbane, it also offers high comfort levels.
It’s five o’clock somewhere
Although my room seems just like home (actually nicer than home), I’m feeling the need for a freshly made G&T to properly launch my city staycation. Ryan’s On The Park is calling to me, and when I get there, I see that this is a popular bar. I grab a table overlooking Queens Park and order a Hendricks. I love that the bartender apologises that he doesn’t have any cucumber and perfectly muddles some lime instead. It is an awesome drink.
Dinner time!
Those biscuits were delicious but tiny, so when hunger pangs inevitably surfaced, I decided to hunt out Fat Noodle and Luke Nguyen’s authentic Asian flavours for dinner in Brisbane. Located just a short walk up George Street from Treasury Brisbane at the front of Treasury Casino, the restaurant is filled with happy diners enjoying Asian tastes. I’m pleased to see some of my all-time faves on the menu and choose chicken and coriander dumplings to start. The four fat parcels come encased in silky pastry.
Hainan Chicken Rice is something I have ordered throughout Asia. This version has a tender chicken thigh with ginger and green shallot salsa and chilli for those who need extra flavour. I leave the chilli untouched – it’s not for me.
My dessert is banana fritters with creamy cinnamon ice cream and flaked almonds.
Breakfast at The Lab
In the morning, I head down to The Lab for breakfast expecting a buffet. I’m pleasantly surprised by table service and a coffee which arrives quickly after it is ordered. My smoothie bowl looks like it has had a colour boost, but it is just the natural vibrancy of quality, ripe fruit. It is delicious, and the room is blissfully quiet. Such a contrast to most Brisbane breakfast haunts.
Black Hide by Gambaro at Treasury Brisbane
I can’t believe that I have room for a big lunch, but that’s what I eat at the recently opened Black Hide at Treasury. It takes up the riverside corner of Treasury Casino and has an enviable steak menu. Open for lunch and dinner, Black Hide plays on its meat connections with quirky door handles made from knives. The decor is something to check out, especially the wine library. There is an attractive bar here too, but I’m heading straight for the menu because time is limited. The oysters and tomahawk steak are my weakness, and these are devoured along with a glass of red.
Steak doesn’t get much better than this in Brisbane. It is definitely one to add to your dining in Brisbane list.
Where is it?
Treasury Brisbane is located at 159 William Street Brisbane.
Where else can you sleep in Brisbane? Here is a guide to Brisbane’s best new hotels.
Disclaimer: Ed+bK was a guest of Treasury Brisbane. This is a sponsored post.
