See how a $20 million makeover gave a 20-year-old Brisbane CBD hotel a fresh new look with this Brisbane Marriott Hotel review.

Eat drink and be Kerry answers your questions in this review covering the newly renovated rooms at Brisbane Marriott.

Brisbane Marriott Hotel review

You haven’t stayed here since 2015 says the fresh young face at the Marriott Brisbane reception desk. It proves that this a hotel, which prides itself in knowing its guests’ needs and wants, certainly keeps tabs. Professionalism is the word here with a smooth check-in in the renovated lobby.

I remember being a little underwhelmed by the dated décor during that visit but the thoughtful update of this refined elegant hotel, has changed all that. There are plenty of new peacocks in the busy Brisbane hotel scene, but the Marriott renovation has stuck to their tried and true formula.

Brisbane Marriott Hotel location

This is power end of town with Eagle Street’s dining at your doorstep. Good location if you are doing business, want a river view or access to the multitude of dining options that the River Quay precinct offers. There’s a river boardwalk that will take you along the bank to the end of Eagle Street or under the Storey Bridge to New Farm on the other.  Do stop and enjoy the newly renovated Howard Smith Wharves and have a beer made on-site at Felons Brewing Co.

Dining options include the ground floor Motion Bar which has been given a huge makeover. There is also a 24-hour in-room menu which can be browsed on your television.

All about the room

The room (2214, a city view guest room) has a standard hotel layout with wardrobes on the left in the entry hallway and the bathroom on the right.  The spacious main area takes advantage of a river view towards the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.  A new building under construction next to Customs House will reduce the size of the river view.

There is ample space in the wardrobe which includes the safe, iron and ironing board.  A dedicated suitcase rack is adjacent.

Firm and comfortable, but not cocooning is how I would describe the bed. It comes with four oversized down pillows and more pillows in the cupboard if you want to change.

The Internet is free and effective to use across multiple devices. When I accessed my devices in the morning, everything logged on without any problems.

New release movies are available on demand at $18.95 on the large television. There is a digital clock that will also play your music.

Lighting is simple to operate with a master switch beside the bed that controls everything except the lamps. As well as bedside lamps, there are reading lights tucked in beside the bedhead. A double power point with a USB on each side of the bed is a welcome find.

This room is a cocoon.  I can’t hear anything outside in the city or in the hallway which is adjacent to the lifts.

Hotel mini bar

There is nothing in the mini bar, not even fresh milk for my tea (standard tea bags) or a couple of biscuits to accompany it. Nor is there a Nespresso machine.  I understand these are included on the Executive levels.  Two mini bottles of water are supplied with the room.

Instead, guests have the option of ordering a wide range of drinks and food via the onscreen menu, including coffee and tea.

There is a desk area with good, functional lighting and a swivel chair. A double power point and USB cover all your charging needs.

The bathroom

The original marble, which is in beautiful condition, has been retained in the bathroom. The toilet sits beside the shower recess which is well sealed so no water leaked from the shower. Surprisingly, I often find this is a problem in hotels.

There is a makeup mirror and large bathroom mirror, but the lighting is not great for applying makeup and more lighting would be handy.  You could try using the room mirror, as I did, but it is still not a great solution.  Full marks for the powerful hairdryer sits under the bench.

The bathroom products are Thann and look very appealing, plus have a luxury feel and pleasant fragrance. I particularly liked the rice bran soap. I took mine home.

A toothbrush and nail file are handy bathroom extras, but I did miss not having a bathroom robe available.

What’s outside the hotel

Eagle Street is one of Brisbane’s premium dining precincts.  You can find every cuisine here, often combined with a stunning water view.  Some of my favourite places include Otto, Pony and Sake.

If you have money to spend, the shopping mecca of Queen Street is a short walk away. You also have plentiful exercise options available on the Riverwalk which is popular for cycling, running and walking.

The Dome Day Spa on level four next to the hotel’s pool has long been a highly regarded day spa.  If you are enjoying a spa experience but not a hotel guest, there a $5 valet parking available which is a nice inclusion.

Sigh with happiness factor

High

Polished and elegant, the Marriott Brisbane’s standard room offers a high degree of comfort.  I would recommend it for business travellers and those prefer refined, stylish rooms and don’t want to be bothered with high tech innovations.

Best rate: $161 per night (January 19). Find out more at Brisbane Marriott Hotel.

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Disclaimer

Eat drink and be Kerry stayed as a guest of Brisbane Marriott Hotel.