Art Series - The Johnson
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Hotel Details
Location
Brisbane
Australia, Oceania
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Key Highlights
- ✓Rooftop Pool:** The stunning 50-meter infinity lap pool on the fifth floor, designed by Olympian Michael Klim, is a major draw, offering city views and a spacious sun deck with loungers and cabanas.
- ✓Exceptional Service:** The attentive, friendly, and helpful staff, including a highly commended housekeeping team, contributes significantly to positive guest experiences.
Expert Review: Art Series - The Johnson
The Art Series - The Johnson, a Michelin Key Selected property in Brisbane, Australia, consistently receives high praise from guests for its unique art-inspired design, comfortable accommodations, and exceptional service. It stands out as a stylish and well-regarded hotel in the Spring Hill precinct.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The Johnson Brisbane - Art Series generally garners an "exceptional" to "wonderful" consensus, reflected in an overall rating of 9.1 on platforms like Agoda. Guests are thoroughly impressed with their stays, frequently praising the attentive staff, lovely rooms, and excellent service. The hotel is often described as a quality place to stay, offering a blend of luxury and affordability.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently highlight several standout features of The Johnson:
- Art-Centric Design: The hotel is a vibrant tribute to abstract artist Michael Johnson, with his works adorning walls throughout the property, complemented by art books in rooms and even mini canvases and paints for guests.
- Rooftop Pool: The stunning 50-meter infinity lap pool on the fifth floor, designed by Olympian Michael Klim, is a major draw, offering city views and a spacious sun deck with loungers and cabanas.
- Exceptional Service: The attentive, friendly, and helpful staff, including a highly commended housekeeping team, contributes significantly to positive guest experiences.
- Spacious and Well-Appointed Rooms: Guests appreciate the generous size and stylish decoration of the rooms, many of which include kitchenettes.
- Facilities: The hotel boasts a well-equipped fitness center and offers amenities like free Wi-Fi and Lekker bicycles for hire.
3. Room Quality
Rooms at The Johnson are consistently described as lovely, spacious, and beautifully styled. They are well-appointed and feature Art Series Signature beds by AH Beard, often noted for their exceptional comfort, though some guests find them to be on the softer side. The design is smart and modern, with a neutral scheme brought to life by Michael Johnson's vibrant artworks.
Many accommodations are studio or apartment-style and include fully equipped kitchenettes with microwaves, dishwashers, coffee/tea makers, cookware, and utensils, as well as Nespresso coffee machines. Bathrooms are modern and stylish, some featuring two sinks, designer toiletries, and bathrobes. While some suites offer balconies, views can vary, with some overlooking car parks. Cleanliness in rooms and common areas receives a high rating of 9.4.
4. Dining Experience
The hotel's on-site restaurant, Tumbling Stone, is named after one of Michael Johnson's famous works and provides a high-quality dining experience. It's described as an affordable and cozy restaurant with a lively, plant-filled atrium. Tumbling Stone offers an à la carte breakfast menu (not a buffet) featuring dishes like smashed avocado with feta and poached eggs, or ricotta hotcakes. For lunch and dinner, the menu focuses on produce-forward shared dishes, including options like pork belly and lamb rump, along with more casual fare such as burgers and salads. The restaurant is also known for its high-quality coffee, classic cocktails, and friendly staff. While Tumbling Stone is well-regarded, some guests note a limited number of other immediate dining options in the surrounding area, requiring a walk towards the CBD for more choices.
5. Service & Staff
The service at The Johnson is a consistent highlight, with guests frequently commending the attentive, friendly, and accommodating staff. The reception staff are noted for being welcoming and helpful, ensuring a smooth check-in experience. Housekeeping is also highly praised for its friendliness and attention to detail. Guests have reported positive experiences, such as prompt room changes when issues arose.
6. Location & Accessibility
The Johnson is situated in Spring Hill, a heritage inner-city suburb of Brisbane, offering a convenient base for exploring the city. It provides easy access to Brisbane's Central Business District (CBD), which is a short distance away. Key attractions within walking distance include Roma Street Parkland (570-800 meters) and Brisbane Central Station (less than 0.6 miles). The vibrant Fortitude Valley, known for its nightlife and boutiques, is a short stroll or quick drive away, and Queen Street Mall for shopping is a 16-minute walk. The hotel also benefits from a bus stop directly outside, including the free Spring Hill Loop service. Brisbane Airport is approximately a 15-minute drive from the hotel. However, some reviews suggest that the immediate vicinity of the hotel in Spring Hill can feel somewhat isolated, with fewer direct entertainment or dining options compared to other parts of Brisbane.
7. Value & Pricing
The Johnson is considered to offer excellent value for money, reflected in a 9.1 rating for value. Guests appreciate that the hotel offers quality and comfort without excessively high rates. While the average price of $180 per room is slightly above Brisbane's city-wide average of $156, it is still seen as exceptional value for an Art Series hotel. As of late January 2026, nightly rates for a two-adult stay start from approximately AU$179.00. It's noted that pricing has increased since 2022, with rooms previously available for around $150/night now typically ranging from $200-$250/night. Additional costs include self-parking at AUD 30.00 per night (limited availability) and a damage deposit of AUD 100-200 upon arrival. A 1.4% credit card surcharge also applies.
8. Common Complaints
While largely positive, some recurring criticisms include:
- Room Views: Some guests have noted that their balconies offered less-than-ideal views, sometimes overlooking car parks.
- Immediate Neighborhood: The hotel's immediate location in Spring Hill, while close to major attractions, can feel a bit isolated and may lack a vibrant array of direct dining or entertainment options, requiring a walk or short trip to the CBD or Fortitude Valley.
- Bed Comfort Preferences: A few guests found the beds to be too soft or the feather pillows unsuitable for their personal preference.
- In-Room Entertainment: The television offerings are basic (free-to-view channels only) and lack casting facilities.
- Outdated Information: Some found in-room hotel information to be lacking or linked to an outdated QR code.
- Maintenance Issues: Isolated reports mentioned stained floors or pest sightings, although overall cleanliness is highly rated.
- Parking: Limited on-site parking is available for an additional fee.
- Art Tours: One review suggested the guided art tours could be improved with a self-guided option, as guides sometimes read from notes.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While largely positive, some recurring criticisms include:
- •Outdated Information:** Some found in-room hotel information to be lacking or linked to an outdated QR code.
- •Maintenance Issues:** Isolated reports mentioned stained floors or pest sightings, although overall cleanliness is highly rated.
