Emporium Hotel South Bank

The Emporium Hotel South Bank in Brisbane, Australia, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its luxurious offerings, exceptional service, and prime location. It is frequently highlighted as a top choice for both romantic getaways and sophisticated city explorations.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Emporium Hotel South Bank is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "gorgeous," "amazing," and "superb." It holds an impressive average rating of 9.2 out of 10, reflecting "wonderful" to "superb" guest experiences. Many guests express a strong desire to return, citing it as their favorite hotel.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the hotel:

• Rooftop Terrace and Infinity Pool: The 21st-floor rooftop bar and heated infinity pool are significant highlights, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Brisbane River, South Bank Parklands, and the city skyline. It's described as a "show-stopping" feature and Brisbane's most stunning bar.
• Exceptional Service: The staff's attentiveness, friendliness, and helpfulness are frequently mentioned as making stays special.
• Sophisticated Design: The hotel's design blends old-school elegance with modern spontaneity, featuring opulent suites, marble, glass, and unique elements like LED screens in elevators and hidden mirror TVs.
• Prime Location: Its central position in South Bank provides easy access to cultural attractions, dining, entertainment, and the river.

3. Room Quality

Emporium Hotel South Bank exclusively offers suites, which are described as spacious, modern, and luxuriously appointed.

• Comfort: Guests frequently praise the comfortable beds, often Sealy Posturepedic Dynasty mattresses with down bedding, and the excellent sound isolation for a restful sleep. A comprehensive pillow menu with six options further enhances comfort.
• Design & Amenities: Suites feature meticulous finishes, marble accents, double vanities, and amenities by Molton Brown. Technology is integrated with Bose audio systems, 55-inch mirror-finish televisions, and digital controls for lights and curtains. Many suites include a well-stocked wine fridge and some offer private balconies or balconettes with river or urban views.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel boasts several acclaimed dining venues:

• The Terrace: Located on the 21st floor, this rooftop restaurant and bar offers impressive views and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as sunset drinks and late-night socializing. Breakfast options at The Terrace include a sharing plate of pastries, fruit, and yogurt, with an à la carte main dish choice, and high-quality barista-made coffee.
• Signature Restaurant: A "foodies paradise" on the ground floor next to the piano bar, it offers a seasonal dinner menu featuring fresh local produce and a set breakfast menu. Breakfast here, for around $39, includes fruit, pastry, barista coffee, and a choice of menu items like Spanish eggs. Signature also boasts a 6,000-bottle wine library.
• Belle Époque: A French-inspired patisserie on the ground level, open daily for breakfast, lunch, and high tea.
• The Reserve Wine Bar: A classic piano bar in the lobby, ideal for enjoying live jazz with a drink.
• In-Room Dining: A 24-hour in-room dining menu is available, with breakfast options including local produce like Queensland fruit with rooftop honey and Tamborine Mountain free-range eggs.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Emporium Hotel South Bank is consistently described as "impeccable" and "exceptional." Staff are noted for being friendly, attentive, and helpful, often going "above and beyond" to ensure a comfortable stay. Examples include quick check-in processes, concierges assisting with luggage upon arrival, and personalized touches like complimentary champagne and chocolates for special occasions. The concierge and front desk operate 24/7.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an "amazing location" in Brisbane's South Bank, a cultural precinct known for its institutions and entertainment.

• Proximity to Attractions: It's a short walk to South Bank Parklands, the Brisbane Exhibition Centre, City Botanical Gardens, and a wealth of dining and entertainment options along Grey Street and Little Grey Street.
• Transport: South Bank Railway Station and South Bank Bus Terminal are both within a very short walking distance (0.07 km and 0.19 km respectively). The city center is also easily walkable across the river. Brisbane Airport is approximately 8 miles away. The hotel also offers electric bike hire and electric car chargers.

7. Value & Pricing

While offering a luxury experience, guests often find the Emporium Hotel South Bank to be "worth the value." Standard suites (430-500 sq ft) generally range from AUD $350 to $450 per night. River City Suites start from $449, and Poolside Cabana Suites, Exquisite Suites, and Emporium Suites start from $799. The ultimate Frangipani Suite is priced around $2,299 per night. With an average room price of approximately $326, it is noted to provide "unparalleled value for money" compared to the average Brisbane hotel room price of $156, considering the lavish amenities and service.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor issues have been noted by guests:

• Service Inefficiencies: A few guests have experienced minor lapses in 5-star service, such as room service not replenishing specific items (e.g., Earl Grey teabags) or the inability to order certain cocktails.
• Dining Hours: There was one instance where coffee was unavailable at The Terrace Bar around 9:30 AM because the machine was closed, suggesting limited breakfast options at times. Another guest wished for more lunch options beyond just The Terrace.
• Refrigerator Temperature: A recurring issue mentioned by one guest was a refrigerator not being cold enough, even after a replacement, leading to spoiled items.
• Double Bed Size: One review indicated that double beds might be a bit too small for two people (140cm).

Sources

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