Brisbane, AustraliaSouth Bank
Emporium Hotel South Bank
High-gloss rooftop tower
South Bank Brisbane, Australia
Opened
2018
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe WellnessOutside the door
The house
EmporiumHigh-gloss rooftop tower
It runs on high-energy glamour, drawing guests from backlit lobby bars up to a 21st-floor pool deck over the river.
“From the fantastically funky red lobby to the zebra-print ironing boards, every trait of the Emporium is by design.”
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
the design is bold, the atmosphere is hopping, and the public spaces are lively as can be.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The South Bank Parklands and Queensland Cultural Centre sit right outside, and the river is a single block away.
The rooms
Curtains open automatically when you enter to reveal the river. Selected suites add freestanding bathtubs and mirror-finish televisions.
The rooftop pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 21st-floor infinity pool is heated to 28°C year-round and looks straight across the river to the city skyline.
The spa and gym
Guests rest on Japanese hot stone beds at the spa, and the gym looks straight toward Mount Coot-tha.
Bar
The Terrace
The rooftop bar sits under a retractable glass canopy, serving craft cocktails and Asian bites high above the river.
At the table
A grand piano plays beside the lobby's curved onyx bar, and Belle Époque bakes French pastries at street level.
How it began
Local developers Tony and Francine John built the tower in 2018 as an ambitious sequel to their Fortitude Valley hotel.
Brisbane
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.