Emporium Hotel South Bank
Our recent stay at the ultra-luxurious Emporium Hotel South Bank was the perfect little staycation needed after the chaos of Christmas and an ideal way to finish the year. Ever since I heard the news that the Emporium was making the move from their 10-year old home in Fortitude Valley to Southbank, I was excited. Then when I visited the hotel's rooftop bar, The Terrace, when it finally opened to the public in October, and saw the infinity-edge pool, I knew we had to come back and stay. So that we did, just after Christmas.
Interestingly, when the Emporium first opened in 2007, it was Brisbane's first boutique luxury hotel and today remains Australia's Leading Boutique Hotel, and after spending two full days savouring every moment it's undoubtedly a very well-deserved title. Featuring 143-luxuriously appointed suites, I was impressed by every detail of the hotel and is unquestionably one of the finest hotels I have ever stayed at. I definitely plan to one day return, hopefully sooner than later!
For all the must-try foodie spots in South Bank view A Foodie’s Guide to South Bank
THE ROOM.
During our brief one-night stay we stayed within a River City Twin Suite, which meant the incredibly spacious room comprised of two queen-sized beds and overlooked the river and Southbank parklands. I would highly recommend upgrading to the River City suites, as the view of Brisbane city from our room was spectacular. Plus, such rooms with this north-easterly facing view all feature an open-air balconette.
The design of the room, like every aspect of the hotel, had obviously been thoughtfully considered, including a number of innovative and memorable features, namely a large gold framed mirror that doubled as the television and switch glass, which transformed clear glass to a dark frosted glass with a press of a button.
AMENITIES.
Whilst offering a spa and a gym, the 23-metre infinity-edge rooftop pool on the hotel's 21st floor is unequivocally the jewel in the Emporium's crown. Restricted exclusively to hotel guests, and directly adjacent to The Terrace, the pool area is pure bliss. For us, as locals, this aspect of the hotel was undoubtedly the main drawcard of staying here and well worth every penny.
We spent nearly every waking minute of our stay here - drinking, eating, swimming, reading, relaxing - pretty much everything was done either in or by the pool.
DINING.
Located on the 21st floor, The Terrace is South Bank's only rooftop bar and whether staying at the hotel or not is a must-visit to soak in the unrivalled views of Brisbane. As well as being the perfect setting for a pre-dinner sunset drink, The Terrace also offers all-day dining, including all-inclusive breakfasts to late-night bites. Notably, as hotel guests you are able to reserve a table.
View The Terrace’s breakfast menu, food menu and drinks menu.
WHAT WAS ORDERED:
BUFFET BREAKFAST
CONTINENTAL STARTER Croissant with Beerenberg, jam and French butter; Natural Yoghurt with Quinoa and Coconut Granola; Tropical Fruit Salad.
EMPORIUM BREAKFAST Scrambled eggs, smoked bacon, sausage, thyme roasted mushrooms, hash brown, beans and sourdough toast.
EGGS BENEDICT English muffin, poached eggs, champagne ham and hollandaise sauce.
THE ICED VOVO Beefeater Gin, Joseph Carton Creme de Framboise, coconut, lemon juice and whites.
POOLSIDE DINING
During your stay at the Emporium Hotel, no doubt you’ll wish to spend quite a bit of time relaxing poolside and with The Terrace’s comprehensive food and drinks menu to order from it means you can.
WHAT WAS ORDERED:
KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN Crispy fried chicken with spicy Korean sauce.
FRIES with rosemary salt and chipotle aioli.
FRENCH MARTINI Absolut Vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice.
Exuding old-world glamour, Piano Bar is a modern nod to the golden jazz era of the 1920s and is far from the traditional lobby bar - Piano Bar is a destination in its own right. Encased in the moody glow of sophisticated elegance, here you’ll find the décor, drinks and service are as velvety smooth as the dulcet jazz tones of the live musicians on weekends.
View Piano Bar’s food menu and beverage menu.
On the ground floor of the hotel, you’ll find Belle Époque, which pays homage to the beauty of French traditions with its food philosophy, authentic design and exceptional quality. Sweet and savoury and absolutely sublime, every element of the menu - from breakfast to lunch to the famed High Teas in between - is skilfully and freshly crafted every day by the property’s dedicated in-house team.
View Belle Époque’s full menu.
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